Story time: Redirect your efforts

“Mum, you always told me to be productive and use my skills for good. Now that I’ve started crocheting as my passion and trying to make my skills more creative, I’ve made a lot of things and even started a business, but there’s no one to buy them and boost my efforts. I’ve only received a few orders in these past months,” Safa said dejectedly.
Her mum replied, “You shouldn’t be sad. If you’re making an effort, it will bear fruit; you just have to be patient. Success doesn’t only come from a business.”
Safa sighed, “Okay, I hope you’re right.”
One day, Safa received a call from her friend. “I heard you’re selling things made from wool. How much does a sweater cost?” her friend asked.
Safa replied, “You want a sweater in our city, where winter barely arrives? That’s surprising! But I can send you the price list.”
Her friend responded, “No, I don’t want it for myself. I want to donate some items for a nearby village because there are many needy people there.” Safa was shocked upon hearing this.
Her friend continued, “So I’ll place an order online on your page. Can you please send me the link?”
Safa said, “Oh! Yeah, my business page is called ‘Crots and Knots’. By the way, your idea is wonderful!”
Her friend smiled, and they chatted about other things. After the call, Safa discussed her friend’s idea with her mum.
“I don’t know why I didn’t think of this earlier. It’s not necessary to use my skills just for myself. I can help others with my creativity!” A rush of excitement coursed through her at the thought of using her work to help those in need.
Mum smiled and replied, “Now you’ll be happy and can fulfil your passion in this way.”
From that day on, Safa was thrilled to dedicate half of her work to people in other places who truly needed it. She realised that the people in her city didn’t require the winter items she was making, and she had been putting her efforts into the wrong place. In this way, she accomplished her passion while making a positive impact on others.
Published in Dawn, Young World, November 2nd, 2024