Read Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project.
The biggest mistake I made with this book was in getting it from the library and not buying it myself. The entire time I read it, I itched to pick up a pen or a highlighter and go to town underlining, making nice little stars in the margins, and writing my own insights. Sigh. Not in a library book.
Like Gretchen, I too had an epiphany of sorts a while back. I love my children, I have many blessings in my life, I'm doing what I want to be doing -- but I think I could be happier. That's when I started this blog. I wanted an outlet to get back into literature. That's the biggest thing that I miss about teaching after all. And it's helped -- really -- even if I only have 6 followers and at least 3 of them are related to me (love you all!!!).
But this book. THIS BOOK! My head is now swimming with so many things that I want to do that would help enrich my life. I've already started a few of them. And I feel better, I really do. Ok it also helps that my Vitamin D levels are going up (who knew?). By the way, if you're feeling constantly fatigued -- beyond I-have-two-small-children-that-run-me-ragged fatigued, have your Vitamin D levels checked. Seriously.
Ok back to the post at hand.
There is also a website for this book, also titled The Happiness Project. There's a lot going on there but definitely worth checking out, especially if you're not sure about the book. She also freely offers up a starter kit and her resolutions chart for your use. Love that.
My favorite things about the book:
1. Readable. Her personal experiences were instructive and engaging!
2. Researched. But not in a let-me-throw-the-experts-at-you-to-prove-me-point kind of way. They're almost an afterthought that solidify the point she's making.
3. She is so flawed. Even when she is doing her best. When I read about superwomen it can be discouraging because I don't feel I can be that. But this, I can do.
4. Funny. I smiled and laughed quite a bit actually.
I highly recommend it and will be doing my own happiness -- maybe not a complete project -- but mini-projects. I'll have to figure out what to call them.
