I remember the callouses forming on my hands as my wrists swung from each bar of monkey bars. The whoosh and tingle of blood rushing to the soles of my feet as my little legs jumped down to the dirt. And running around free, filling my little lungs up with so much cool air that my chest would burn. I can feel still feel the sting of a skinned knee from a trip over my own shoe laces.
I remember playing with whoever I wanted and sticking to my core outdoor activities. I remember the smell of recess in the spring before the rain. The feeling of getting a tiny pebble stuck in my shoe from the playground, and not digging it out until gym class. Playing happily and independently at times, because even at a young age, I enjoyed my alone time. (I still do.)
In Kindergarten and first grade, I think this is the time most of our gifts are revealed to the world and we are our most authentic self. I think many Parents get nervous for their kids just joining kindergarten, which is normal. Parents, I urge you to try to embrace and be excited for this monumental experience. And it you’re not parents, try to remember when you were in kindergarten or first grade. Because I believe this is our natural state of who we all are down to the core. This is a major point in time where we decide who we really are. Where we listen to our selves. We don't know hate. We only know love. We do not judge others. And I think this is when some of us, if not most of us, receive our calling and purpose. In the early stages of primary school.
I remember my calling, and I’m sad to admit that into my early adulthood, I neglected it. Although I’m glad to say I’m back at it. In first grade, we as a class were to write a little hardcover book. For the first time, I wrote my own creative thoughts into a nice hard cover book our teacher polished up for us once we finished. I can still feel the pride I felt once completed.
From there, I was hooked. I wrote short shorties nearly everyday. I wrote stories about aliens and traveling to mars, bunnies and snakes, adventures to a land with dinosaurs, and always let my imagination run wild. As I grew a little older, I wrote poetry. Hundreds of poems I still have. I would stay in from recess and write alone, because the state of flow I was in when writing was far greater than playing four square.
But this isn’t just about me. I remember seeing other kids fall into their talent. I specifically remember a boy who fell quickly into a talent of drawing and art. I remember the pride on his face as he immaculately drew a reflection of a sunset on Lake Michigan. It inspired others, including myself to draw that same sunset.
My point is that at early age, we have the ability to learn and inspire, and be inspired. With the new school year coming up, it’s really a time for new beginnings for everyone. I ask you to not forget your inner kindergartener or first grade self. Be true to your authentic self. Are you making your kindergarten self happy today? Would she/he be proud of you? To this years parents and teachers, embrace the new kindergarten class this year, for oh what beauty these souls will bring to the world, and you’re lucky enough to be a part of it.