Embrace the Season of Change – Anderson Connect

Perhaps rooted in us from childhood and memories of starting a new school year, September always feels like a fresh beginning. Although a little sad saying good-bye to warmer weather and summer holidays, the tingle of anticipation at what’s ahead, as the leaves turn, is palpable. How we view change, embrace challenges, and find joy in life sets the tone for how we experience our days. As Anderson students, each with your own story, you know what it feels like to begin anew, to face your fears, embrace a new community of friends and colleagues, apply your talents and passions, study hard and juggle all of life’s responsibilities with verve. And in it all, we sincerely hope, you are discovering and rediscovering happiness in the little and large things.

This month’s Connect is in honour and celebration of the happiness you focus on, when you long to slow time and hold fast to cherished moments, and when you need to find perspective. Laughter is so often what brings us home to what is truly important, relieves worries that holds us back and brings us so much closer together. To the giggles that keep us going in every season!

Today’s read is approximately 4 minutes.

Inside this Edition:

• A Thought to Ponder
• A Short Story to Inspire
• A Short Video to Motivate

A Thought to Ponder

“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.” —James Oppenheim

Happiness is not something we obtain, it lives and breathes and can be cultivated right where we are. This month, as you wander the halls, engage in Anderson events, dive into tasks in the lab, join others on a call, and connect with your colleagues and instructors remember, this time together will pass. Embrace every second of the experience; see it all through the eyes of joy and know these are memories to cherish in the making.

A Short Story to Inspire

Finding Joy on the Journey

In a lush, green forest where the sunlight danced through the leaves, there was a wise old owl named Oliver who had lived through countless seasons. He was known for his wisdom and his ability to see joy even in the most challenging times.

One crisp autumn morning, a little kitten named Lily wandered into the forest, lost and feeling very alone. Her fur was as white as snow, and her green eyes were wide with worry. She meowed softly as she walked, hoping someone might hear her. Oliver, perched high on a branch, noticed and concern filled his heart. He ruffled his feathers and swooped down to land gracefully in front of Lily.

“Hello there, little one,” Oliver hooted gently. “Why do you look so troubled on this beautiful day?”

Lily looked up at the owl with teary eyes. “I’m lost,” she said, her voice trembling. “I can’t find my way back home, and I’m scared.”

Oliver blinked his big eyes and smiled warmly. “Oh, I understand. Being lost can be very frightening. But sometimes, when we face challenges, we find unexpected joys along the way. Let’s go find your family and see what happiness we find together shall we? ”

Lily’s ears perked up. “But how can there be joy when I’m so unhappy?” Oliver tilted his head and thought for a moment. “Follow me.”

The wise owl led Lily through the forest, pointing out the wonders along their path. They came across a patch of wildflowers in full bloom, their vibrant colors dancing in the breeze. “Look at these flowers,” Oliver said. “Each one is beautiful and unique, just like you. Even in your sadness, there is beauty around you. Sometimes, we just have to open our eyes to see it.”

“And here,” Oliver said, “is another reminder. Even though the stream may face obstacles like rocks and fallen branches, it always finds a way to keep flowing. Challenges can shape us; they don’t have to stop us from moving forward.”

Lily felt a bit braver as she watched the water flow. She realized that perhaps the challenges she faced were a part of her journey, not the end of it.
Eventually, they reached a clearing where a group of animals had gathered. “Look, Lily!” Oliver said. “Is that your family over there? Seems they’re looking for you too. Won’t they be surprised. See, you found your way back, and dare I say, enjoyed your time along the way with me?”

“Oh yes Oliver, very much,” said Lily. “I’d almost forgotten I was lost. Thank you for helping me see and learn so many beautiful things today. I’m so grateful I found you.”

Oliver flapped his wings and soared into the sky. “Remember, little one, happiness isn’t about being free from problems. It’s about finding joy in the journey and embracing every moment, even the difficult ones.”

The Moral of the Story ~ Even in the challenging moments, we can discover beauty, within and around us, and if we hold fast to hope and happiness, we will find our way home to the life we imagine. ~ Jennifer Maki

1 Short Video to Motivate

Mastering Happiness: The Watermelon Lesson | Taking ourselves a little less seriously, seeing beyond challenges to the joy in our lives.

May you embrace this season, fresh, with new eyes searching for all that is good and enriching and encouraging you to evolve in your life.
And don’t forget, we’re your fans and are here to support and cheer you on whenever you need!
~ Your Anderson College Family

Anderson College acknowledges that the places in which our 11 campuses reside, across Ontario and in British Columbia, are in the traditional territories of a diverse range of Indigenous peoples, the first peoples, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial. We are deeply honoured and privileged to study, work and educate on these lands. For a full acknowledgement for each campus region, please visit staging21.andersoncollege.com/newsite/landacknowledgements.