How to Be Healthy and Happy
I love stories. You just never know when you will hear or see one that makes you stop and think.
I was at a business meeting at Columbia Area Mental Health yesterday morning. Most of those kinds of meetings are uneventful.
This one was different.
Working with Monica McConnell – new in her position there – we were negotiating a contract between her agency and my school district for next year so a mental health counselor could work locally at three of our schools. It was a pleasant meeting with the two of us working out some details that would enhance the arrangement our organizations have had for a few years.
The meeting was coming to an end when she handed me something secured with a rubber band. As she unrolled it, you could tell she was pleased to be sharing it with me. We looked at it for a moment and she shared the story of the poster and how it came to be.
Each year their agency has young clients draw pictures that represent their time with the counselor they see and the personal growth they experience.
This time two boys teamed together to design a picture. The poster shows a boy, with glasses, holding a book and reading. The book title is “How to be Healthy and Happy” by Joshua and Devin. The boy says three important things according to the young reader.
Don’t Bully.
I Love Health.
Love Yourself.
Now that’s some profound statements coming from young people. Usually, we adults like to share our wisdom with children. But these boys know what it takes to be happy and they weren’t scared to share it.
Little did they know their picture would wind up on a poster for thousands to see. They have made a positive mark on the world even at their young ages.
The poster goes on to say that over 135,000 South Carolina children experience mental health issues every year and over 88,000 of them are not addressed.
Can you believe that? Could you have been one of those 88,000 who could have used some extra help when you were in school?
We are happy to have mental health counselors in our schools and to have partners like Columbia Area Mental Health and Lexington County Community Area Mental Health Center. They, along with social workers, school counselors, psychologists and other helping professionals assist students and families when times get tough and they need extra support…all for the purpose of helping students be able to “be healthy and happy” so they can do a great job learning and achieving in their schools.
Thanks, Joshua and Devin for sharing your talents, and your insights with us. We are inspired by you.
My wish for you today is that you continue to strive to find that place in life where you can be healthy and happy, just like Joshua and Devin. If you can’t do it on your own, find someone who can help. There are many people out there that can care for you when you need that extra care. Embrace that support with appreciation and you may just find a healthier and happier you.
~ Joellen