Stay Hopeful, Stay Humble
I love listening to podcasts. Not just because I am a podcaster, but because it fills my days with knowledge. I don’t watch a lot of television. My three-year health journey weaned me from most everything that is regular television. I resorted to watching YouTube videos and listening to podcasts to occupy my time. Early last Fall, I was listening to a podcast where Steven Izen, Founder and CEO of Lokai Bracelets was being interviewed. I almost passed on this episode, but from the first question, I was enthralled.
Steven’s company makes bracelets. That’s it, folks. Just bracelets. But the meaning behind them is so powerful. Steven shared that he got the idea for this company when his grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He was reminded regularly that there are highs and lows when walking closely with a loved one suffering from this disease. In his own words…
“His diagnosis made me think about the highs & lows that everyone experiences. I wanted to make a product for myself and others as a reminder to stay humble through the highs and hopeful through the lows.”
Humble through the highs and hopeful through the lows. That spoke to me so strongly. No matter where you are in this journey called life, you have surely experienced highs and lows. As I listened to the podcast interview, I was intrigued by this product. Let me begin by saying this isn’t sponsored by Lokai, but if they want to sponsor my podcast, or send me a few bracelets to giveaway, I won’t complain!
Each bracelet is constructed with two specific beads - one white bead and one black bead. The white bead is infused with water from Mt. Everest - the highest place on the earth. The black bead carries mud from the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Those two beads remind you that in your high points, stay humble and in your low points, stay hopeful. They are placed opposite of each other on the bracelet and there are a myriad of different designs from Disney to beautiful gemstones that make up the rest of the circle. And even better, proceeds from each sale go to various charity organizations. For all Disney bracelets, a $1 goes to Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that I love.
For my birthday, I received an Amazon gift card and decided to investigate my options. Normally when I receive an Amazon gift card, I just use it for the next purchase - whether that be toilet paper or mouthwash. I thought it might be good to treat myself to something for me for my birthday! Lo and behold, as Bezos would have it, Lokai bracelets were sold on Amazon! I perused the options available and found this lovely design that I knew was the one for me…The Rose from Beauty and the Beast.
To say I’ve had highs and lows in my life would be somewhat of an understatement. I knew that having a daily reminder that I need to stay humble and hopeful would be immensely helpful. Not to mention the added “rose” from Beauty and the Beast was also a winning combination. I’ve been wearing this for about four months, and always get questioned about it. I love sharing its meaning.
I’m not one for tattoos or other permanent reminders of how to keep the right focus in mind, but a simple bracelet like this has made me remember that even when I’m in the valleys, a mountain is just around the corner.