I finished the Happiness Project book! Started in March, took my time perusing and underlining, and I finished up this weekend. I usually don't make it through non-fiction completely, but this one was linear enough for me to do just that. I have many notes and ! marks in the margins for future blog posts...so stay tuned.
BUT FIRST...
I was reading her November chapter, and I realized I really do not laugh enough. Children laugh more times a day than we do in a week, and it's just time I found a reason to do it. Remember the column in Reader's Digest, "Laughter, the best medicine?" I loved it. As a kid, I'd find my grandparents' copy of the magazine so I could learn some new jokes. My son's giggles should be inspiration enough, but I do forget.
Certain comedians make me laugh so hard I cry. Why don't I download it and listen to it in the car? I have no good answer to this. This swept the news for a day or two...and I love it. Seeing someone who is usually so serious be so tickled makes me giggle.
Seriously, click here. I can't embed on blog, but it's. so. funny.
Maybe it could be a good laugh for you today, too.
Who/what makes you laugh?
Showing posts with label happiness project book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label happiness project book. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What can you do every day?
Gretchen Rubin wrote this wonderful post about ten things that she knows she WILL do everyday, even if nothing else gets done. Please please read it! I thought, of course, about what my list would look like. Here's what I know I do everyday. (with of course, the normal exceptions, whatever they may be. I can't kiss my husband if he's out of town, but you know what I mean.)
1. Kiss my husband.
2. Love on my son.
3. Pet my beagle.
4. Wear my seatbelt.
5. Have a cup of coffee, and relish the taste.
6. Straighten something up.
7. Stretch thoughtfully, and stretch with no rush.
8. Enjoy the pitter patter of the shower water on my back.
9. Breathe in and out, thoughtfully, at least one time slowly.
10. Take a picture, for a creative outlet or to capture a moment.
11. Hear some sort of music.
And all these things make me happy....all of which I do DAILY. Take pleasure in the small things, for in the small things lie great happiness and fulfillment.
1. Kiss my husband.
2. Love on my son.
3. Pet my beagle.
4. Wear my seatbelt.
5. Have a cup of coffee, and relish the taste.
6. Straighten something up.
7. Stretch thoughtfully, and stretch with no rush.
8. Enjoy the pitter patter of the shower water on my back.
9. Breathe in and out, thoughtfully, at least one time slowly.
10. Take a picture, for a creative outlet or to capture a moment.
11. Hear some sort of music.
And all these things make me happy....all of which I do DAILY. Take pleasure in the small things, for in the small things lie great happiness and fulfillment.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Season of Summer and Books
Each season brings new promise, farewells, and hellos. My summer has surely been a change from spring, and I welcome it all. Since I never really had me time in the spring, winter, or fall either, I don't think much about devoting my day 100% to my little guy. It is a tremendous pleasure.
When the school year comes around again, I will be there from 8-12. Not 7:30 to 4. Yes, my salary is gravely affected, but my life will be tremendously enriched. I am so happy to greet this new routine, though I am NOT rushing through the one my son and I have now.
As far as me time goes for this mama, I have almost made it through two books this summer. That's NOTHING to so many people, yet for me, it's pretty darn good. I'm a slow reader anyway, and with a toddler, you just never know when you'll want to pick it up.
I have found myself quietly slipping into a nap (even 15 minutes) after reading during his nap time. It's pretty nice, actually. And though I wish I could plow through more books, I also enjoy napping when he does, catching up on my favorite shows, and blogging.
I have enjoyed Heart of the Matter this summer, and Vision in White.
I dearly love Emily Giffin, and I love the feel of paperbacks. Not the tiny mass market ones, but the bigger ones. No other type of books feels better in my hands. So even though this one was out LAST summer, I waited for the paperback. I had plenty other books to read, anyway!
When I was about 8 weeks pregnant, my mother-in-law took me to her river house in Hardy, AR. She bought me food that would not turn my stomach, fed me well, and bought me silly, mindless books and magazines to read. It was for me to relax, and hubby to stay home to pack our house, since we were a week away from buying our first place.
Vision in White was the book she bought, and I didn't read it then because I was in the middle of another one, but I wanted so much to read it. I read all the bride fiction that looked decent when I was engaged, and this looked like plain, simple fun. Nora Roberts likes to write four books in a series, maybe three, and this was a "Bride Quartet" book. This was two years ago, and now all the books are out. I am just finishing up this one, and it's simple, plain, joyful fun.
My next book won't be the second in the Bride Quartet, as I rarely go back to back with the same author.
I AM still reading The Happiness Project book but am going slowly, since I can. And summer has turned things upside down, but hey, even that makes me happy. I needed a little shaking up at the end of May...time for a relaxing routine. Looks like the prescription that worked was mommy/toddler time and reading.
Happiness indeed.
When the school year comes around again, I will be there from 8-12. Not 7:30 to 4. Yes, my salary is gravely affected, but my life will be tremendously enriched. I am so happy to greet this new routine, though I am NOT rushing through the one my son and I have now.
As far as me time goes for this mama, I have almost made it through two books this summer. That's NOTHING to so many people, yet for me, it's pretty darn good. I'm a slow reader anyway, and with a toddler, you just never know when you'll want to pick it up.
I have found myself quietly slipping into a nap (even 15 minutes) after reading during his nap time. It's pretty nice, actually. And though I wish I could plow through more books, I also enjoy napping when he does, catching up on my favorite shows, and blogging.
I have enjoyed Heart of the Matter this summer, and Vision in White.
I dearly love Emily Giffin, and I love the feel of paperbacks. Not the tiny mass market ones, but the bigger ones. No other type of books feels better in my hands. So even though this one was out LAST summer, I waited for the paperback. I had plenty other books to read, anyway!
When I was about 8 weeks pregnant, my mother-in-law took me to her river house in Hardy, AR. She bought me food that would not turn my stomach, fed me well, and bought me silly, mindless books and magazines to read. It was for me to relax, and hubby to stay home to pack our house, since we were a week away from buying our first place.
Vision in White was the book she bought, and I didn't read it then because I was in the middle of another one, but I wanted so much to read it. I read all the bride fiction that looked decent when I was engaged, and this looked like plain, simple fun. Nora Roberts likes to write four books in a series, maybe three, and this was a "Bride Quartet" book. This was two years ago, and now all the books are out. I am just finishing up this one, and it's simple, plain, joyful fun.
My next book won't be the second in the Bride Quartet, as I rarely go back to back with the same author.
I AM still reading The Happiness Project book but am going slowly, since I can. And summer has turned things upside down, but hey, even that makes me happy. I needed a little shaking up at the end of May...time for a relaxing routine. Looks like the prescription that worked was mommy/toddler time and reading.
Happiness indeed.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Procrastination Happiness and Unhappiness
It's summer for this teacher, and this mama couldn't be more excited to spend her summer with a handsome 17 month-old.
We're getting into the swing of things post-end of school year, and we've had much catching up to do at home. Grocery shopping, laundry, etc. However, there are so very many things I have put off for months, and I did a few things today.
Procrastination RARELY makes me happy. When you know you'll get to it later (as in, EXACTLY when you will do it), it can be kind of a fun little thing. But while reading The Happiness Project and knowing how micro-movements are the way to go, I adopted the one-minute-rule. It's worked beautifully! Can it be done in a minute or less? DO IT NOW.
However, there are so many things that DO take more than a minute, and involve planning. I'm determined to be better about that with more time now. Today, I finally called the vet to make an appointment for this weekend for my beagle, who is a bit overdue for her check-up. I'm ashamed and a bad mommy to my sweet lady, but I give her a lot of love, and I'm making up for it now. Dogs are so forgiving.
And also, she's needed a new collar for quite some time. And a new ID tag. Did it all today. She's spiffed up, and soon will have her new rabies vaccine tag, too.
I feel AWFUL that I procrastinated on this. I kept telling myself it was a money and time thing, but she's a living being, and my responsibility.
I'll try to remember this the next time this comes up. Next thing? Make dentist appointment for me. As long as I have the appointment, I'm fine with July or August. As long as I know it's on the calendar.
What can YOU stop procrastinating on? Anything?
We're getting into the swing of things post-end of school year, and we've had much catching up to do at home. Grocery shopping, laundry, etc. However, there are so very many things I have put off for months, and I did a few things today.
Procrastination RARELY makes me happy. When you know you'll get to it later (as in, EXACTLY when you will do it), it can be kind of a fun little thing. But while reading The Happiness Project and knowing how micro-movements are the way to go, I adopted the one-minute-rule. It's worked beautifully! Can it be done in a minute or less? DO IT NOW.
However, there are so many things that DO take more than a minute, and involve planning. I'm determined to be better about that with more time now. Today, I finally called the vet to make an appointment for this weekend for my beagle, who is a bit overdue for her check-up. I'm ashamed and a bad mommy to my sweet lady, but I give her a lot of love, and I'm making up for it now. Dogs are so forgiving.
And also, she's needed a new collar for quite some time. And a new ID tag. Did it all today. She's spiffed up, and soon will have her new rabies vaccine tag, too.
I feel AWFUL that I procrastinated on this. I kept telling myself it was a money and time thing, but she's a living being, and my responsibility.
I'll try to remember this the next time this comes up. Next thing? Make dentist appointment for me. As long as I have the appointment, I'm fine with July or August. As long as I know it's on the calendar.
What can YOU stop procrastinating on? Anything?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Happiness Update
A few things:
I'm not good at the no Facebook thing, but I do stop after 8:45 or 9 each night.
I've only bought one thing online since then, and as usual, it's something we did need. Yes, we could have gotten on without it, but I caved. No one is perfect.
No, I'm not doing the sticker thing. I decided that was too much to actually do, and that was NOT bringing me happiness.
Also, I have come across a fourth happiness-related book. This one is called "Raising Happiness." I have read around 50 pages so far, and really love it. I think this one is going to be a great reference...I can see myself checking it out again when the things are more applicable. There are so many tips for kids older than my 17 month old, but it's GREAT information to keep in my back pocket!!
And that's the scoop!
PS- I'm catching up on blogging today, both this and my personal family blog. Catching up makes me so happy!
And Double PS - I have implemented Gretchen Rubin's One-Minute Rule (never procrastinate on something that will take under a minute), and it really has made a significant difference. Try it!!
I'm not good at the no Facebook thing, but I do stop after 8:45 or 9 each night.
I've only bought one thing online since then, and as usual, it's something we did need. Yes, we could have gotten on without it, but I caved. No one is perfect.
No, I'm not doing the sticker thing. I decided that was too much to actually do, and that was NOT bringing me happiness.
Also, I have come across a fourth happiness-related book. This one is called "Raising Happiness." I have read around 50 pages so far, and really love it. I think this one is going to be a great reference...I can see myself checking it out again when the things are more applicable. There are so many tips for kids older than my 17 month old, but it's GREAT information to keep in my back pocket!!And that's the scoop!
PS- I'm catching up on blogging today, both this and my personal family blog. Catching up makes me so happy!
And Double PS - I have implemented Gretchen Rubin's One-Minute Rule (never procrastinate on something that will take under a minute), and it really has made a significant difference. Try it!!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Happiness Project Book Update
Okay, here's the Happiness Project book update, since that was quite a bit of the inspiration for this blog. And this blog, in turn, making me accountable for following through on certain things. I have made it through half her year, so I'm just about to start on July's focus. I have so many ideas for posts as I continue reading, so there will be reflections for many months I'm sure.
In the book, she has commandments that she should always refer to. She has 12, I have no idea what I will end up with. So far, I have the following:
1. No Calculation This is one of Gretchen's. It means basically no tit-for-tat thinking. Just because I do something one day doesn't mean someone else SHOULD do it or WILL do it the next day. Which leads to the next one --
2. Just do it. I mean really. I love Gretchen's one minute rule, which means that she will not procrastinate on anything that will take less than a minute to do. Fortunately, so far, this helps me do things that take more than a minute (like unloading the dishwasher). However, I still like that I have wiggle room if it WILL take more than a minute.
3. Let it go. For me, easier said than done. BUT, I am starting with little things (daily annoyances), and I hope that will translate into the grudges from years ago that I need so much to really purge!
4. Be physical. This one has been challenging as of late, but I am going to see if I can start really getting on a good schedule for exercising. Conversely, this is also the one consistent change I have incorporated into my daily routine. By this, I mean that before I get out of bed (the single most excruciating part of my day), I stretch. In bed. Even just a little. And it has made ALL the difference!
This is what I am starting with, and as soon as I come across a new commandment I write it down. More to come!
In the book, she has commandments that she should always refer to. She has 12, I have no idea what I will end up with. So far, I have the following:
1. No Calculation This is one of Gretchen's. It means basically no tit-for-tat thinking. Just because I do something one day doesn't mean someone else SHOULD do it or WILL do it the next day. Which leads to the next one --
2. Just do it. I mean really. I love Gretchen's one minute rule, which means that she will not procrastinate on anything that will take less than a minute to do. Fortunately, so far, this helps me do things that take more than a minute (like unloading the dishwasher). However, I still like that I have wiggle room if it WILL take more than a minute.
3. Let it go. For me, easier said than done. BUT, I am starting with little things (daily annoyances), and I hope that will translate into the grudges from years ago that I need so much to really purge!
4. Be physical. This one has been challenging as of late, but I am going to see if I can start really getting on a good schedule for exercising. Conversely, this is also the one consistent change I have incorporated into my daily routine. By this, I mean that before I get out of bed (the single most excruciating part of my day), I stretch. In bed. Even just a little. And it has made ALL the difference!
This is what I am starting with, and as soon as I come across a new commandment I write it down. More to come!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
SARK's Micromovements
I'm not sure in which of SARK's books she first wrote about micromovements, but it really spoke to me. I still like SARK, but really found her color and hand-written books enthralling particularly in college.
This book was my first one. I need to bring it out again!
She has a wonderful outlook on life, and has strived to be very happy and embrace all things HER. But of course, not in an egotistical way. She accepts her faults and knows what to do with them. She loves a good nap. And she knows that need-to-do tasks (or even want-to-do tasks) can be very daunting. So, she suggests micromovements. As I am about to enter into a new phase of work next year, doors of possibilities are now open. That does not thrill (completely) someone with my personality. It scares me. I don't like challenges. Which is why Gretchen Rubin's book has helped so much already too. Her Happiness Project was given a full year to really work on it. She didn't rush. She took time to plan, then implemented and tweaked.
When you marry micromovements and taking your time and living in the moment, you get this outlook when you are overwhelmed : What do I have to do today, right NOW, to make improvements?
Yesterday, when I was really heartbroken at the unfairness of my contract, I was completely bummed. I am terrified of what I have to do next to make more money. But I started thinking about only what I have to do NOW, or THIS WEEK. And I remembered that my husband will understand that new things take time.
ANYWAY, here's an excerpt on micromovements. You can download the PDF for yourself here.
Micromovement Reminders
1. Choose a tiny step-something you already know how to do. If you want to write more letters, a good micromovement would be: Tuesday 2pm, put stamps and paper and pen in same spot.
2. Write down your micromovement with a date and time. You can always reassign it. It has more value in the material world when it is written down.
3. As soon as you've completed your micromovement, choose the next one and write that down.
4. Micromovements resist repetition. Example: "My micromovement is to write in my journal every day for 5 minutes."
Sound reasonable?
It may sound reasonable, but it isn't. Here's why:
The first time we get a headache, or don’t feel like writing, or just don't do it, the inner critic lurches forward with pleasure and says, "Aha! See! You can't even write every day for five minutes. You'll never be a writer….blah blah blah."
Simply make it smaller:
Tomorrow at 8pm write in my journal for 5 minutes
5. Get micromovement support. Find a friend who is eager to work with micromovements and check in with each other on completion schedules.
Note: Do not engage in faultfinding or sarcasm when you falter. Choose a sensitive and kind friend doing inner critic work.
6. Collect notes about your micromovements all the way through a project, and study how you did it. We often forget our own ways and methods.
7. Be willing to practice this system and continually forget about it, fail at it, yet still have faith in yourself and your creative dreams.
8. Be willing to get smaller. Most micromovements are too large. In fact, we assign ourselves projects that are much too big and then get discouraged by our own inactivity.
More micromovement example:
I wish to make a big purple pillow
Micromovements:
1. Call Nancy Wed. 10am ask where she got the great purple fabric
2. Thu 11am, put fabric near sewing machine
3. Fri 4pm, draw two types of pillow ideas
4. Sat 2pm, assemble supplies for 5 minutes
5. Sun 5pm sew a tiny purple pillow cover
Slowly and surely wins the race. Thank you, SARK, for your years of inspiration!!
This book was my first one. I need to bring it out again!
She has a wonderful outlook on life, and has strived to be very happy and embrace all things HER. But of course, not in an egotistical way. She accepts her faults and knows what to do with them. She loves a good nap. And she knows that need-to-do tasks (or even want-to-do tasks) can be very daunting. So, she suggests micromovements. As I am about to enter into a new phase of work next year, doors of possibilities are now open. That does not thrill (completely) someone with my personality. It scares me. I don't like challenges. Which is why Gretchen Rubin's book has helped so much already too. Her Happiness Project was given a full year to really work on it. She didn't rush. She took time to plan, then implemented and tweaked.
When you marry micromovements and taking your time and living in the moment, you get this outlook when you are overwhelmed : What do I have to do today, right NOW, to make improvements?
Yesterday, when I was really heartbroken at the unfairness of my contract, I was completely bummed. I am terrified of what I have to do next to make more money. But I started thinking about only what I have to do NOW, or THIS WEEK. And I remembered that my husband will understand that new things take time.
ANYWAY, here's an excerpt on micromovements. You can download the PDF for yourself here.
Micromovement Reminders
1. Choose a tiny step-something you already know how to do. If you want to write more letters, a good micromovement would be: Tuesday 2pm, put stamps and paper and pen in same spot.
2. Write down your micromovement with a date and time. You can always reassign it. It has more value in the material world when it is written down.
3. As soon as you've completed your micromovement, choose the next one and write that down.
4. Micromovements resist repetition. Example: "My micromovement is to write in my journal every day for 5 minutes."
Sound reasonable?
It may sound reasonable, but it isn't. Here's why:
The first time we get a headache, or don’t feel like writing, or just don't do it, the inner critic lurches forward with pleasure and says, "Aha! See! You can't even write every day for five minutes. You'll never be a writer….blah blah blah."
Simply make it smaller:
Tomorrow at 8pm write in my journal for 5 minutes
5. Get micromovement support. Find a friend who is eager to work with micromovements and check in with each other on completion schedules.
Note: Do not engage in faultfinding or sarcasm when you falter. Choose a sensitive and kind friend doing inner critic work.
6. Collect notes about your micromovements all the way through a project, and study how you did it. We often forget our own ways and methods.
7. Be willing to practice this system and continually forget about it, fail at it, yet still have faith in yourself and your creative dreams.
8. Be willing to get smaller. Most micromovements are too large. In fact, we assign ourselves projects that are much too big and then get discouraged by our own inactivity.
More micromovement example:
I wish to make a big purple pillow
Micromovements:
1. Call Nancy Wed. 10am ask where she got the great purple fabric
2. Thu 11am, put fabric near sewing machine
3. Fri 4pm, draw two types of pillow ideas
4. Sat 2pm, assemble supplies for 5 minutes
5. Sun 5pm sew a tiny purple pillow cover
Slowly and surely wins the race. Thank you, SARK, for your years of inspiration!!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Happiness Is...
You can read this blog's title as:
Happiness is a journey.
As in, the road to happiness is a journey, which takes time and effort and mindfulness.
OR
Happiness is...A Journey.
As in, Happiness is: A journey. "Happiness Is" is my title. This happens to be an account of a journey.
OR
Happiness is a journey.
As in--going on a journey (walk, journey through life) brings happiness.
I think I mean all three. Or, at least the first too. I hope that this journey will bring happiness, and I will mean all three.
Essentially, dear reader, I hope this blog will serve as an outlet for my journey as I learn to live my life. I have recently come across the book "The Happiness Project." I have ordered it. I haven't even received it yet, though it's sparked something in me. I am not an unhappy person, but there is always room for improvement. I like to have things organized, so possibly this blog will serve that need for me as well through posts and labels.
I already have friends who are interested in discussing together as we read. If I can be held accountable by friends who too want to take a similar journey, this might just make my journey a little bit richer!
Happiness is a journey.
As in, the road to happiness is a journey, which takes time and effort and mindfulness.
OR
Happiness is...A Journey.
As in, Happiness is: A journey. "Happiness Is" is my title. This happens to be an account of a journey.
OR
Happiness is a journey.
As in--going on a journey (walk, journey through life) brings happiness.
I think I mean all three. Or, at least the first too. I hope that this journey will bring happiness, and I will mean all three.
Essentially, dear reader, I hope this blog will serve as an outlet for my journey as I learn to live my life. I have recently come across the book "The Happiness Project." I have ordered it. I haven't even received it yet, though it's sparked something in me. I am not an unhappy person, but there is always room for improvement. I like to have things organized, so possibly this blog will serve that need for me as well through posts and labels. I already have friends who are interested in discussing together as we read. If I can be held accountable by friends who too want to take a similar journey, this might just make my journey a little bit richer!
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