100 Paper Cranes Challenge: Spreading Kindness, One Fold at a Time

I learned how to fold a paper crane through a YouTube tutorial. The process seemed complicated at first, and I found myself pausing and replaying the video several times to get the folds just right. Before this challenge, I didn’t know where to begin when it came to folding a crane.

My first attempt was far from perfect. The creases weren’t sharp, and the bird looked more like a crumpled creature, its wings uneven and its beak oddly bent. Still, I felt a small sense of accomplishment. I had made something—imperfect, but mine.

Not discouraged, I tried again. The second crane, though not flawless, was much better. The folds were cleaner, and the bird stood a little taller, more confident. With each attempt, my hands grew more skillful—gaining patience, precision, and a deeper understanding of the delicate art of origami.

Those first two cranes taught me an important lesson: perfection isn’t the goal. It’s the act of trying, of folding and refolding, that brings growth. And with each new attempt, I came closer to creating something beautiful.

After several folds, I can see my paper cranes improving. I’m getting faster with each attempt, and what once seemed difficult now feels much more manageable. Folding cranes has become a habit, and the process brings me a sense of peace. There's something calming about the repetitive movements, and as I refine my technique, I find myself feeling more relaxed. Each crane I make is a little better than the last, and the act of folding has become a peaceful, satisfying routine. 

As of October 23, 2024, I’ve reached a personal milestone—70 paper cranes folded! Each crane represents a step forward in my journey, from my early struggles with the basics to now feeling more comfortable and efficient with every fold. The process has evolved into a calming routine, and with each crane, I find myself growing more precise and confident.

While I still have a ways to go to reach 100, this experience has already taught me so much about patience, persistence, and the joy that comes from gradual progress. I look forward to continuing this journey and seeing where it leads as I aim for my next milestone.

As of October 29, 2024, I have reached a meaningful milestone: folding my 100th paper crane! This journey has been about so much more than just counting cranes. Each fold taught me patience and revealed the surprising beauty of small, repetitive work. Now, I’m exploring ways to share these cranes, whether by designing simple ways for others to hang and display them or finding unique opportunities to give them as little acts of kindness.

In the past, I used to give up on repetitive tasks, especially when they felt dull. But this project has helped me shift my perspective, teaching me to embrace the value of detail and persistence. As I reflect on folding 100 cranes, I see how this simple practice built not only patience but also a newfound confidence. At first, I struggled because I did not have the skill— but with each crane, my technique improved, and I found myself enjoying the process more and more.

Now, folding has become calming, even fulfilling. This experience has shown me that with enough practice, we do not just build skill; we build resilience and discover hidden rewards in tasks we might once have avoided. It is a reminder that sometimes the things we resist the most can, with a little patience, turn into something truly rewarding. Repetitive work, rather than being tedious, becomes a way to polish our abilities and see our own growth—proof that practice really does make perfect.