Grow Happiness Under Your Feet

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! This past week was one of those where I was just loving life—engaging with students, enjoying the creative process of planning (especially with AI), and taking time off for wrestling. It’s easy to feel happy when things are going well, but the real challenge is learning to cultivate that same joy regardless of circumstances. Today’s message, inspired by James Oppenheim’s quote, "The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet," reminds us to stop chasing happiness in future events and instead find contentment in the present. The Stoics echo this wisdom, with Marcus Aurelius reminding us that true peace comes from within, not from external retreats. This weekend gave me amazing moments with family and wrestling, but it also tested my ability to remain present—whether comforting my son after a tough loss, overcoming nerves in a new volunteer role, or resisting the urge to let to-do lists steal my Sunday joy. So today, let’s reflect on where we’re placing our happiness—are we waiting for it, or are we growing it right where we stand?