book report: the happiness project

I have a terrific book recommendation, especially for fellow parents. If you, like me, loved ‘Julie and Julia’, ‘The Year of Living Biblically’, and/or ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, this book is for you! In a nutshell, it’s a ‘how to’ guide for bringing MORE happiness into your life. One day, while riding a New York City bus, author Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany: “The days are long, but the years are short.”

Gretchen realized time was passing and she wasn’t focusing on the things that really matter. (Sound familiar?). Unlike Elizabeth Gilbert, however, she didn’t want to uproot her life and family. She wanted to focus on improving her life as it was. In her year-long Happiness Project, she tackled a different resolution each month. For example, find more fun, make time for friends, etc.

Here is the full breakdown:

• January – Boost energy
• February – Remember love
• March – Aim higher
• April – Lighten up
• May – Be serious about play
• June – Make time for friends
• July – Buy some happiness
• August – Contemplate the heavens
• September – Pursue a passion
• October – Pay attention
• November – Keep a contented heart
• December – Boot camp perfect

Even though I consider myself a very happy person, this book was a terrific reminder to take time NOW to enjoy as much of each day as is feasible (and also find joy in the more mundane aspects). Now who wouldn’t benefit from a little of that?

I would love to start some sort of local Happiness Project Circle if anyone is interested (we can also include the far away folks in a virtual manner) – let me know if this is you! Gretchen provides helpful starts in the form of toolkits and other information on her blog. I highly encourage you to check it out!

http://www.happiness-project.com/