No One Is Special…

A few weeks ago, I was asked to speak about leadership to some 8 and 9-year-old “Playmates” who participate in Jack and Jill of America, Inc. I was so glad the leader asked me over the phone, because I KNOW I had a look of dismay. Why? 1. It was scheduled for 11a 😴 2. They are 8 and 9, and y’all know Ms. Micha cusses a little bit 😏. In fact Ms. Micha did a lot of cussing about school this last week of the 3rd quarter so I just didn’t know how this was going to work. I also didn’t know how much these Playmates were going to Bless me this morning!!!

It started a little shaky because I learned they ranged from Kindergarten to Third grade instead; meaning they were ~5-8. I felt what I prepared was a little ‘teenagerish’, and I didn’t think I would be able to hold their attention. Not only was I wrong, but they also had ME captivated!

I had to move fast so we could stay focused, which meant I didn’t have time to really read my notes. Ultimately, I didn’t need them because the Playmates were so engaged in the discussion, their responses triggered me to remember what I had written.

We all had journals to aid in our leadership journeys, and while it says it’s for kids, it is perfect for me; the one who’s a hit and miss ‘journaler’. I walked them through the first few pages, including a page to document today’s activities. That’s when it got good…

I asked them to rate their day from 1-5 stars. Playmate: I’m giving today 4 stars because the sun is shining, I got to spend some time in my mom’s bed and I had pancakes. Me: That sounds like a 5 star day. Playmate as he looks for his star stickers: Yes, I agree. I’m adding another star.

A kindred spirit Playmate: I’m giving today 3 stars because I had to get out of my pjs 💁🏽‍♀️. *Side Note: Her tone and facial expression let us know she meant what she said and was still perturbed to not be in her pjs, but she was also absolutely camera ready.*

I read excerpts from, Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston, to prompt my question of what they dreamed of being? Their answers ranged from a veterinarian, to a chemist, a vegetarian and a firefighter. We furthered our discussion on leadership and talked about how we would use our journals to help us reach our goals.

A Playmate came off mute to say, “No one is special.” I asked him what he meant and he said, “No one is perfect and we’re not always going to get it right, but that doesn’t mean we give up. We have to keep trying and trying and trying.”

I felt my face tightening in my attempt to hold back tears, but another Playmate’s question quickly aided in my face’s release. He asked, “What do we do when our parents tell us to stop trying?” Me: 😳🤷🏾‍♀️ Also Me: Maybe they’re trying to keep you safe. What are you doing when they tell you to stop trying? Playmate: Riding my bike.

Another Playmate, the youngest in the bunch, brought it on home (and ‘bout took me out on the way) when he said *loosely quoted, but the end is exactly what he said*, “We have to learn how to ride our bikes on the sidewalks when there are cars, and in the street when there are no cars, because if we get hit by a car we will die and never see our parents again. Me: 😳😨🤭 Also Me: Well, he’s right. Let’s make sure we’re all safe when we ride our bikes.

As I tell Michai, for the THIRD time, to get out of my bed and go clean his bathroom, I’m so appreciative of my new friends for listening to me and can’t wait to see where their leadership journeys take them!