Booking It with The Happiness Project
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If you’re just now joining us, let me explain. Booking It is an online reading program designed to get you reading.
This online book club features flexibility for those who want to do their own thing as well as “assigned reading” for those who prefer a little more structure. You can even do a little of both.
On the 10th of the month, we discuss the “book of the month” while we share our choice readings on the 11th.
Have a plan
Last month we made reading plans. Having a reading plan gets you one step closer to reading. Not only do you have an idea of what you want to read, but you also can get the wheels turning to have those books at the ready for when you find pockets of time to read. I’ve bought some books, dug some out of storage, requested some from the library, and put some on my wish list to acquire later in the year.
Not sure how to find good books? No problem. Wondering where to find time to read? You can do it. Really.
There is a whole world of great books to explore. Some of them will bring you the laugh that you sorely need. Others will help you solve a problem. Still others can change your life. So let’s get reading!
The Happiness Project
Today is the first day of our Assigned Reading Check-in. We read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
{If you haven’t read it, then this is your official SPOILER ALERT.}
Can I just say that this book was life-changing? The Happiness Project was one of the most encouraging, freeing, thought-provoking books I’ve ever read. Seriously.
Gretchen Rubin’s story of the year she intentionally pursued happiness was not only entertaining and easy to read, but it prompted me to consider what really matters in my life.
What really makes me happy? How do I really want to spend my days — and my life? How can I be intentional about living life in a way that truly blesses me and my family?
The Happiness Project got me thinking about new ways to live life “on the road to joyful motherhood.”
Not to mention, reading the book validated my college degree when I actually knew what Sisyphean meant when I came across it.
I could so relate when I read Gretchen’s confession of wishing she liked something she thought she should like instead of just enjoying where her natural preferences lay. I laughed at how she wished she enjoyed “cool music,” but that to be really happy musically, she just had to be okay with the styles that she truly enjoyed.
I think some would balk at the title of the book, thinking that it’s all about satisfying oneself and forget about others. This is so not the case. The message is clear that to be really happy, we are doing things that bless, love, and encourage the people we love.
It’s about being thankful for the good that we have and enjoying it as much as we can, whether that be marriage, children, friendships, or a good cup of coffee.
Certainly, those things vary in degree, but they are good things, and we should enjoy them.
Changes are a-coming
Different sound bites from the book come back at me at random parts of the day. And since I read and watch Gretchen’s blog and vlogs, I know what she sounds like. So, I hear her real voice, too.
No, not in an Obi-Wan-Kanobi-telling-Luke-to-use-the-Force kind of way. But, like a friend encouraging me.
When I finally put the proofs of insurance in each of our vehicles and stuck the new registration tags on, I heard Gretchen say, “Tackle a nagging task.” Yes! Who would have thought that dealing with insurance and registration would make me happy?! But, it did. Because to not do it, it would continue to bug me until I did it or until a cop pulled me over.
I feel “happy” knowing that if there was an accident or some other traffic issue, I would be prepared with proper paperwork.
Many of my year’s goals were influenced by having read this book. Working on each of them will contribute to the overall happiness of my family and me.
I find myself making mental notes about things that bring me joy or bring one of my family joy. This prompts me to think of ways to incorporate that thing more into the fabric of our lives.
I could probably write a book about this book and how it is changing my thoughts and dreams. But, since I lost my notes in the cluttered office that is nagging me to organize it, I can’t. Instead, I can ask…
What did YOU think of the Happiness Project?
Let’s talk in the comments section. And if you wrote a review of the book, share the link there as well. Can’t wait to hear what you thought!
As The Happiest Person I Know, I’ve never felt the need to read the Happiness Project – I’d rather spend time reading about something I have a real thirst for. Not to say it’s not great, and very helpful for some.
To all you Mums reading this page I’d like to reiterate what you’ve all no doubt heard several times from your well-meaning aunts – enjoy your children while they’re young. I know it’s physically and mentally difficult – and so busy it’s tempting not to take time to smell the roses. But really, enjoy every second with those precious little bundles – you’ll be rewarded when they grow up (if you need a reward). Hug them, love them, be patient with them.
Live Life Happy!
I stumbled across this book club – through Simple Mom I think? And I absolutely LOVED “The Happiness Project”! Thanks so much for hosting this. I’ve actually lent it to a friend to read this weekend as my copy from the library is due back next week. I have been struggling with my own happiness and knowing what makes me happy and this book was really helpful for me. I felt like it gave me license to consider my own happiness! I have a toddler and a newborn and usually I put my needs off, never really finding time for the things I enjoy doing. Now I am thinking about how my happiness affects my family and how I need to take care of myself and my own happiness. Thank you for suggesting this book!
My response here: http://fredmom.blogspot.com/2011/02/happiness.html
(I think maybe I should formally link up to the book club, post the button?)
@Pamela, it would be great if you used the button, but you are not obligated. It’s your call. Thanks for joining us!
I’m glad you put this on the list. I wanted to read it when it came out, but never got around to it. Although I am not ready to tackle my own all-out happiness project, the book did make me think about changes I could make that would result in more happiness in my life.
Right now I can honestly say that the chapters on Marriage and Parenthood hit home more than the others. Probably just the stage of life that I am in… So, that is where I plan to start; I can always build from there!
All in all, I thought this was a good read since it made me really think about what makes me happy and what I can do to be happier and spread that happiness to my family.
I am really enjoying this book. I’m currently in the month of November in the book, so I’m almost finished. I, too, could relate to Gretchen in the way she really wanted to like certain things, but just didn’t. For example, I have tried and tried to enjoy Mozart. But the reality is, I just don’t like Mozart. I like Bach. And my teen’s pop music! Why have I tried to fight this?
I’m looking forward to creating my own Happiness Project, although I am a bit apprehensive because I have never in my life stuck to any resolution longer than a few weeks. However, I want to try the Resolution Chart and see if that helps. I am a listmaker, a planner, and a chartmaker by design, so it will be very fun for me. Carrying out the well-laid plans and actually doing the things I have on that chart may be a different story, but I am going to try.
Thanks for recommending this book! I wouldn’t have read it otherwise. I’m enjoying Booking It with you!
@Julie, I have yet to go track down her charts, believe it or not. I guess ’cause I already have so many charts going. Let us know how they work for you!
Didn’t read the Happiness Project, but will definitely add it to my list!
http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/02/booking-it-january-february-update.html
I am glad it had such an affect on you! There were definitely parts that touched me more than others!
here is my post: http://loveiswhatcomesfirst.blogspot.com/2011/02/welcome-to-my-post-about-first-book-i.html
I’m still reading as well, but so far I am really enjoying it and finding it very inspiring! I even went out and bought a copy because I couldn’t get my library copy read in the allotted time! LOL But even through I was only part way through the book at the time, I KNEW it was a book I’d read again so it was worth it to me to buy a copy for myself. Can’t wait to finish!
@Anne, I love it when I find a book that’s worthy of buying. (I don’t buy many these days, so it’s proof of a gem.)
Haha, those phrases randomly pop into my head too! Thanks for putting this book on the list. I don’t think I would have ever picked it up on my own…I tend to be wary of “happiness peddlers.” I decided to give it a try anyway and I’m glad I did! I haven’t finished it yet (got sidetracked with another book which I’ll tell you about tomorrow) but it has been life-changing for me. The first half of the book alone has changed the way I lay out and approach goals, tackle clutter, relate to my husband & children and more. I plan to finish it in the next week…can’t wait to see what the rest of the book holds!
@Heidi, I’m glad you gave it a go! And, yes, “happiness peddlers” kept me away, too.
I love The Happiness Project! I bought it as an audiobook about a year ago and was enthralled listening to it. I have listened to it again about 3 times and have bought the book.
I loved her premise that she wanted to make her life better without fundamentally altering her life. The changes she made are all things I could do. I think her emphasis on tracking her goals is particularly important. I am always so inspired whenever I think of what small steps can do to improve life.
@Claire, the small steps was a new concept for me. Now I find myself thinking more strategically about the things that I want to accomplish.
Jessica, thank you for inspiring us to get a booklist together and read!! I love reading but with 3 little ones I had put it on the back burner. Not this year!
I enjoyed The Happiness Project a lot. It has encouraged me to clean clutter from my house and love every minute with my kids. I made a goal list for my year and am excited to see how much I get accomplished.
@Mandy, didn’t that clutter chapter totally make you want to get up and go clean something?! LOL
@Jessica Fisher, It sure did!! Haha.. I must need help staying on top of things because the books/chapters drawing me in are about clutter! Lol thanks for all the good book ideas!