I had a remarkable two very long days of conferences and I learned two pretty important and whimsical happenings from these two days. One: I began each conference with "Your child is a beautiful soul." Because let's be honest, I have never met a child who does not possess a beautiful soul. This year, the soul of the world dwells within. Secondly, we may never know one's true capacity to ignite the world unless we first ignite a light in another. 

There was one particular set of parents who were just so in awe of their child who had never been given a "true chance" before that a large tear dropped down the face of the father who was telling me that seeing his son so independent and so happy was the most beautiful surprise in the world. 

I think sometimes we have this mental block about the true capacity of others. And some students are never given a chance or a feeling that "the teacher cares" or that "they are worth something" or that "the world needs their light to keep moving forward because they CAN be something..that special something."

There is a difference between constantly telling someone "they are the best at everything" or then telling a child "You are worth something. Be passionate and ignite your light." You can spread humble self-worth that focuses on a flame towards others rather than just a flame to light up yourself. I always say to my students, "I don't want to hear about your flame. I want you to take your flame and ignite the flame of another," because we aren't competing. There is no "best" or "favorite" or "most intelligent." But there is a need to be passionate about life and learning to then take it and use it to create positive change. 

As teachers and even humans, it is our duty to give others a chance. Pass on a candle that the individual never thought possible and realize you can always help someone realize their self worth and their light and their purpose. And yes-it is the most whimsical gift you can give in this lifetime.