From the eyes of a kindergartener

Last semester, I spent some time at a local elementary school for some field experience for one of my education classes. It was absolutely wonderful. It was absolutely exhausting. It was by-far one of the most eye-opening experiences in the most unexpected way.

I have the utmost respect for kindergarten teachers and all the work they do to make sure those sweet kiddies are ready for the next level and nurturing their creativity.

The thing I admire about kindergarteners is their outlook on life. A stick becomes a magic wand. Some blocks become a giant tower or a wonderful castle for a beautiful princess and a mighty prince. Hide and seek can turn into a magical quest for a cause unknown. 

The thing I love the most about kindergarteners is that when they look at you, they don't see what grown-ups see. They don't see how crazy you hair looks today or the dark circles under your eyes. They don't see the giant pimple on your forehead or the way your face turns red when you're asked a question you don't know the answer to.

They don't notice those things because it's not important to them. They see what truly matters.

They see your heart.

In just a few days, I had been told countless times by those sweet, little faces that I am beautiful and given countless hugs that mean so much to me.

When that beautiful little girl looked up at me said, "Wow, you're beautiful," I don't think she was talking about my appearance but my heart. 

She could see that I was there to learn about how to be a good teacher, hang out with some of the coolest kids around, and pass out hugs and encouragement.

From the eyes of a kindergartener, the world is a big, limitless, and beautifully frightening place to be conquered. From the eyes of a kindergartener, people are naturally kind and have good hearts. From the eyes of a kindergartener, the heart is what matters most.

To those kindergarteners, it didn't matter whether or not I need to lose a few pounds or I care too much what other people think about me. It didn't matter that I was absolutely exhausted and not in the best mood in the world. It mattered that I was genuine with them and I truly loved them. 

So I propose that we try to see the world from the eyes of a kindergartener. I propose that we don't automatically look at someone's appearance and make a judgement about them. I propose that we but on our X-ray glasses and look straight to the heart. I propose that we view the world from the eyes of Kindergartener. I propose that we still look at the world as big, limitless, and ready to be conquered. 

Because from the eyes of a kindergartener, the heart is the most important thing and what is most visible. 

It doesn't matter if you face is broken out, your hair is crazy today, you were running late, and you're ill as all get-out. You are beautiful because you have so much love to give and you are kind to strangers. You are beautiful because you are humble and love to learn new things. You are beautiful because you are you.