The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I’m only half-way through, but I seriously can’t wait to get home from work to continue reading. She’s very real. No BS. And while she talks some theory, everything she says can be applied to your life. She helps to hit you over the head to remind yourself that this is your one shot; there’s no do-overs. In other words, don’t skate through life. If you’re unhappy, do something to change it. I’m a big believer in taking responsibility over your own happiness.
Today while waiting in line at CVS, I witnessed one of Rubin’s themes: Create a positive mood.
The scenario went something like this:
Cashier: Hello m’am, how are you today?
Woman (not me I promise): Oh, I’m OK I guess, how are you?
Cashier: I’m just wonderful! Thank you for asking
Woman: You’re wonderful?! Well now I feel wonderful, thank you for passing along your good mood.
Do you see what happened there? Attitude is contagious, both positive and negative. Yes, it’s a cliché, but it’s true. That conversation might seem insignificant, but it just goes to show that how you walk through your day, not only impacts you, but the ones around you.
Along those lines, ever since my last What I’m Reading post, I plowed through three other books. They were all very good, so I thought I would share with you in case you are looking for a good read. I’ve ranked them in order of preference:
1. Still Alice by Lisa Genova
This was a captivating story of a woman with Early Onset Alzheimers. It is told from her point of view, through which the reader “experiences” the progression of her disease. I thought it was beautifully written.
2.. The Weight of Silence by Healther Gudenkauf
Prior, I had read These Things Hidden and absolutely loved it. The Weight of Silence was just as well written with many twists and turns; a page-turner indeed, but nothing that kept me up at night or rushing home to read. A good “beach read” if you will.
3. Outside the Lines by Amy Hatvany
While this definitely caught my attention at the very beginning, it became one of those books that I kept reading just to finish it. I was ready for it to be over. It had an interesting plot, but kind of dragged on. Maybe the two week break I took to catch up on Downton Abbey had something to do with my disinterest as well…
My book is calling my name. Goodnight!
Have you read The Happiness Project? What are your thoughts on Happiness? <–Loaded question I know
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Good point by Gretchen – none of us are getting out of this alive. Fortunately I enjoy a lot of different activities thanks to my parents getting my brothers and I outside. So I’m always happy fishing, playing golf, and doing many other things outside of work life. But the thing that makes me smile inside the most is making someone’s day – especially a stranger. I try to make at least one fellow human’s day every day. And many times it’s as easy as a random compliment. Other times its something different. I could go on as it is a loaded question. But that’s the basic answer.
I love that answer!
Hey Sara-
I just recently ordered The Happiness Project for my kindle. Hope to read it soon! If you listen to podcasts, I was listening to a podcast called ‘the kitchen hour’ and the author was a guest on the podcast. It was interesting!
Joan (from whole foods chia class).
Thanks Joan! I do listen to podcasts, so I will have to look it up. My good friend saw Gretchen Rubin and heard her speak up in NYC and said she was great. I’ve been reading her blog as well. I think she is very interesting!