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The Happiness Project

  • May. 10th, 2011 at 1:11 PM

I just read this cool book by Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project. It was an impulse buy at the bookstore. The subtitle intrigued me: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun. What I loved about this book was that it wasn't just a month to month chronicle of her efforts to make resolutions and arrive at truths for her own happiness, but also a scholarly look at what philosophers, modern psychology, and pop culture have to say on the subject of happiness.  

I was simultaneously exhausted and fascinated by the sheer number of resolutions Rubin tackled--new tasks added each month until December where she had to do all of them at once. Tasks such as: Exercise better, clear clutter, quit nagging, give proofs of love, work smart, enjoy now...And that's just the first three months! 

The book comes with a guide to start your own Happiness Project, which I do plan to try. The main truths from the book that resonated with me for finding happiness were:

1. Staying true to yourself (including being honest about your likes and dislikes)
2. Striving for constant growth and challenge (it's the journey, not the destination)
3. The days are long, the years are short (my new parenting mantra).

Have you read the book? Do you have favorite ways to boost your happiness?

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Comments

( 12 comments — Leave a comment )
newport2newport
May. 10th, 2011 05:45 pm (UTC)
If I'm remembering correctly, the author had a Happiness Project blog on Huffington Post before this book came out. Maybe she still does? I think it's great when books like this get major press. Lord knows, everyone benefits from a more positive outlook!

(Remember when Oprah featured Sarah van Breathnach, author of SIMPLE ABUNDANCE? I think her shows on gratitude were among the best she ever did.)
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karenbschwartz
May. 10th, 2011 06:41 pm (UTC)
Yes, she did have a blog on Huffington post. I'm reading the paperback, so I think it's been around for awhile. I never heard of Simple Abundance. I should check that out too.
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robinellen
May. 10th, 2011 05:54 pm (UTC)
Interesting. I haven't read the book -- and I'm not a very resolution-oriented person (though I have been, many years ago). But I'll be curious to know how it works for you :) (And to learn of your favorite aspects of it.)
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karenbschwartz
May. 10th, 2011 06:42 pm (UTC)
Thanks, Robin!
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annastan
May. 10th, 2011 11:02 pm (UTC)
Sounds like an interesting read. I'll have to check it out. :-)
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karenbschwartz
May. 11th, 2011 12:12 am (UTC)
It was!
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annastan
May. 11th, 2011 12:30 pm (UTC)
Will you be at SCBWI this weekend? I'll be there Sat and Sun, so hopefully I'll see you there!
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karenbschwartz
May. 11th, 2011 03:35 pm (UTC)
Sorry I'll miss seeing you there, I'll be at a writers workshop that same weekend. Hope you have a good time!
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akossket
May. 11th, 2011 04:01 am (UTC)
bountiful of thanks
I've never heard of this before. It sounds like something I might need.
Usually I watch funny animated movies or anime to boost my happiness with great laughs, but sometimes I get caught up in my everyday and forget to laugh, or be happy just because.
Thanks for sharing.
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karenbschwartz
May. 11th, 2011 03:36 pm (UTC)
Re: bountiful of thanks
Yes, comedy is a great booster. Laughter really does improve mood and relieve stress.
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KarenMusings
May. 11th, 2011 01:43 pm (UTC)
I saw a review of this book and it sounded like an interesting read. I really like #3. It's so TRUE.
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karenbschwartz
May. 11th, 2011 03:37 pm (UTC)
Definitely worth a read. Yes, I keep thinking about #3 myself, very helpful for getting perspective.
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( 12 comments — Leave a comment )