Connecting to October 2021 Happiness Calendar

 October Happiness Calendar

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GGSC_Happiness_Calendar_October_2021.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1slPmA1Jd3g_4lgSTari0Xr4oHjhnoyHDdXF9UEeNuiZV3P2W_uJBVC2A 

October 1st

My goals are

1. Teach my grandchildren Spanish through science and sensory-motor skills

2. Finish organizing my apartment

Visualization and steps towards accomplishing those goals

1. Listen to their interest and create lessons on the spot connecting those interests to things you have planned

2. Work with my husband to empower him to clean up his area

October 2nd

I was enthusiastic when my sister shared the good news that her daughter had decided to marry her partner without any family around.  I told her we will celebrate together.

I was also enthusiastic about the news that my sister has decided to visit my other sister for her birthday this month.  I was going to be joining them, but due to the outbreak in the pandemic where I live and the fact that my grandchildren are unvaccinated because they are in pre-school and kindergarten makes me feel that I will be taking my sisters and myself as well as my grandchildren at unnecessary risk, especially because my younger sister is immune-compromised.

 October 3rd

I will be reading a book I have had on the to-do list by Krista Tippett, Becoming Wise, An Inquiry into the Mistery and Art of Living. 

October 4th

I took the survey with the work I am doing with my grandchildren as "my work."  I scored 92/100.  I am happy with my "work and organization." Ironically, today I also have an interview today to be a substitute teacher at an elementary school.

October 5th

I have been asking the questions they recommend to my grandchildren when picking them up and whenever I am with them for mealtimes.

October 6th

Love the film suggestions provided to bring out the best in you connecting to the struggles and triumphs of the diverse tapestry in our world and our nation.  I will start with GenteFied and the Marvelous Mrs. Mainsel, the available YouTube episodes.

October 7th

Stopped to appreciate a violent and light blue sky from my office window.  I am so grateful to my husband for finding this great desk and putting it together for me to have a place to write on a daily basis.

October 8th

October 9th

I am glad my husband and I are resources to prevent parental burnout as our grandchildren are adorable, but demanding.  

October 10th

Breaking down conflict in small pieces, pause to make sure you understand.  This is very sound advice.  I have experienced that if you pause and listen, you will understand better and the compromise is not a defeat, but something good for both parties.

October 11th

My grandchild played school today.  He was the teacher and we were his students.  He is learning how to read, therefore, he had his schedule and took us through his full Monday line-up. It was so much fun to see him in a position of full authority.  He was kind, yet not as patient as I expected, especially with people asking questions.  It is interesting how he is able to connect to everything he needs of us and what we need of him.  Next time we are together, I will show him the picture book, School is Family too



October 12th

Praying guided by fear, not by faith, and breathing.  I am also learning that visualization of my peaceful, happy moments in times of tension is helpful.

To help children handle the jitters of back to school...being the lighthouse in our child’s storm, the light that shines steadily in a predictable rhythm and doesn’t waver no matter how big the storm is,” Elizabeth Reichert said. “The job of parents is to be that lighthouse.”


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