heather's happiness project

"i didn't want to look back at the ened of my life after some great catastrophe and think "how happy i used to be then if i'd only realized it. i needed to think about this, how could i discipline myself to feel grateful for my ordinary day? how could i set a higher standard for myself.....all of these thoughts flooded through my mind, and as i sat on that crowded bus, i grasped two things: i wasn't as happy as i could be, and my life wasn't going to change unless i made it change. in that single moment with that realization, i decided to dedicate a year to trying to be happier" gretchen rubin, happiness project, pg.3

have you heard of the book the happiness project? it is a memoir dedicated to a womens decision to try and become happier in a years time. she was always a happy individual but felt that she could do more to make herself actually more happier. and it worked! every month she would give herself new goals to try and make herself happier, such as sing in the morning, find a new hobby, make a new friend. it was SO inspiring that i want to start doing my own happiness project. granted i am a very happy person, but could i try and become happier, absolutely! this book really emphasizes that happiness is something that we choose. we can all become happier people but we do have to work at it. in the book, the author gretchen starts with her "12 commandments" of her happiness project that outlines the overall goals she establishes in the months. and then each month comes up with a category to grow or find happiness in. so, i have come up with a few of my own commandments and goals for this month to  create a happier heather. who doesn't want to be happier?

heather's happiness rules

you can't do everything, it's okay to say no

get 8 hours of sleep

always wake up with enough time to enjoy the mornings

take 5 minutes a day to clean up and remove clutter

if you want to do something, do it! 

be a good friend

don't expect praise or appreciation 

enjoy each moment or process

think before you act or speak

august goals

read or do something you've never done

start a club

make a new friend

volunteer

smile even when you don't feel like it

read my bible everyday (sad to say i don't always do this)

keep reading about gardening so you can be more prepared for next year

do something with all of those pictures you take!

i am excited to start this little project of mine. the book was so insightful of how to find joy in all of the littlest moments. i want to be continiously pushing my growth as an individual, develop meaningful relationships, and to be the happiest i can be. so with that, comes a mini happiness project!