Tagged with happiness …

You’re Never Too Old To Be Happy

I have been enjoying Pharrell Williams’ Happy.  With its smooth and easy melody and infectious lyrics, this song is an instant mood-changer. Recently we had a 30-minute “dance party” at school to reward our children for good behavior throughout the month.  One of our young teachers served as DJ for our second-, third-, and fourth-graders … Continue reading →

Sixty Seconds of Happiness

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. Looking at it that way, you have to wonder why anyone would want to hold onto anger!  Sure, you can’t always avoid or prevent being angry; our bodies are wired to respond in any number of ways to stress and challenge, anger being … Continue reading →

There Is Nothing Better Than A Friend

There is nothing better than a friend, Unless it is a friend with Chocolate. …Or chocolate milk or brownies or anything chocolate-y, for that matter. Chocolate is a true mood-elevator and instant happiness-bringer.   Now it’s you’re turn…how would YOU finish the quote? “There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend … Continue reading →

Happy Birthday, Gabrielle Marie!

Happy Birthday to my reluctant birthday girl!  Born twenty-three years ago on October 16, my daughter Gabrielle is the light of my life.  Best friend who can follow my thoughts and finish my sentences, Gab is my Korean drama companion and fellow coffee fiend.  She has (at times) a naughty sense of humor, a quick … Continue reading →

Everything is Gift: Celebrating Mango

“Everything is gift,” Kate Fletcher, founder of Hekima Place, shared with graduates of Duquesne University. At the age of 72, living and working in Kenya, far from her American roots, Kate had had an epiphany.  Looking around her in her African home, she realized that everything she had and everything around her is gift.  “Be … Continue reading →

Successful Schools Remember To Have Fun

“There is little success where there is little laughter.” – Andrew Carnegie We were talking about this at work.  Not the quote, but an idea related to it.  I work in a public elementary school and we were discussing the concept that school should be fun.  Someone questioned whether this was possible; “How can school … Continue reading →

Wish To Be What You Are

The better part of happiness is to wish to be what you are. – Desiderius Erasmus When I first read this quotation by the Dutch Renaissance humanist, Desiderius Erasmus, I wondered at whether happiness, as described by the quote, could be attainable in the modern world.  I like this quote, because I believe the statement … Continue reading →

A Tell-Tale Sign of Spring

I just wanted to share the beautiful Spring day I enjoyed.  The weather was seasonal, with the temperature around 60º.  The sun was shining and the sky was that shade of blue that makes you feel that everything is right in the world.  I took the photos of the tulips because they make me feel … Continue reading →

Gratitude and Happiness in a Tea Bag

Gratitude and happiness are expressed in many ways.  To me, they were revealed in a tea bag:  a small, thoughtful gift to say, “thank you”. I work with second graders in a public elementary school.  While I am a certified elementary education teacher, I am currently employed as a special education paraprofessional (assistant) and I … Continue reading →