“Oh, Isn’t That Cute?”: The Things That Shape Us
Lifetimes ago, before I met my husband, I went on a blind date that I’ll never forget—but not for the best reasons. At some point in the conversation, the guy turned to me and said, “Oh, isn’t that cute? You get to play with crayons and paints with kids all day.”
It wasn’t a compliment or even a neutral observation. It was said in a way that diminished what I did, as if teaching art wasn’t “real” work because it wasn’t driven by productivity or some other traditional measure of success. At the time, his words stung, but now I see them for what they were: a reflection of how misunderstood certain kinds of work can be—and how ignorant people can be to their value.
Whether it’s creating art, teaching children, or being a mother, there’s often this tendency to dismiss work that doesn’t fit neatly into conventional definitions of success. But art—and motherhood, for that matter—might not come with spreadsheets or profit margins, yet these are the very things that shape humanity. They’re the things that connect us, inspire us, and make life meaningful.
When I was teaching art, it wasn’t just about babysitting the kids or keeping them occupied for 50 minutes. It was about giving them a space to explore who they are and how they see the world. It was about teaching them to express themselves when words might not be enough, to take risks, to make mistakes, and to find beauty in imperfection. Motherhood is much the same. It’s not flashy or neatly packaged, but it’s full of quiet, unseen moments that build a child’s sense of love, safety, and belonging. It’s about shaping who they are and how they’ll show up in the world.
What that blind date didn’t understand—and what many people fail to see—is that work rooted in love, service, and creativity is some of the most important work there is. It’s not always tangible or easy to quantify, but it’s what shapes us as people. It’s what leaves a mark on the world in ways that numbers or metrics never could.
The next time someone says, “Oh, isn’t that cute?” I’ll smile—not because I agree, but because I know the work I do matters. For all of us in roles that may not be flashy—caregivers, teachers, healthcare workers, mothers, creatives—our work is vital and deeply appreciated by those who truly understand its value on a higher level. Thank you, guys—keep giving your heart and shaping this world for good!