Just Plain Joy

I started the year off by reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

Gretchen spent an entire year implementing resolutions each month that she suspected would increase her happiness. She tried organizing, eating healthier, making new friends, and dozens of other strategies. She shares her experience candidly, and I think what I liked most about the book is that Gretchen recognizes she already has a pretty good life but she is interested in making it that much better. It was a fun book to read and inspired me to create new year’s resolutions and stick with them! Get a flavor of the book and some helpful tools from the Happiness Project Toolbox.

Part of my intrigue about her happiness project was that Gretchen focused on small acts which improved her overall quality of life. She started by identifying the things that brought her joy, satisfaction, and engagement, as well as guilt, anger, boredom, and remorse. Then, she made resolutions by identifying the concrete actions that would boost her happiness.

As she worked to identify her resolutions, she discovered some overarching principles, which she calls the “Twelve Commandments.” These Twelve Commandments were like mantras that kept her focused on completing her resolutions. For example, “Be Gretchen,” and “Let it go.” She also came up with a list of “Secrets to Adulthood,” like “People don’t notice your mistakes as much as you think.” These were life lessons she had learned and had finally come to embrace.

After I read Gretchen’s book, I started my own Happiness Project. I wasn’t sure how much traction it would get with all the other projects I have going on in my life, but I am still feeling excited. So, I decided I need to start blogging about it. My list of focus areas for the year, commandments, and secrets to adulthood will be posted tomorrow.