“Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
In education there is a feeling that if you are happy then you are doing the job wrong. There is no time to be happy because everything else makes us miserable. Teachers have more responsibilities outside of the classroom than lesson planning. We have parent communication, data reports, and professional development on top of all that. There are reasons to be unhappy, but we cannot let those reasons control how we feel.
Here is how I find my happiness even when things try to bring it down.
📷 This one goes without saying, but I love photography. I started getting serious a few years ago, and I haven’t looked back. I enjoy taking photos, editing photos, and looking at the photos I take later. For example, I love these shots of Linville Falls that I have on this post.
🚴♀️ I ride my bicycle at least once a week when possible. While I am riding it gives me an opportunity to clear my mind, reflect on what’s happening, get some exercise and get outdoors. I typically bring my camera with me. You never know what you are going to see.
🥩 I love to grill. I typically grill out a few times a week. I get joy from actually preparing the food and of course eating it as well.
🛌 When the pandemic started, I learned how important a good night’s sleep is. Sleep is a better tool for teaching than staying up all night making cute lessons.
You can’t make yourself happy, but you can do things that make you happy.
The hike to Linville Falls is one of the shorter ones that I have found. The walk is not too steep, and the views are incredible. The hike to the upper falls takes a little more than 15 minutes. Back in the spring I took the family out there to check it out. This is a must visit waterfall in North Carolina.
What is something you do that results in you being happy?
Through Griffin's Lens 
Like you I enjoy clicking and a little bit editing.
LikeLike