Not too long ago, I ran into a website titled The Happiness Project and it caught my attention. The author, Gretchen Rubin, is writing a memoir about the year she spent “test-driving every principle, tip, theory, and scientific study” she could find about happiness.
I’ve decided to start my own happiness project. I think it will take time to decide on what the right axioms for living I want to focus on and I’d be happy to take suggestions or hear from others what makes up their little instruction book, commandments, rules, goals or resolutions.
I’m working on my Happiness Project, and you should have one, too! Everyone’s project will look different, but it’s the rare person who can’t benefit. Join in — no need to catch up, just jump in right now.
~Gretchen Rubin
A starting place, in no particular order.
- let go of the past
- be gentle with yourself
- do what matters
- keep going
- dream big
- hold on to hope
- attitude is everything
- yesterday ended last night
- shit happens
- be yourself
- expect more of yourself
- live up to your gifts
One Comment
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
~Max Ehrmann, Desiderata