When my eldest son was just a little tyke, he told Andrew to “use his mommy eyes” to find whatever Daddy was searching for. At the time we laughed, and it became a quote that resurfaced every time someone searched for the keys, a missing shoe, or the TV remote control! Reflecting on this, I think there was something my son was touching on that I didn’t originally understand or consider.

Look closer, and observe what might be hidden in plain sight. It is natural for me to observe and reflect on what I see around me. I just didn’t understand that not everyone sees like me. I have a perspective all my own. My son, unknowingly, was trying to help his Dad see things through my eyes, in my perspective. It reminds me of the saying, “You don’t know what it’s like for another person until you walk in their shoes.” The thing is, I believe it’s more than just walking in another’s shoes. You’ve got to see the world through their eyes.

I have some wonderful siblings and cousins who were genetically gifted with great height. My mother is shorter in stature and I remember her telling these tall fellows, “Come down to my level and you’ll see what I see!” She used to joke about it, but again, it was about getting to see the world from another person’s perspective.

I think my point for you is to consider the value in looking from other’s perspectives.  Judging someone isn’t going to help you feel connected, nor gain joy. And it’s not about seeing another’s viewpoint to try and change minds about whatever is today’s current news. No, it’s about being open to the fact that I don’t see the way you see, and you don’t see the way I see, but I want to. Because, people are cool! Connections (real connections) with people encourage joy. People who are authentic and real by giving you a look into their worlds, help you learn. They help you consider better ways to connect, for future friendships, and more importantly, for yourself.

Earlier this week, a student was working on a poem that included figurative language about how fences hold us back from ourselves. She chewed on her lip, gave me a look, blew her hair up, and said, “It’s like pretending not to care when you really do.?. Right?” Getting to sit and see her thinking, processing, frustration, and eventual consideration, was the absolute best! I was definitely looking with my mommy eyes (teacher eyes), and I can’t imagine how much I would have missed if I hadn’t seen that silent observation.

But, it’s not just with people. In nature too, and all around us are viewpoints we never see. Today, as I rode in the car, and Andrew drove, I looked out and saw a very large nest in the trees along the river. I had never seen it before, although we drive the same route every weekday. When we saw the bald eagle perched in a nearby tree we knew what the nest was for. Seriously cool! Again, grateful for the reminder to look with my mommy eyes!

I urge you to take the time to look with your mommy eyes (You can call it whatever you want! Just do it!)! I promise, you will step lighter, having benefited by seeing things you never saw quite the same way before!

I can’t wait to see what I get to look at tomorrow!

~Carrie  #shineon