Our eyes are perhaps the most important part of who we are and how we see the world. They do so much more than just see things.

They light up when we see someone we love.

They tear up when we have to say goodbye.

They squint trying to finish a puzzle.

They hide your smirk when you're about win a hand of cards.

Our eyes let people into us. They, always, tell the truth when our words may lie. They are the first part of us to give a reaction to any news, good or bad. They either light up with excitement or sulk in sorrow. Not only do they let people into us, but they also let each of us experience this world differently.

My eyes see warmth where yours may see the first snow. Yes, the snow itself is cold but look past that. A snowy day gives you the best excuse to sit by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate, a fuzzy blanket and do nothing for hours. I also see a beautiful new scenery of white that stretches as far as the eye can see. Before the plows and shovels come out the earth is at her most peaceful state of the whole year. She is tucked under a blanket of white, undisturbed from all that is living on her.

My eyes see enjoyment where yours may see agony. You may see a 5-hour work shift but I see 5 hours to hang out with some of coolest kids and learn from people more than half my age. I have seen a lot working in a daycare and babysitting for nearly 6 years. The best thing I got to see day after day was imagination. I learned how to see the world from the perspective of a 6-year-old again and sometimes that is necessary. They see happiness and opportunity to do and be anything they want to. Why wouldn't I want to see the world like that?

My eyes see love where yours may stop at friendship. The perception of love is too often capped at family and between significant others. I see some of the strongest love in my friends. Whether it has been a 2 or 12-year friendship. I see the love when we are reunited for the first time in four months. I even see the love when we lay in bed roasting each other for hours at a time. I learned to cherish good company over anything else. I see the one of a kind love that can only be brought out by your friends.

My eyes see the future where yours may only see tomorrow. Tomorrow is the future, but what about the day after tomorrow? Or the day after that? In 5 years I will be 24. My hope is that I will be graduating from law school around that time. In 10 years I will be 29. My hope is that I will be living an independent, successful life (and not still living with my parents). In 15 years I will be 34. My hope is that I will have a new family to love. Whether these things happen or not, I see a happy future for myself.

A future full of warmth, enjoyment, and love.

My eyes have seen life differently than yours. Maybe you see joy where I see pain. How we see and how we perceive helps to retain our originality. Let your eyes guide your experiences through whatever lens you may choose.

When we come together and share stories it is a peek into how each of us sees the world. These different perspectives widen our own outlook to experience life more fully.