Tuesday, April 24, 2012

The Happiness Project

I would consider myself a generally happy person.  Don't get me wrong, my life is by no means all sunshine and roses, but I often find myself trying to live in the moment (something difficult for a planner like me) and enjoy what is happening right now.  There are many times that I think to myself, "these are the days we'll look back on and think they were the good ole' days."    I sometimes wonder if I am appreciating my life enough and if I could be doing things a better way.  This book came to me at a perfect time in my life.

Author Gretchen Rubin was also happy, but thought she could be happier.  She decided to create twelve months of resolutions.  Each would each focus on a different aspect of her life which she wished to improve.  The book takes you month by month through her successes and failures, while also discussing the actual science of happiness.  I was able to apply a lot of this newly acquired knowledge to my own life (currently a work in progress).  I have seen some positive effects already.

via
I really loved this book.  In fact, this is my second five out of five stars book in a row.  From the moment I started reading it, I began making notes of my own.  One of my favorite aspects of the book was her Twelve Commandments, two of which I decided I needed to pay special attention to in my life (spend out and no calculation).  I also really liked her Secrets of Adulthood and have found myself doling out these little pearls of wisdom to friends.  She has another book coming out in September regarding happiness in the home, and I am really looking forward to it.

P.S.  Thanks to Emma over at Gawgus Things for the recommendation.

Up next, One Day.  Honestly, I have been reading this book for a while now, and I am not loving it.  I keep hoping it will get better (so far, it hasn't).  I am not really sure I still want to see the movie version (but let's face it, I probably will).

15 comments:

colleen said...

there's a blog i follow that is doing everything this book says, month by month. it's www.thelifeofawife.com. you may like to see what she did for every month so far.

Pratishtha Durga said...

I think happiness is a project that we all can embark on. I try and consciously make choices that lead to happiness. i haven't read the book, but from your post, it sounds promising.

Emmylou said...

I've been meaning to read this book for awhile. There can never be too much happiness in life, I say. Thanks for the review, Erin.

rooth said...

Thanks for the book recommendation - it seems like you were able to realize immediate dividends from what the book "preached" which is great!

Gawgus things... said...

Glad you enjoyed the book!! It's great isn't it?! Emma xx

tiff@thecoffeehouse said...

ok, this book sounds amazing. pinning it on my book list!

Anonymous said...

Hmm I think i really need this book in my life! Thanks so much for sharing it!

Heather said...

Sounds like a great read! I'll definitely have to check this one out.

monica said...

hmmm i might check this out - thanks

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the recommendation, Erin!!! It sounds like a great book. I've already added it to my cart on Amazon.

Gloria said...

I've heard such great things about this book - definitely putting it on my must-read list!

Thelma Frayne said...

I think I'm the last person in the world to read this book- but it is on my list!

Lauren said...

LOVED The Happiness Project! Her blog is really cool as well. As for One Day - I finished it. I also had trouble getting through it, and I thought it was ok, but I have yet to see the movie.

Tina L. Hook said...

I might have to read it this summer. I have always been a list-maker, so this is right up my alley. Best of luck on your latest set of goals.

And thank you for throwing your hat in the mingle last week. We are doing this again at my blog tomorrow.

A Brew of Blessings said...

I loved this book!!! I read this in February and thought it was an excellent read. I can't say I have headed all of the advice but it definitely helped in some ways change the way I think/feel about things :)

I'm Erin

My photo
Hi, I'm Erin. I am living back on the east coast after 15 years out west. Currently readjusting to humidity and mosquitos. I love to take pictures and read fashion magazines.... and to talk about nothing in particular (ok, and my dogs).

Follow Along

Blog Archives

Tagged

Search This Blog

Grab My Button

Popcorn, Pugs, and Peonies
<div class="grab-button" margin: 0 auto;"><a href="http://popcornpugspeonies.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwK7PaXt8NY/WjlUjPt2TRI/AAAAAAAAxp8/Wc_z0jea0SsUeCokvVnbwYRqsBvpvLvOgCEwYBhgL/s1600/3PsButton.png" alt="Popcorn, Pugs, and Peonies"></div>
 
Designed by Munchkin Land Designs • Copyright 2015 • All Rights Reserved