Self-Loving

On the second day of school, I gave my students a writing prompt, "If I were an animal, I would be . . ." I instructed the students to finish the sentence and then describe why they would like to be that animal. Before they began, we wrote an example together for me:

"If I were an animal, I would be a giraffe. I am not very tall, only 5 feet. If I was a giraffe I would for sure be taller than 6 feet! I like my height now, but the world would look different if I were taller.

I also want to be a giraffe because it has cool, spotted camouflage to hide from predators. When giraffes run they can hide in the desert sand and trees. Their fur is hard to see in the sun's mirage glare.

Giraffes have so many friend to live with. They can be seen traveling with their family and friends through the desert. It is important for me to be with family.

Although a giraffe's height, camouflage and company would be fun to travel with, I am glad to be me!"

As I walked around the room helping and observing the students, it was neat to see their creative responses to so many different animals. However, I was most impressed by Ben's. Through his writing, he taught me the value of self-worth. His answer was:

"If I were an animal, I would be me. I like myself the way I am, so I would not want to be anything else. You could just buy food instead of finding it. There would be nothing that could get me at night."

I love teaching because it seems I get so much more in return. When I told Dr. Julie about it in my session, she challenged me to write why I liked me. To this challenge I wrote the following:

Standing in front of the mirror

My mind is captivated

Pondering the question,

"Why do I love me?"

A simple task

It would seem, especially to answer for someone else

Yet Ed and my negative mind

Destroy my perspective to be unlovable

With faith to believe

God's empowering light of love

I put on heaven's glasses

To enlighten my sight

I love my creative brain

Giving me power to design

Following the passions of my heart

Making creations to fulfill my purpose

I love my sensitive eyes

That seek to highlight and understand the good in others

Striving to sparkle God's light of love

Emulating my inner countenance

I love my faithful heart

Loyal to God, family, and friends

Acting with faith to do His will

Leading to heaven above

I love my open arms

That enwrap, hug, and hold

All that is most precious

Keeping me safe from my unwanted demons

I love the potential of my feet

Guiding me to unknown places

Where opportunities await

Adventures to be unfolded

I love my passion for teaching

Bringing abundant blessings of learning

Adventures to explore God's infinite gifts

With small friends filled with hopeful hearts

I love my gifts of growth

That bring countless, disguised blessings

Building stepping stones to heaven

To reach my divine potential

My love for me grows

A tiny seed planted

Nourished with care for me - inside and outside

Blossoming my true character