carry this in your pocket

i love my job because it is so varied: i get to work with kiddos, their parents, their teachers, and administrators. on any given day, i am the recipient of oodles of hugs, smiles and thank yous. i get to discuss art, writing, problem solving and tantrums.

people are always sticking their heads into my area of what one of my co-workers and fellow room inhabitants has labeled "La La Land" to see what i am creating.

i get to make people smile. and this makes me smile.

but some days, its hard. like everyone, i get the occasional onset of "the blues." it doesn't mean anything more than the fact that i am human.

at the same time, i'm always looking for ways to avoid these negative feelings.

i get a lot of daily emails at work from various organizations. their topics range from parenting and children's advocacy to health and personal well-being.

today, i was lucky to receive this inspirational one from Childcare Exchange.

"John Wooden, arguably the best basketball coach of all time, died on Friday at the age of 99. Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood, coached UCLA from 1948 to 1975. During that time his accomplishments were unprecedented, including 10 National Championships, four perfect 30-0 seasons, and an 88 game winning streak.

When he graduated from elementary school, his dad gave him a $2 bill and a card with “Seven Things to Do”: This card, which Wooden carried with him the rest of his life, read:

1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7. Pray for guidance, and count and give thanks for your blessings every day."

i don't know about you, but i was completely blown away. so often in life, we find ourselves looking for ways to improve our mood and overall happiness. some of us try to do extraordinary things. we end up being overachievers and eventually burn out. some spend money on pointless stuff, trying to become a status symbol in society.

this email reminded me of a simple truth: don't overlook the small things in life. enjoy being yourself. be thankful for your friendships.

if we would just make an effort to take pleasure in everyday occurrences and make the most of what we are dealt, how much more joy would each of us have?