Don’t we all aspire to be happy? To experience joy in life with our pockets full of sunshine? And to look at things with a glass half full instead of empty? These are some questions to ponder as you read: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
Recently, I was invited to read this book for a book club. I was eager to get into the pages and see for myself what The Happiness Project was all about.
The author shares her perspective on a year’s worth of goals she has specifically set out for herself in the pursuit of happiness. Each month she has chosen a theme or goal to learn and grow from.
For example, January starts out with “Boosting Energy”, February is “Remember Love” while March is “Aim Higher” and so forth. In her own personal life, Rubin lets the readers know how she is maintaining happiness, through candid, honest experiences and feelings involving her husband, Jamie, and her two daughters, Eliza and Eleanor.
She gives many real-life instances where she is truly engaged in “Boosting her energy” (January) by upping her game to exercise more. As she says on page 21, “...People who exercise are healthier, think more clearly, sleep better and have delayed onset of dementia. Regular exercise boosts energy levels.”
“Remembering love” with her husband, Jamie, meant not seeking out those “gold stars” all the time but quietly going about doing good without much praise or fanfare. Plus, Rubin discovered an interesting connection when you have at least a six second hug with someone you love (pages 45)!
This book made me think a lot about my own life and how would I create my OWN Happiness Project? What would each of my months include? Or maybe I don’t even need to fill an entire year but rather start with one day and go from there.
Rubin encourages the reader to customize their own ideas as to how they can gain happiness. It is very individualistic.
My favorite month or theme in the book was: June: Make Time for Friends, Friendship. I identified with this month because I thoroughly enjoy being around good friends who make me happy!
Rubin says, “…People tend to feel happier when they’re with other people…it lengthens life.”
Page 145 she mentions that, “Generous acts strengthen the bonds of friendship, and…studies show that your happiness is often boosted more by providing support to other people than from receiving support yourself.”
I learned so many things from this author. I want to “Ban Sarcasm” as Rubin talks about on page 260. I want to have more GRATITUDE and be aware of my blessings. I want to find happiness in my every day. I believe I can do this.
One thing Rubin talks about for the main goal of her own happiness is to prepare for adversity. On page 167 she emphasizes that, “It’s admirable that people can find happiness in circumstances of poverty as well as in circumstances of plenty.”
We all have a choice to be happy. You can create happiness for yourself on a daily basis. This is a fascinating book. Read The Happiness Project today!
