Tom Jackson wants you to look up and see the beauty in the world
Musician, actor and activist Tom Jackson has generated millions of dollars for food banks and disaster relief through his annual Huron Carole series of concerts and other philanthropic events. Now, Jackson has released a journal of inspirational sayings in support of the Red Cross. The journal is titled 364: Timeless Wisdom for Modern Times.
Tom Jackson spoke to Shelagh Rogers from Winnipeg.
Quotes about happiness
Mostly, the quotes at the top of each page came from a shoebox. Years ago, I started writing down little notes, because I wanted to be a songwriter and I thought well, where would I get inspiration for songs? Well, if I ever think of something or anybody says something that I really think is worth trying to remember I'll put it in the shoebox, and then when I get one of those writer's blocks which I have 24/7, then I just open up the box and there'll be something I'd written down.
Wise words from his mother
The quote I chose for the first page was actually something my mother said. I was 13 or 14, and I was a 6'5" Indian guy with a braid. And she said to me, "You gotta lift your head up, Son. You're studying the cracks in the sidewalks. If you keep studying the cracks in the sidewalks, you'll never see how blue the sky is." So when I found that quote in the shoebox, I went for a walk, and I suggest anybody that's listening should do this. Look up, and open up your eyes. Don't look down, just for a while, and you'll see how different the colours are. They're brighter, and so is the world.
Tom Jackson's comments have been edited and condensed.