Harper
ISBN: 978-006158325
Published January 2010
Trade paperback, 320 pages
I decided to take a year to read my
personal copy of The Happiness Project by reading each month
and applying what motivated me from it. Right off the bat, I could
see that I could relate to the author. As Rubin would expound on her
tasks, projects, home life and the reasons behind the Happiness
Project, I found myself nodding in agreement or understanding. It was
an easy and fun book to read.
In January I was motivated to get more
sleep, keep up my exercise routine, declutter and accomplish my
tasks. In February, I was encouraged to focus on my relationships. I
paid more attention to how I reacted when my hubby said things I
disagreed with and how I dealt with it. I worked on being more kind
and telling my family how much I appreciated them. In March, the
topic was finding happiness with one's career. So I made a schedule
and started reading books on the illnesses and conditions I
encountered most at work so as to be more knowledgeable and confident
in dealing with them.
April, ah spring. This time the focus
was on parenthood and lightening up when it came to dealing with the
kids. It was such a busy month for me and my family that I focused on
them and kind of neglected my spring cleaning. I decided it could
wait.
In May, Rubin encouraged the reader to
have fun, rediscover a hobby, do things you really like to do for fun
as opposed to things you think you have to do for fun because
everyone else is doing them. So I decided to create a rock garden and
beautify my backyard. I also spent more leisure time back there
enjoying the sun and the chirping of the birds. In June, the author
focused on friendships. I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter and it made
me realize I have great friends! It also gave me more incentive to
work at keeping those friendships and building new ones.
In July and August I was in Europe so I
didn't have much time for contemplation, although Rubin's suggestion
of keeping a gratitude notebook is perfect for me. September was
about pursuing a passion and I'm doing that with my book blogging,
and increasing my knowledge of neuroscience. October's topic was on
mindfulness. Now that chapter I would reread again because I think I
could do with being more mindful and less harried. Her suggestion of
stimulating the mind in new ways is right up my alley! It's
everything I learned about keeping the brain young and active.
November was about attitude, and since
this is the hardest month for me (less sun, more cold) I appreciated
her advice about laughter. I realized I don't laugh enough! So now I
make it a point to watch funny sitcoms with my kids. And finally in
December, Rubin gives an overview of what she learned about
happiness.
To find out how you can start your own happiness project, visit www.happinessprojecttoolbox.com.
Note: This book is rated C = clean read.
Reviewed by Laura
Disclosure: I bought this book. I was not told how to rate or review this product.
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