A Pep Talk

I was a K-8 Art Teacher for over a decade. I mention it a lot.

Like A LOT a lot.

I mention it because working with kids is the ultimate experience in humility and authenticity. Kids can sense bullshit from a thousand miles away and over several galaxies. If you look terrible at 8 am on a Tuesday morning, a five year old (snot running down their face) possesses zero compunction about telling you so.

To be perfectly honest, working with kids is the ultimate liberation. You always know exactly where you stand, and after living through a GenX childhood with Boomer parents, it’s more than a welcome breath of fresh air to be seen in such an honest way, even in its brutality. When a five year old comes at you, it’s not personal, it’s an invitation. Second grader: “Mrs. Haight, you look terrible today, did you get enough sleep? Maybe you should drink some more water.” Friend, you are NOT wrong. (Fishes out my water bottle from the bottom of my bag and takes a long sip.) Thanks.

Likewise, when a child tells you that your hairstyle rocks, or your outfit is, “totally cool” there’s no better compliment because kids don’t obfuscate, they illuminate. Children value integrity. Because their bullshit meter is so finely tuned, when an adult speaks honestly, they listen.

I’ve taught a wide array of students over the years and I’ve learned that five-year-people are basically the same as twenty-five year old people, the difference being that twenty-five year old people have a bit bigger bank accounts and smidge more autonomy—and maybe they can drive--but basically that’s the only fundamental difference. Regardless, we’re all basically just big kids, and the sooner we realize that, the sooner we can accept that the world could be changed significantly for the better if we all had a snack and a nap every day at the same time.

Kids thrive in routine and consistency, and adults are the same even though we may sabotage ourselves every step of the way. What we all really want is someone to let us know that we need a snack, some water, a nap, and maybe a pep talk.

With that in mind, I’d like to leave you with the same message I used to give my students as they lined up at the door to get ready for P.E. every day:

YOU are remarkable.

YOU have a kind heart and a magnificent mind.

The world needs exactly what you want to share with it. What you’re calling for is what’s calling you.

There is nothing you can’t accomplish without the encouragement and help from your friends and people who love you.

I believe in you.

I also BELIEVE you—whatever you tell me, I believe you. I’ve got your back, and I’m ready to fight the dragons with you.

I love you.

Have a good week, and I’m here if you need me.