The Star Thrower

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I've always wanted to do something helpful for a cause I believe in. Sometimes though, it can feel like nothing I can do will make a difference. The problem is so big and I'm just one teenager (I still have a month left!) with a blog that's read by my Mum, my boyfriend and Sophie. I don't exactly have the power to reach hundreds. I'm not involved in anything because I don't know how to help or what to do. It can be so demotivating when you feel like that.

As I was browsing the internet, I found a reference to The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley. After reading the Wikipedia page, I discovered the adapted version of this 16-page essay. Although not as long (or perhaps as eloquent) as the original, it is inspiring nonetheless. And a perfect way of motivating yourself to do something small to help something big.

"An old man had a habit of early morning walks on the beach. 

One day, after a storm, he saw a human figure in the distance moving like a dancer. As he came closer he saw that it was a young woman and she was not dancing but was reaching down to the sand, picking up a starfish and very gently throwing them into the ocean. 

"Young lady," he asked, "Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" 

"The sun is up, and the tide is going out, and if I do not throw them in they will die." 

"But young lady, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You cannot possibly make a difference." 

The young woman listened politely, paused and then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves, saying, "It made a difference for that one." 

The old man looked at the young woman inquisitively and thought about what she had done. Inspired, he joined her in throwing starfish back into the sea. 

Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved." 

Adapted version of The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley