HAPPINESS AND GRATITUDE: A PERFECT PAIR

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~ Melody Beattie

As we roll headlong into the holiday season, I’m thankful that Thanksgiving comes first. It is a regular occurrence to be asked “what are you grateful for”.

Think about that for a moment.

What are you grateful for?

Considering what you are grateful for increases your happiness level.

 

“Smelling the roses”

When I have a grateful heart, I am more mindful of the many blessings in my life, big and small.

When I have a grateful heart, any lack in my life diminishes.

When I have a grateful heart, I am in more of a space to feel real love for those around me.

When I have a grateful heart, I am happier!

Our students and staff shared what they are grateful for. Here are a few of their responses:

  • I am grateful for my mom because she gives me food, water, and shelter. – Nicholas, 5th grade
  • I am grateful for my family because my mom and dad work hard so I can go to Dave and Busters. – Ace, Kindergarten
  • I am grateful for modern conveniences because life without heating, a/c, transportation, medicine, running water, sewer, etc would be incredibly difficult and uncomfortable. Prayers for all of those living without. – Mrs. Swallie, Teacher
  • I am grateful for the Springs Preserve because it gives me an opportunity to learn when I’m not at school – Sara, 3rd grade
  • I am grateful for gymnastics because it helps me to learn very cool, but scary tricks. – Ethan, 2nd grade
  • I am grateful for my family because they hug me a lot of time. – Chelsea, 1st grade
  • I am grateful for my parents because they are the best thing that has ever happened to me. – Anastasia, 6th grade

I am grateful for Journey Education because this school has given me a new outlook on life. It’s not only a job, but friends that have helped me, and my sons are at their best. This school has improved every aspect of my life – Mr. Bryant Teacher

OUR THANKSGIVING PLAY – TRADITIONS THAT WARM THE SOUL

2018 Journey Thanksgiving Pageant – A Pilgrim boat

Did your early school days include a traditional holiday play? Do you remember wearing a turkey or celery costume or playing some silly part? Childhood memories to cherish!

2018 Journey Pilgrims and Indians

This past week was Journey Education’s 10th annual Thanksgiving play, a fun tradition I look forward to every year.  It’s a heartwarming evening that create funny childhood memories. And whether the play runs seamlessly, or is full of mishaps, I enjoy every moment because the students are so cute and really put themselves out there.

This year we even had a band of semi-non-professional musicians, some who have never performed before, hello bells.

2018 Journey Indian Solo

Our Thanksgiving annual play is the best way to welcome the start of the holidays. I hope every part of the next few months brings lots of good memories.

It’s the little things

Last night my friend stopped by to share some apples that she picked from a local orchard. There is only a short window of time that the honey crisp apples are perfectly crisp and sweet. Such a small gesture meant so much. To be thought of and have a moment to visit, laugh, and enjoy a sweet apple at perfection.
And so it is with our kids. It is the little things that they seem to remember and cherish in their childhood. I wonder at the things my children remember. They will say things like, “I love when we would put up a sheet over the living room entrance and pop popcorn and have family night at the movies (we did it twice) or “remember when we always walked to the ice cream store and all shared the giant sundae?” Small moments become big memories later in their lives.

This blog is to celebrate the little things we enjoy at Journey Education and to remind you to take time for little things with your children. Time to sit by your child’s bed side and tell a story about when you were young, time to eat a bowl of cereal together, time to laugh, play, and let the world go by with only you, your child, and the moment. Because, like with the honey crisp apples, there is only a small window of time before they are grown up.