Through the Eyes of Sawyer: Rediscovering Life’s Magic with a Kid’s Wisdom

There’s just something magical about seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Their honesty, curiosity, and unfiltered perspective have a way of shaking us out of autopilot and reminding us what really matters. We think we’re here to teach them about life—but more often than not, they’re the ones showing us the way.

Our grandson Sawyer is turning eight next month, and every time we talk, I walk away with a little more wonder, a little more wisdom, and a whole lot more love for this wild, beautiful life.

So today, I want to share a few of our conversations—not just because they make me smile (which they do), but because tucked inside these everyday moments are some pretty powerful lessons.

1. “It’s good to be different.”

The other day, Sawyer came into the kitchen and asked, “I’m hungry , can you cut me up some red peppers?”

I smiled and said, “Yes! I love that you like peppers. Not a lot of kids would eat those for a snack.”

Without missing a beat, he said:“You know, it’s good to be different. Just think how boring it would be if we all ate the same things, listened to the same music, or liked all the same activities.”

Cue the mic drop.

In a world that nudges us toward sameness—fitting in, blending in, following trends—Sawyer reminds me that there’s joy in standing out. That being ourselves, fully and unapologetically, is not just okay... it’s essential. Different isn’t weird—it’s wonderful.

2. “She’s very beautiful but she has a terrible memory.”

We were driving past the park near our house when Sawyer pointed out, “Hey, that’s the park where we had a celebration of life.”

I nodded. “Yes, it is. Good memory.

”He replied, “Yeah, I have a good memory. But my mom does not. She’s very beautiful, but she has a terrible memory.”

I mean... the delivery? Flawless. The honesty? Brutal. The love? Unmistakable. Kids have this incredible way of holding truth and tenderness in the same breath. They’re not afraid to say what they see—but it’s never mean-spirited. It’s just… real. And sometimes, refreshing.

3. “If I were you, I wouldn’t be scared. I’d be fearless.”

One afternoon, Sawyer was telling me about a spider he saw.“Once I saw a huge spider and it was real.”

“Was it a tarantula?” I asked.

“Yes! It was a zebra tarantula.”

“If I saw that I would cry,” I admitted.

His response?“Why?”

“Because I’d be scared.”

“I’m not scared,” he said. “If I were you, I wouldn’t be scared. I’d be fearless.”

Fearless.

Isn’t that what we all want a little more of? To stop letting fear steal our joy? To face what scares us with a little more courage and a lot more heart? Sawyer’s words reminded me that fear is often learned—and so is bravery.

4. “Everything in here is full of gluten and dyes.”

Just a few days ago, we popped into a gas station to use the restroom. As we were walking out, I asked Sawyer if he wanted a snack.

He glanced around and said matter-of-factly, “No. Everything in here is full of gluten and dyes. I can’t eat anything in here.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. I mean, same.

But also—how amazing is it that at just seven years old, he’s aware of whats good for him and what isn’t? It’s not about restriction—it’s about intention. And hearing that from him just solidified how deeply kids can embody the habits we model. They’re paying attention, even when we think they’re not.

These conversations might seem small, but they carry big truths. Sawyer reminds me every day that life isn’t just about doing—it’s about noticing. About choosing curiosity over judgment. Courage over fear. Individuality over conformity. And real food over fluorescent snacks.

So if you ever find yourself spinning in the whirlwind of adulting—pause. Get on the floor. Play a game. Ask a kid what they think about spiders, or peppers, or life. You might just be surprised by what you learn.

Because while we’re busy trying to teach them about the world… they’re quietly showing us what the world could be.

And for that, I’m endlessly grateful. Let’s keep learning from the little ones. Their wisdom runs deep—and their hearts? Even deeper. 

Mahalo💛

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