Happiness, for me, is the realization that I don't have to do it all. In fact, i don't really have to do most of it.
Here's a word to those who are dealing with the stress of homeschooling....RELAX

"... until isolation and distancing measures can be loosened, and schools safely accessed for all children, we need to ease the burden on parents. And the external drivers of much of this stress – workplaces and the education system – must do their part. Parents doing home-based work are struggling to produce at pre-pandemic levels, while parenting and teaching off the sides of their shared desks and often sharing a computer. The list of expectations, online curriculums, assignments and school-based meetings with multiple children of various ages can be a scheduling nightmare. This is especially challenging for parents of school-aged children under 10, preschoolers and children with special needs. For parents who are doing essential work outside the home, homeschooling takes on a whole other dimension.

School systems at all levels – starting from Ministries of Education – need to publicly reduce the assignment-driven pressure on both students and parents. Employers need to support parents in the short-term, re-examining expectations and ways of working, so these employees can return to work with their mental health intact. The longer we remain in a collective lockdown, the more of a toll it threatens to take on parents’ health.

Learning is lifelong, and a few months of incomplete schooling will have a negligible effect on most children. They will eventually learn their multiplication tables and the French word for “happiness.” When kids finally gather safely again in schools, each of them will be at a different place. And trained, compassionate, caring professionals will be there to help each one of them.

A parent’s job today is not to homeschool; it’s to stay connected. Kids who are emotionally secure will learn better. There are a lot of lessons in what we are going through together, and many of them are on the home front."

From a very sensible "Globe and Mail" opinion piece today.

This thread is so beautiful! It makes me happy just reading it.

Today, happiness is typing these words under a tree beneath the setting sun. I've been in workaholic mode these past few weeks, so it means a lot to take a few minutes to myself.

I'm really trying hard to work in a little "me time" every day, but it's tough! I hope everyone reading this was able to set aside some time for self-care today.

That first phone call that lasts 5 1/2 hours of (dare I say) a potential budding romance? That leaves you with a cheeky grin or smirk..and makes you start to question this whole ....relationship thing...there may be hope.. :rrose::blush:

:pirate-steer:

congrats!!!

Happiness is ...
 

Feeling good about myself!

I'm still a Fat & Fabulous Femme, and I can still rock a beautiful dress, and I can still smile, smile, smile.

:hk20:

Happiness is....
 

Having time to blow bubbles and watch them trail off in the air to see where they go (a lot of mine went way up into the sky).
It's a relaxing activity for both kids and adults, alike. :balloon:


https://assets.saatchiart.com/saatch...1045903-32.jpg

What a delightful and HAPPY way to start off the day.....

Happiness is . . . . . .
 

the way he tenderly loves me and supports me in all I do and in the way he holds me while we cuddle and bond during quiet moments of our lives together. I feel so safe and valued and adored and treasured by the way he cares for me. Which makes me care so deeply for him. He is my heart of hearts. My one and only true love. :blush:

Happiness is.
 

Good Health
A combatable woman
A decent income
Good friends
A comfortable home
Happy memories
A free and wonderful country to live in.

Happiness is...planning a trip

Happiness is.
 

Having my brother back here after so long.

A pony! I get to go visit one of my former ponies!

Reconnecting with a local friend that has always meant a lot to me. It amazes me our individual journeys we've been on that are so different, yet bring us together.

Celebrating 60 years of friendship with your best friend!

It absolutely amazes me how the past several days since our chance encounter has transpired, and transformed my life. This is a good thing.

Happiness is.
 

My brother came in to see me after 4 months apart and we went to lunch. The second time I have been out of the apt building in over 4 months. First time to restaurant. Wonderful lunch. Went to the Halibut House and had fish and chips and a side of deep fried clams. Coffee. I had a very happy day which I have not had in a very long time. *S