Good Job!

I read an article the other day that suggested that those that work in unhealthy work environments have a lower mental health score than those that are unemployed. An unhealthy work environment would include ‘having a demanding job without any security or fair compensation, ’.
Over the years, I’ve been a (full or part time) mushroom picker, enumerator,  clerk at a police station, municipal hall receptionist , classroom teacher, home educator, tutor, ginseng root picker, and online support teacher.

Strangely enough, I still have fond memories of mushroom picking (my very first job at age 13).  Now, that was not a highly lucrative, challenging job by any means (and not one I planned to make a career out of), but in some strange way, it met almost all of the criteria for what makes a ‘good job’ (okay, it’s a bit of a stretch..).  I could see that what I did made a difference (empty mushroom houses!), I worked with a group of friends every Saturday, I could challenge myself to pick faster (and the stats were posted on a wall for all to see), and we could laugh and joke (which we did!) while we worked.
You see, it seems that the best jobs are those that meet the four major psychological needs that all people have:
1) power 
2) the sense that one belongs
3) the freedom to move and grow
4) the need to have fun and laughter
Do you agree with this list? Is something missing?
I tend to think that #4 is non-negotiable. If there is not some way to incorporate a little fun and laughter in those 40 hours of work each week… well, I think that would not bode well for most people. We all need moments of levity in our day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.  You know what they say about laughter  being good medicine.
And I think it’s often up to the individual to make this happen. The work itself doesn’t have to be fun. For example, I have a few colleagues that I joke around with on email. Every once in a while, we communicate back and forth about silly things. It’s a great way to take a little break from the seriousness of the work. As well, I am blessed to work from home, so I can often take breaks  (i.e. meet friends for coffee!) when I want.
How do you incorporate laughter and lightheartedness in your day? Does that make a difference to you?

Big Little Procedure *update* *update #2*

Two of my YA children are going for Laser Eye Surgery today (in less than an hour!!).
I won’t be there post-op, because they had to drive 3 hours from here to get it done.
I’m a little worried.
If you’re the praying kind, would you send one upwards for them and their doctor today?

** So far so good! The procedures went well, and they are now on Day 2 of recuperation. Besides itchy eyes, nothing too painful (although Day 3 (Sat) is supposedly the painful day). The 'lenses' come off their eyes on Monday. This is a PRK procedure, not Lasik, so it has a longer recovery period. Thanks for praying!! The kids should be home Monday evening or Tuesday morning.



**** Home again, and recovering well. The doctor said tests showed better vision than expected at this point. And they will notice marked improvement in the next few weeks, as well. So, it's all good so far. Thanks for your prayers and interest! 

Soft Gel Sunshine

I’ve been missing the sun lately. I know it was out a bit today, but I must have blinked. Or else I didn’t look out the window!
Summers in this fair city are the BEST.  The gloomy days of winter, not so much.
For now, this will have to do: