"Ancient philosophers and scientists agree: strong social ties are the KEY to happiness. You need close, long-term relationships; you need to be able to confide in others; you need to belong; you need to get and give support. Studies show that if you have five or more friends with whom to discuss an important matter you’re far more likely to describe yourself as “very happy.”Not only does having strong relationships make it far more likely that you take joy in life, but studies show that it also lengthens life (incredibly, even more than stopping smoking), boosts immunity, and cuts the risk of depression."
I have always considered myself a happy person, and I often wonder why I am this way. So when one of my daughters was struggling with finding happiness, she shared this website: http://www.happiness-project.com/. I enjoy reading about how others deal with stress and keep life positive. This has been a stressful year personally and professionally, but I am blessed to have a great support system - and count among my strong relationships the wonderful people I work with daily in Title 1 and my school system.
Working with struggling readers and their teachers is a huge blessing to me. My colleagues are always open to finding the best way to teach these children how to read and to constantly work on their teaching approaches with individual students. These are teachers who are willing to go the extra mile and see the potential in every child.
How could I not be happy? I get to help children learn and work with teachers to problem solve every day! That is one key to my happiness - a job that is not easy, but it is so rewarding.
