NATIONAL PENCIL DAY

 

Each year, March 30th National Pencil Day honors the writing utensil that has done more than just teach millions the alphabet and draw straight lines. It's also helped win wars and enabled amazing art.

#NationalPencilDay

Hymen Lipman received the first patent for attaching an eraser to the end of a pencil on this day in 1858. Before that time, pencils and erasers existed separately. Lipman combined the two making two tools much more convenient to use.

5 Things -  are you listening ?

Once upon a time, an old pencil maker took his newest pencil aside, just before he was about to pack him into a box. Imagining the little fellow as a person, the pencil maker recalled a few important things about the pencil. These lessons were not just for the pencil but for life itself.

💡 “There are five things you need to know,” he said to his pencil. “Before I send you out into the world, always remember these five things. Never forget them, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”

📈 You will be able to do many great things, but only if you put yourself in someone else’s hands. A pencil can only write when someone holds it — just as in life, you can only achieve your fullest potential when you let others guide, mentor, and work with you.

📈 From time to time, you will experience a painful sharpening, but remember that this will make you a better pencil. Life is full of challenges that may be painful, but they are necessary for growth. Without them, we remain dull and unable to achieve our true capabilities.

📈 Keep in mind that you will be able to correct any mistakes you might make along the way. This is one of your most valuable qualities — the ability to erase and start over. We all make mistakes, but what matters is how we respond to them. You always have the power to change your course, just like a pencil can erase its errors.

📈 The most important part of you is what’s on the inside. The lead within the pencil is its essence, just as our values, beliefs, and character are our true essence. The world may see your outer form, but it’s what’s inside that allows you to make a difference.

📈 Upon every surface that you are used, you must leave your mark. No matter what else happens, you must continue to write. In life, we must always strive to leave a positive mark on the world — through our actions, words, and choices. Never stop writing your story.

The pencil seemed to listen intently, and he promised the pencil maker that he would remember these five things so that he could live his life with heart and purpose. The lessons weren’t just about being a pencil — they were about being the best version of yourself.

As the pencil went into the world, he faced moments of joy and challenge, but he always remembered the pencil maker’s words. He let himself be held by others, embraced the sharpening process, corrected his mistakes, valued his inner qualities, and always left his mark wherever he went.

💡 You see, in life, it’s the same for all of us. Put yourself in someone else’s hands, embrace challenges for growth, learn from mistakes, value your inner qualities, and always leave a positive mark on the world. If you do this, you too can become the best pencil there is — a pencil with purpose, heart, and the power to inspire others.