Have any of you guys heard of the book The Happiness Project?
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I started reading it a couple weeks ago and have been loving it so far, which is surprising since I’m not really into self help books or anything too indulgently introspective (I was NOT a fan of Eat, Pray, Love). But this book isn’t really like that — it’s more about how to just find joy and fun in the little things in life, and to stop focusing on those things that don’t bring joy.
I think I picked up the book because I’ve been feeling a bit Debbie Downer lately for no real good reason. If you know me in real life (or have read the blog for more than 30 seconds), you know that I’m generally pretty upbeat, happy, and easy going. But for some reason the past couple weeks I’ve just had this general kind of “blah” feeling that I can’t shake. Maybe it’s the weather (the past 2 weeks have basically been straight thunderstorms), or how busy we’ve been with school, or how I feel like I’m tired of studying and ready to get out there and actually DO something. But either way, it’s silly. I know my life is awesome. I know I’m very lucky to be in a graduate program, working towards a job doing something that I love. To have a blog that others find joy in. To have a wonderful boyfriend, friends, and family who love me. To have my health and the ability to be active.
So I think that’s why I picked up the book. It’s not a book for someone that’s seriously depressed. It’s just a book for people who are getting a little too caught up in life and not taking time to really savor and enjoy what’s around them. I’ve also been enjoying her blog, which I found on the back cover of the book: The Happiness Project blog.
What’s something that has brought you joy lately? It can be anything, big or small. One of the main themes in the book is that sometimes the smallest things will make a big difference, and that taking time to make others happier will often boomerang and make you happier, too. Similarly, spending time dwelling on the negatives in someone else will boomerang back on yourself as well.
Another thing I’ve learned from the book? Stop putting off things that have been on my “to-do” list forever. It will stress you out more to have them sitting on your to do list! This weekend, I will sell my old hybrid/mountain bike that I never use anymore since we bought our road bikes last fall. There. I said it. Now I have to do it. 😉
I feel happier already — sometimes I think you just need to get these things off your chest. Plus, I have a fun weekend ahead that’s supposed to be made even better by gorgeous weather. Maybe all I needed was a little sunshine. 🙂 Have a happy Friday!