If the Pursuit of Happiness ...

… is an inalienable right, then why do so many of us experience profound guilt when we are feeling contented?  Somewhere along the way (probably over the last 150 years), happiness has become a four-letter word --- it seems that if you are enjoying something, too much, then you are designated bad, wicked, willful, and slothful.  We are instructed from a young age that drudgery is the norm, and forced to do things we hate, and then told (when we complain) that the key to survival is to do those things that we do not like to do.   
 
I believe that if we were all taught, instead, that happiness is the key to survival --- learning would automatically become a joy and we would be more likely to seek out work that is challenging, interesting, and fulfilling. 
 
With a paradigm shift of this magnitude, we would all be striving to create a better world, simply, because contentment would be the objective instead of prestige, power, or commercial goods. My guess is that we would also be more likely to be accepting of change, open to opportunities that present themselves, and, completely, in tune with our fellow humans.  
 
Yes, it is okay to be happy and have fun!  Do what you love; go on a quest for the beautiful, and, absolutely, live life to the fullest.  It is your inalienable right!

​DRC NEWS
 
Water, Woods, & Wild Wonders
 
The DRC Crew had another fantastic, HOT, Tuesday adventure at Martin’s Farmstand outside of Potsdam off 11B.  Thank you to Daniel, Mendy, and their entire family for welcoming DRC with open arms.  Our students enjoyed helping out in the fields, picking raspberries, wondering around the farm seeking out wet places, and eating watermelon. 
 
After leaving the farm, they stopped at Lehman Park to splash and play in the Raquette River to cool off. 
 
This week they will be exploring the Grasse River.  DRC is adopting the MOW the Grasse site at Heritage Park through SLU's Nature Up North Program to monitor the health of the Grasse River.  Earlier that day they plan on hiking the SUNY Canton trail with plenty of chances to wade in the river, once again, to cool off. 
 
An overnight camping trip to Clear Pond in Parishville is planned for the following week.
 
This warm weather has certainly allowed for plenty of opportunities to get wet!

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