Life-Changing Wisdom from a 7-Year Old

I have always thought that kids are a wonderful source of wisdom and lessons for life.  It is their innocence and truthfulness that shines through without a filter that, whether they realize it or not, teaches some of the greatest lessons.

Recently, my 7-year old daughter reminded me of this.  Each day in her class at school, they write in their "Gratitude Journals."  And as you can expect, normally you see things like "I'm grateful for recess" or "I'm grateful for candy" and things like that.  But, every once in a while, it's like Aristotle takes over and some amazing wisdom comes out.  Or in my daughter's case, maybe God was speaking through her to all of us.

Here is what she wrote:

I am happy for who I am because it is not right to pretend who you are really not. If I was not me, I would not like singing and I would change.  If you pretend who you are really not; then at some point, somebody will find out who you really are. It is important to be yourself. It is really important to be your self.

I love being myself. Yourself, you are great. You are strong. You are brave. You are perfect the way you are. You know, you should be proud of who you are.

My dad says all the time, “I love who you are.” He says that all the time. Just be you. And when you find out, you will feel proud. I am happy to be who I am and I will never change.

You know, you are amazing. You are cool. You are lovely. You will never change. You should love who you are. I love who I am. Do you love who you are? Because you should love who you are. I am grateful for who I am. 


Seriously, my kid just mic-dropped on me.  Aside from the absolute "proud dad" moment I had when I read this, I was choked up.  I could not deliver this message as simple and elegant as that.  As parents we all know that our kids are "always listening," but we often wonder if they truly hear what we say.  To know my daughter has heard this message and believes it for herself is an amazing milestone in our lives.  

Please share this life-changing wisdom from a 7-year old with those in your life!