Blurb: Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. “The days are long, but the years are short,” she realized. “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project.
In this lively and compelling account, Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.
Review: I first discovered this book via the web, or more correctly, I came across Ms. Rubin’s website The Happiness Project
I thought – what a great idea. A person can never have enough happiness. It’s taken me longer to read the book.
In the book Ms. Rubin starts by explaining how her happiness project came about and the research she did before she started. After her research she came up with twelve commandments:
1. Be Gretchen
2. Let it go.
3. Act the way I want to feel.
4. Do it now.
5. Be polite and be fair.
6. Enjoy the process.
7. Spend out.
8. Identify the problem.
9. Lighten up.
10. Do what ought to be done.
11. No calculation.
12. There is only love.
These commandments were used to help her keep to her new resolutions.
On 1 January, she started her happiness project, tackling different sections of her life. For example January was all about vitality and energy. Her goals were to a) sleep earlier, b) exercise better, c) toss, restore and organize, d) tackle a nagging task and e) act more energetic. Each month she tackled something different, always referring back to her twelve commandments.
This book is very readable, and I found myself nodding along with some of the things the author said or did during her months of seeking happiness. It’s a self-help book, and like all self-help books the reader takes what works for them and ignores the rest.
When I read some of the reviews, they said the author came across as self-indulgent. I didn’t find that. For me the personal experience added to the reading experience. If you’re searching for happiness, definitely spend a little time flicking through The Happiness Project. I think you’ll find it worthwhile.
The beginning of a new year is traditionally the time to start afresh. Some people make New Year resolutions such as wanting to get fit, lose weight or give up smoking. They’re common ones. I’ve never been one for making resolutions, since I’m of the opinion that if I want to make a life change, I can do it at any time. I don’t need a new year to kick me into gear.
This year was a little different. I decided to pursue happiness. So what prompted this change?
Two family friends died during 2011. One was slightly younger than me (author Sandra Hyatt) and one was a little older. Both passed away before their time, and this brought home to me how precious each day is. Life is way too short to waste in anything but happiness.
What is happiness?
To me happiness is finding joy in the little things. It’s taking care of everything that I can control and letting everything else take care of itself. Happiness is letting go of the things that cause stress and enjoying friends, family and puppies. It’s trying new experiences and keeping my days clutter free. Happiness is experiencing life and embracing change instead of just drifting aimlessly along. Happiness is love.
How do you define happiness?
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January 18th, 2012 at 2:24 am · Link
At seventy-four, happiness is not ticking off items in a bucket list, nor a string of commandments, nor even love (and I have that in abundance). I don’t tote up all the pluses and minuses at the end of each day and grade myself.
Instead, I just do my best, learn what I can from my mistakes and try not to judge others for being different. I’m more selective in the goals I pursue and less critical of my failures.
If forced to rate myself, I’d say I was happy, but would consider it more important to be alive and capable of happiness, or sadness, or any other of the multitude of emotions we all are prey to…the highs and lows that make life worth living.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:42 am · Link
Amy,
There is so much stress these days. Everyone is always in a hurry, running to meet deadlines etc. A lot of us don’t take time to enjoy the small things, which can make us happier people. Learning from mistakes and even making mistakes is all part of the cycle. Throughout the ages some of our discoveries have come from mistakes, so I think we should keep making them. The trick is to take something away from each mistake, be it good or bad.
Balance is part of my plan for happiness. I want to enjoy each day. Right now at this moment happiness is a latte and a chocolate croissant :)
January 18th, 2012 at 3:49 am · Link
I have seen a bit on this book. For me happiness is internal. Good things happening and great people in your life are only a part of it. You have to be able to look at things and see them differently.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:47 am · Link
Debra,
Yes, I agree. Happiness is an attitude, and each person is responsible for their own happiness or sadness. It’s how we react to situations or deal with stressful times that has an impact on happiness.
January 18th, 2012 at 10:28 am · Link
I don’t usually go for self-help books, but this one looks interesting. I hope the new year is full of much happiness for you, Shelley. Thanks for sharing :-)
January 18th, 2012 at 11:48 am · Link
Hi Ella,
I pick up the odd self-help book at the library because they always give me ideas for characters. This one I found interesting for myself. I’ll be aiming for happiness this year, that’s for sure.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:57 am · Link
One thing about self-help books is that some authors seem focused on what they learned in a book or in observing others. This self-help book sounds like it’s coming from the author’s heart, her own experience and what worked for her.
January 18th, 2012 at 1:32 pm · Link
That’s definitely the case. It’s a personal journey.
January 18th, 2012 at 1:56 pm · Link
I’ve struggled with depression and a personality disorder my entire life. So happiness for me is not being depressed and being able to laugh with my family. To see the wonder in small things, to smile at the little things in life and be grateful for what I have instead of sad for what I don’t.
January 22nd, 2012 at 3:57 pm · Link
Although I’ve never suffered from depression I know how bad it can be. One of New Zealand’s ex-All Blacks suffers from depression. After he retired he made it public knowledge, and he now fronts a campaign for depression. I know the knowledge that other people suffer depression has helped sufferers. The rest of the public have become more understanding since the public campaign too.