The Happiness Project


I didn't think this book would interest me all that much. 
I was happy enough already. 
But since it had been on the Best Sellers list for nearly a year, 
and because I have heard so many people rave about it, 
I thought I'd give it a try.

The author, Gretchen Rubin, 
is a happily married woman raising 2 small girls when suddenly one day had an epiphany that  
 She wanted to learn how to focus on the things in life that truly matter. 
So she took a year to research, and tested out what she was learning.

This book is filled with ideas on how to make every day life better.

It's already changed my life in many little ways. 
For example....the author tells a story about a 4 year old boy who had a blue car that he LOVED. 
He took it everywhere and played with it constantly. 
So his Grandmother buys him TEN toy cars and the boy stops playing with cars all together. 
When his Grandma asks him, "Why don't you play with your cars? 
You loved your blue car so much!" 
 The boy responds, "I can't love lots of cars." 

Soooo... This past week, I put lots of toys away 
and just kept out a select few for my grandchildren. 
I keep hearing in my head, "I can't love lots of cars."  
Come to think of it, when I am reading several books at a time, 
I tend to quit reading all of them.

Lots of interesting insights on understanding people. 
More on that perhaps in a later post.

She writes about "fog happiness."  
How at any one time in parenting, the negative may override the positive, 
and she might wish she were doing something else. 
Nevertheless, she says, the experience of having children 
gives her tremendous fog happiness. (love that term!) 
It surrounds her, she sees it everywhere, 
despite the fact that when she zooms in on any particular moment, 
it can be hard to identify.

Very few books have I enjoyed as much as this one.
As trite as this sounds, I felt happier just reading it.

10 comments:

Eileen said...

Oh, the link wouldn't work for me, but I think it's something with my computer because for a few days I couldn't get the 'post a comment' to connect.
This book sounds wonderful and I am going to get my hands on a copy of it because I really do feel it would benefit me right now.

Thank you, Jill, for your kind comments to me, and for your understanding. I think when people hear about 'trouble in the family' they don't realize how it really hurts a mother's heart.

Also, I just wanted to say that I loved Tyler, Karen, and Richie's new apartment! And two floors! It's a wonderful home! Although I think no matter what circumstances their surroundings would be, they would be a wonderful home. Such a sweet little family. God Bless!
Love and Prayers,
Eileen

Susan said...

Sounds delightful. Was unable to get to the little movie. My computer came up with this site cannot be found. Help! Susan

Susan Anderson said...

I like the sound of this one. I think I'll check to see if I can get it on Kindle.

=)

Grandma Honey said...

Sorry Susan. Glad you told me though. I just fixed it.

Karen Mortensen said...

Sounds like a wonderful book.

Unknown said...

I totally relate to the term "Fog Happiness", I find it an interesting concept! Thanks again for an uplifting post, I think I'll read it!!

Nate and Julie said...

Thanks for the recommendation. I just put in the request at the library.

Grandma Honey said...

You're going to love it Julie!

Lisa said...

I LOVE your book reviews! You've definately sold another book to me! LOL The way you described the way this book made you feel is how I've felt about the last 6 books I'v read. LOVE a GOOD read! Thanks again for "GOOD STUFF!"

Gail said...

Hi - I just ordered the book, "thank you" the time was now.
Love Gail
peace......

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