Here lately, my life has been a little crazy.
Actually....a lot crazy. Crazier than usual, like run-for-the-nearest-exit-go-jump-off-the-closest-bridge crazy. I'm not complaining by any means, but I have had SIX photoshoots, work, a buttload (yes, that's an actual unit of measurement) of homework, and of course the usual care and keeping of the funny farm critter crew. Somewhere in there I have managed to squeeze in some semblance of a social life...aaaaand read the Divergent Trilogy. Sometimes, when my life gets like this I get myself into such a whirlwind of a tizzy that I forget to slow down and be thankful, and to realize how truly blessed, lucky, and HAPPY that I am.
Today's reality check came in the form of a Facebook message from an old friend. Essentially, she thanked me for being a good role model for her nieces that attend the school where I work. Here's some of the message, hopefully she doesn't mind me sharing. :)
"Hey lady! I just wanted to personally say thanks for all you do for the kids at Snowville! My nieces both go there and it's great to know that there are amazing role models for them to look up to! ...you are always so positive and respectful! So again, thank you!"
I have to be honest with you guys, this made me tear up. I love my job. LOVE IT. And I absolutely adore all the children I work with, but, again, sometimes I get so worked up that I don't slow down long enough to be thankful enough. Hearing things like that are the reason I do my job, regardless of the money I make, the hours I put in, whatever. Those things make it worth it. My kids make it worth it. So in the interest of happiness & thankfulness, I've decided to list some of the little things that make my life worth living.
Happiness Is....
Happiness is a pick-up basketball game with my students after school. It's hearing a fourth grader tell his teammate to give the ball to the first grader playing, because "he needs to take the shot more than we need the points." It's hearing all the students, on either team, cheer when that first grader sinks the ball in the net.
Happiness is pushing a student in a swing, not caring about the dirt and mulch on your jeans from their sneakers, because their peels of laughter are the sweetest thing in the world. It's the wind in your face when they ask you to swing with them, it's the breeze that kisses your cheeks, and theirs, and makes them glow a cheerful pink. It's hugs, it's hearing "I love you Miss Stike, " it's seeing their smiling faces every morning. It's when they trust me with their thoughts, their secrets, their jokes & stories.
Happiness is the perfect light for the perfect shot at a photoshoot. It's seeing the love in a couple's eyes when they look at each other, and it's capturing that love in a photograph forever.
Happiness is the joy in the eyes of my neighbor's granddaughter as she throws apples and carrots to Little Bit and Elvis. It's her shrieks and grins as Ryder licks her face. Happiness is the peace in my soul when I ride my horse, the way I can lay across her back, close my eyes, and trust her fully. It's those times when she lays her head over my shoulder, and I know I'm doing something right. It's Cy and Ryder greeting me when I get home with smiles and puppy kisses.
Happiness is sitting on a porch or around a fire with my best friends. It's in those times when I can sit on my back deck, & the only sounds I hear are birds chirping, the steady breathing of the dogs sleeping beside me, and the horses munching their grain. It's a good book, a warm cup of coffee on a crisp morning. Happiness is washing the dirt off my hands after a long day, putting on my coziest pajamas, and laying in my warm bed.
I'm always reminded of the chorus of one of my favorite songs when I stop and count my blessings;
There's a roof up above me, I've a good place to sleep.
There's food on my table, and shoes on my feet.
You gave me your love Lord, and a fine family.
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me.
-xo
Sam
Actually....a lot crazy. Crazier than usual, like run-for-the-nearest-exit-go-jump-off-the-closest-bridge crazy. I'm not complaining by any means, but I have had SIX photoshoots, work, a buttload (yes, that's an actual unit of measurement) of homework, and of course the usual care and keeping of the funny farm critter crew. Somewhere in there I have managed to squeeze in some semblance of a social life...aaaaand read the Divergent Trilogy. Sometimes, when my life gets like this I get myself into such a whirlwind of a tizzy that I forget to slow down and be thankful, and to realize how truly blessed, lucky, and HAPPY that I am.
Today's reality check came in the form of a Facebook message from an old friend. Essentially, she thanked me for being a good role model for her nieces that attend the school where I work. Here's some of the message, hopefully she doesn't mind me sharing. :)
"Hey lady! I just wanted to personally say thanks for all you do for the kids at Snowville! My nieces both go there and it's great to know that there are amazing role models for them to look up to! ...you are always so positive and respectful! So again, thank you!"
I have to be honest with you guys, this made me tear up. I love my job. LOVE IT. And I absolutely adore all the children I work with, but, again, sometimes I get so worked up that I don't slow down long enough to be thankful enough. Hearing things like that are the reason I do my job, regardless of the money I make, the hours I put in, whatever. Those things make it worth it. My kids make it worth it. So in the interest of happiness & thankfulness, I've decided to list some of the little things that make my life worth living.
Happiness Is....
Happiness is a pick-up basketball game with my students after school. It's hearing a fourth grader tell his teammate to give the ball to the first grader playing, because "he needs to take the shot more than we need the points." It's hearing all the students, on either team, cheer when that first grader sinks the ball in the net.
Happiness is pushing a student in a swing, not caring about the dirt and mulch on your jeans from their sneakers, because their peels of laughter are the sweetest thing in the world. It's the wind in your face when they ask you to swing with them, it's the breeze that kisses your cheeks, and theirs, and makes them glow a cheerful pink. It's hugs, it's hearing "I love you Miss Stike, " it's seeing their smiling faces every morning. It's when they trust me with their thoughts, their secrets, their jokes & stories.
Happiness is the perfect light for the perfect shot at a photoshoot. It's seeing the love in a couple's eyes when they look at each other, and it's capturing that love in a photograph forever.
Happiness is the joy in the eyes of my neighbor's granddaughter as she throws apples and carrots to Little Bit and Elvis. It's her shrieks and grins as Ryder licks her face. Happiness is the peace in my soul when I ride my horse, the way I can lay across her back, close my eyes, and trust her fully. It's those times when she lays her head over my shoulder, and I know I'm doing something right. It's Cy and Ryder greeting me when I get home with smiles and puppy kisses.
Happiness is sitting on a porch or around a fire with my best friends. It's in those times when I can sit on my back deck, & the only sounds I hear are birds chirping, the steady breathing of the dogs sleeping beside me, and the horses munching their grain. It's a good book, a warm cup of coffee on a crisp morning. Happiness is washing the dirt off my hands after a long day, putting on my coziest pajamas, and laying in my warm bed.
I'm always reminded of the chorus of one of my favorite songs when I stop and count my blessings;
There's a roof up above me, I've a good place to sleep.
There's food on my table, and shoes on my feet.
You gave me your love Lord, and a fine family.
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me.
-xo
Sam