Hi Reader,

A while back, I shared the "Good Things are always happening to me" idea.

How it works:

Share something good that has happened to you today. Repeat daily.

Hmmm...tell me more!

We so often overlook the simple things in life that are good -- like a hot cup of coffee, someone picking up my school mail for me, the copier working, having cookies in my lunch!

And...well, let's consider faculty lounge conversations. Are they positive and uplifting?! Negativity can easily erode a good mood or happy news.

Why it's good for your students:

Let's face it. The last few (several?!) weeks have been stressful.

If we're feeling it as adults, our students are feeling it as well.

So, what happens when you acknowledge that something good happens in your life (rather than something negative)?

According to the Mayo Clinic:

Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress and pain
• Greater resistance to illnesses
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Better cardiovascular health
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

(Read the whole article here.)

How can you share this with your students:

>> Start the conversation with your own experience.

>> Turn and talk. Allow students to share their "GTAAHTM" with a classmate.

>> Have a "GTAAHTM" board or wall where students can post.

>> Use as an end of class journal prompt -- or log in a planner or journal.

And here is something amazing that happens:

When you begin to regularly look for the good in your life, you see more. You're happier. You develop a sense of gratitude.

All skills we need to enjoy our lives.

As Mary Oliver asks: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”

Let's choose to be happy and find joy in our lives even when we can't control the world -- and as importantly -- teach our students to develop happiness habits as well.

And, just in case no one has told you this recently, you are AMAZING and WONDERFUL!

💖

With gratitude for all you do,

Marypat

​Just Add Students​

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