Again…I don’t write much and I know that’s not what you’re here for. But some things are good to get down.
I’m not really sure what I’m doing here sometimes. Here on this website, here on this planet. Sometimes I get messages from some of you guys and you feel the same way. At least we’re not alone in feeling like this, although I’m not sure if that’s comforting or not.
Maybe this is part of being human, of being alive. To want with everything inside of you for your life to mean something. To know that should your time come to an end, people will be saying, “the world lost something good today,” or “the world is a little less bright now.”
A couple of years ago, I was asked the question: if you suddenly were to pass from this world, who would be affected, even if only for a moment?
Sure, your family and your close friends and your boyfriend. The people that you’ve grown up with and have known your whole life. The ones you spent years of school with, or your friends made during your crazy uni years. They’re a given.
But it goes further than them. The people that you’ve worked with for years at the local pool. Your gruff but loveable boss who still can’t figure out the iPad. Your doctor, your therapist. Your online friends, your Thursday-night-bus-stop friends.
The lady that calls work cheerily every Wednesday for the milk order. The guy at the petrol station who laughs and checks every time that you put diesel in and not unleaded. The girl at Subway who knows your favourite sandwich. Your elderly neighbour who always smiles and says good morning, and insists on taking your bin out. The 12-year-old who regularly destroys you in online pool tournaments.
You are not unnoticed. The world is loud and angry and silencing but you are not unnoticed. You are so much more important than you realise right now. You are irreplacable. You matter.
Where do you belong? Where is your place?
It’s right here.
Take care of yourselves my beautiful friends. I love you and with all of my heart I believe in you. I write and draw this things so that you might believe in you, too.
Penny.
Motivating Giraffe 
Dear Penny, I do enjoy your presentations here within this space….thank you for your sharings….warm regards Karen
Sending virtual *HUGS* to you from across the world. You’ve really hit a nerve–in a good way. Sandy xo
I don’t typically have problems believing in myself, but I love your pictures and more often than not “Motivating Giraffe” is an encouragement, regardless of the type of day I’m having.
You’re awesome, Penny.
A few days ago, a man I really appreciated passed away. I didn’t know him directly, but his words struck me and stuck with me… You see, one day when I was flipping through the TV channels I came upon this tall, bald, bare-footed inspirational speaker on a stage. His name was, Dr. Wayne Dyer. He was famous way before my time, but I still felt a strong connection with what he spoke of and his teachings. Hell, he moved me enough to send money to our local PBS station!
Unfortunately, his battle with cancer ended this past Sunday.
I bought a couple of his books on CD, but the one thing that always stuck with me that he said was this: “Don’t die with your music still in you.” It is an inspired and wise charge, to be sure. But we all have our own talents — and they needn’t be artistic, necessarily. They are simply our gift(s) to the world. And we need to make sure we share them while we’re here. Sufjan Stevens has a beautiful song about this called, “4th Of July”.
Anyhow, thank you for sharing your talents and selflessly inspiring others like myself. I’ve shared your blog with my family and friends and they now follow you religiously, so no pressure here but – keep it up! Your “music” is greatly appreciated.
Nice post, very true.
[…] Source: September 3, 2015 – Your place […]
Giraffe, you motivate again!
Beautifully drawn — and I’m not just referring to your picture of a giraffe. Thanks for posting such a thoughtful analysis. You’ve certainly given me something to thing about!
I love you too and I know you don’t usually write stuff but that was beautiful. Thank you for writing it.
Penny, you are here to encourage us as you encourage yourself through your drawings and thoughts. My blog is a lot of work, but it is a joy for me to do it. (Even if no one reads it.) Yours we do read and enjoy. Keep up the great work and know you are appreciated.
<3
Very nice drawing & beautiful sentement
Your daily/weekly posts of your lovable giraffe are much appreciated.
Thanks for sharing. Big Hugs from Southern California
Shine On
I love you, too, Penny! Thank you so much for sharing you.
Been gone for a while, and am grateful that your blog popped up in my feed.
Many continued Blessings to you, while you are here..
Again, thank you from the depths of my heart, for existing. 💛💚
Your blog and drawings and writings are truly inspiring!
❤
It’s easy to see where your giraffe gets his motivation. Your cartoon has been a source of encouragement and blessing to many of us. I am getting to my last years of life, but I am confident that we all have a purpose on this planet. Thanks for reminding of this with your delightful blog.
You ought to write more… you express your ideas in writing just as well as you do in pictures. I know a picture is worth 1000 words and all that… but poignant writing carries weight too.
👏👏👏👍😘😀we love you back!! Thanks for writing!
Beautiful writing. I wholeheartedly agree too. We all matter and we all make an impact even if we don’t recognize it.
please write more and often, I love you voice, too.
I think I will, I’m glad other people are enjoying my writing! :) thank you!
Penny, you are a birhgt moment in some dull days, and I appreciate that. I haven’t yet NOT agreed and smiled at any giraffe moment you have shared. Be assured that you reach out to many, and that is one part of your place in the world.
Thank you so much Claudette, I truly appreciate it.
Thanks Penny. Kind words. We all have a purpose, sometimes it just becomes a little unclear from time to time…
Reblogged this on Louisville Speaks.
I am a fan of your illustrations. I am even more of a fan because of your writing. Your place? Right here, in this amazing blog, touching and inspiring so many lives as you have touched and inspired mine. Thank you!:)
very nice Penny, all so true, good blog, again showing your heart and soul.
You’re doing a really good job, Penny. Thank you.
Hello,
I like reading your posts, and love your giraffe. Every time I visit here it gives me motivation to move forward. I think we all fall into thoughts of doubts every now and again, I know I do.
You definitely have found your place, your words are very touching at times, and you are so spot on.
Keep doing what you’re doing.
Big hugs from Ireland
That’s one great blog seems to follow, like your work, very well done. :)
Lovely words
thank you for following! Hope I can keep you entertained.
You ask the question “Where is your place” as I am drinking my coffee, not fair.
right now it’s in the wastebasket. talk to me after I have had my third cup.
You are a bright shining light in a world that is so often full of darkness Penny. From across the globe a big virtual hug :-)
I just love your motivational drawings. Every time I come across one of your drawings when I’m sitting down and going through my blog feed, it brightens my day and reminds me that I’m not alone with the way I feel :)
Thank you 😀
Very powerful and insightful writing Penny, a poignant read. The illustration has a very dramatic effect and captures the night-time scene so well :) Look forward to popping by again another day. Cheers :)
It’s nice to believe, to have the hope, that you belong in this world, that you have a place.
I have never felt that.