I started reading “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin a few nights ago. Gretchen is a Yale and Yale Law Graduate, who decided while clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, that she wanted to be a writer. This book details an experiment she performed on herself, to see what changes she could make in her life to increase her happiness level.
Don’t get me wrong. Gretchen wasn’t depressed, she wasn’t facing a crisis of any kind. She was a working mother of two, and a wife who realized she wasn’t enjoying her life as much as she should. She realized she complained too often and snapped at her husband too easily. Her life was good and she wanted to appreciate and revel in it.
I’m only a few chapters in and I am fascinated. Firstly, because I’m pretty sure my conscience wrote this book while I was sleeping or watching reality TV. The issues she discusses are so relevant to me, and to many moms. Her solutions are simple and well-written, and she condenses extensive research she has completed very concisely.
This morning, I was Woman On A Mission. I cleaned out and organized my closets. I refused to say anything negative or critical to my husband or children. (Which was difficult after Aubrey gave herself and Emma a haircut this afternoon.)
Providing Rubin doesn’t tell me to jump off a cliff or drink the Kool-Aid, I’m in.
I highly recommend her book and blog to all you (click on the link above.) And I’m hoping that maybe I can score a Super Mom interview.
What area of your life would you most like to increase your happiness and why?
Great use of that Post-It! This book sounds great too – I've been working on "The Journey Of Me" since last year. Just general areas to work on in my life. The things I've done best with were trying new things and listening more (although I still have a long way to go with that one).
Thanks again for the link! It is a really good book!
Im going to get it today! I need to learn to just take life as it's handed to me, and remember their isnt anything I can do to change the past!
Sounds like a great book. I might have to read it!
I'm intrigued. Thanks for sharing!
I've loved catching up on your posts. It's hilarious that Emma didn't tell you that Aubrey was the one who cut her hair. I will definitely check out the Happiness Project. I do believe that happiness is a choice (at least most of the time.)
ps- Rubin actually addresses the "happiness is a choice" idea on her blog! Very cool. I really appreciate her spin on that statement… determining what would make her happier and choosing to make the changes necessary. That's much more specific and an easier concept to grasp than just simply "choosing to be happy."
I've been working over the last 3 years (since we moved back home) to purge our lives of all the junk that is not beautiful, functional or make me have a good memory. It's always a WIP, but it feels good to simplify and give things to people who might actually enjoy them! I will have to check out the book, thanks for the recommendation!
It would be my DREAM to be able to take half-days at work on Fridays. But who am I kidding…I'm a work-a-holic. It would never happen…
Sincerely,
The Queen of Cardigans (seriously…I love them.)
Angie A,
I am wearing a cardigan right now…didn't get rid of ANY of them!