Happy Thoughts

Have you heard the song Everything Is Awesome from the Lego Movie? 
It's got an upbeat rhythm and positive lyrics that make me really happy. So does the fact that our Education Foundation came by this morning and funded $24,083 in educational grants. WoW! What a gift to our future, eh?

This test-taking parody also makes me smile.
Wouldn't you love to work with this staff? 



What's making you happy today?

An idea from the AmAzInG Laura Candler, an author who blogs over at Corkboard Connections is also making me feel like doing a happy dance. She's one of the most generous bloggers with whom I've had the pleasure to collaborate, and her Happy Thoughts Journaling Pages are the perfect way to get kids thinking, processing, and reflecting upon good thoughts.

Here's what happened when we tried them 
in small group feelings classes today:

Here are some suggested starters for them:

And it was after class when I decided that it might be good to have a Happy Thoughts Journal of my own in my office. But rather than it be filled with my happy thoughts, this one will have reflections from students who come by my office and want to help others by leaving their happy thoughts behind.

How awesome is that? 

Here's what the first two pages look like:

I can see this journal as an excellent resource for kids who come in and feel stuck from kids who've been there and have tried-and-trued suggestions to share.

Thank you, Laura, for your inspiration and impact.