People Painted Rocks and Left Them On Paths for Others to Discover

We Are In This Together painted on a rock during COVID-19 pandemic
Artwork by Anthony Faust
We Are In This Together painted on a rock during COVID-19 pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the country, many people found themselves feeling isolated and alone. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, it was harder than ever to connect with others and find a sense of community. But in the midst of all this fear and uncertainty, a small but heartwarming phenomenon began: painted rocks with positive messages popping up randomly in public spaces.

The trend started on TikTok, mostly by kids who were stuck at home and seeking an uplifting and fun art project. For all of the negativity that social media rightfully gets for being a cesspool, when something positive like this trends, it can be a beautiful thing.

These painted rocks, which were often decorated with bright colors and uplifting messages, seemed to appear out of nowhere, and they quickly became a source of joy and inspiration for many people. Some of the messages were simple and straightforward, such as "Stay strong" or "We're all in this together," while others were more creative and imaginative. No matter what the message, these painted rocks provided a much-needed reminder that we were all in this together and that there was hope and beauty to be found even in the darkest of times.

One of the most appealing aspects of the painted rocks trend was the element of surprise. People went about their daily lives and might stumble across one hidden in a park or tucked into a flowerpot, granting a moment of joy and connection that many people desperately needed. And as more and more people began to participate in the trend, the painted rocks became a way for people to connect with each other and share their own messages of hope and positivity.

As the pandemic dragged on and the painted rocks continued to appear, they became a symbol of the resilience and determination of the human spirit. Even in the face of unprecedented challenges, people found ways to come together and support each other, and the painted rocks were a small but powerful part of that.

Looking back on the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's clear that the painted rocks trend was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult and uncertain time. They provided a moment of joy and connection for many people, and they were a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and beauty to be found.

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Picture of author Anthony Faust

About the Author

My life as a husband and father transformed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sent home from work in March 2020, I've yet to return to the office. Adapting to the new pandemic world proved challenging for us all.

However, we managed to find silver linings. Drive-by birthdays brought joy to my kids' friends. I'll never forget stumbling upon a heartfelt hand-painted rock during my jog, reminding us that we're all in this together. Regular Zoom happy hours with close friends created cherished memories.

While quality time with my family was a blessing, we also faced hurdles. Assisting my youngest daughter with frustrating math homework on a poorly designed iPad app tested our patience. Both girls struggled with wearing masks during sports and school.

Sadly, witnessing COVID-19 being politicized and witnessing the closure of small businesses while the wealthy thrived was disheartening.

I wrote this book to document our experiences, learning from them and striving for better decisions in the future. Join me on this rewarding journey of resilience and growth.


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