Being lonely is not the best feeling in the world, though sadly we have all felt it.
Have you heard of ISHI, the rock?
It is the most lovely, motivational book I have ever read. It is simplicity and happiness all in a short picture book.
There is a whole rock community built online with ISHI “happiness ambassadors.” The book, written by Akiko Yabuki, states on the cover “solid tips from a solid friend.”
ISHI is an adorable little rock that comes with drawn on faces to express all of his emotions. The writer had been feeling alone on the beach when she found the rock and decided to give him a life. Thanks to that one day, nobody ever has to feel that way again since ISHI came along.
Although this sounds a tad bit silly, the message is one way too meaningful to not want to spread the word. From the start, it begins with the purpose being to share the book and pass on the happiness and kindness that the book entails. On the inside of the cover it has a To/From label, this way you can actually give the book on to loved ones and they may do the same. That concept alone is one a large publishing company would most likely avoid, as their goal is to grow their sales. Not Yabuki. Her goal was to have each individual book circulated from friend to friend, and anyone who might need a boost.
It begins each page with ISHI feeling a variety of sad, and empty feelings. Since the writer had been feeling this way, she did not draw faces on ISHI that expressed joy.
However, each page after a "down" ISHI is followed by a happy ISHI and what he does to change his feelings. From simple actions, such as just breathing, relaxing, and trying again the next day.
It’s hard to remind yourself in the moment that these gloomy feelings will pass; they do not last forever. It is just a part of life. However, you must always keep in mind that you decide what to do with every moment in your life. You choose how you react to feelings you come across.
ISHI is just a friendly suggestion on how to handle those common feelings life comes with that we don’t always love to feel. He encourages you to be happy and enjoy your life.
Not only do ISHI and Akiko inspire readers to give the gift of happiness, they do so through many platforms, from social media, the book itself and videos. But Akiko never loses sight of her goal by showing ISHI’s many struggles as a little rock and discussing how to make the best out of every bad situation and always maintaining a positive mindset.
