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Are you happy? Would you like to be happier?
I’ve always been a fairly optimistic, roll-with-the-punches, glass half-full kind of person. I’m happy. But even before reading Gretchen Rubin’s yearlong exploration of happiness The Happiness Project, I knew that there were choices I made and habits that I have that interfered with the goal of happiness — not only my own, but also the people who share life with me.
This is the time of year that people reevaluate their lives and examine the changes that they should make to make it better.
Gretchen Rubin felt like she was a happy person, but she wanted to know why, and wanted to know what she could do to maintain or increase that happiness. As a journalist, she read works by Aristotle and other social scientists concerning the whys and hows of happiness. She decided that she would devote each month to exploring one particular area of her life that she hoped to improve, such as health, marriage, parenting, spirituality, hobbies etc.
I loved this book (so much so that I’ve added it to our best of the best 5 Star Reads list at 5 Minutes for Books). While the areas that I would choose to explore would differ slightly from Rubin’s, I laughed as she shared her personal journey. For example, while focusing on her marriage, she treated her husband (without telling him) to a “week of extreme nice.” But by the end of the week, she found herself irritated that he was not more appreciative and observant of how she was going out of her way to please him — thus defeating the happiness project.
The book was a great balance of personal experience, journalistic research and facts, with plenty of humor thrown in. It’s quite readable and interesting, and it definitely inspired me to work harder at being happy and appearing happy to those around me.
Want more info? Check out The Happiness Project Blog where you can even sign the petition to make 2010 a happier year. But this is a book I strongly recommend that you buy.
What’s even better — two of you (U.S. or Canadian shipping addresses) will win a copy of The Happiness Project. Just leave a comment. If you’d like to tell me one area of your life you want to work on in 2010, please do. You can check out my goals, inspired or solidified by The Happiness Project, check out my blog entry where I talk about my own Happiness Project.
We will announce the winners in next week’s column.
The winner of the Simon and Schuster big book giveaway is #88 Amy.
Book blogger Jennifer Donovan manages 5 Minutes for Books and blogs at Snapshot. She thanks Harper Collins for the review and giveaway copies of the book.
Wanda says
I spent Christmas with my parents, whom I love dearly. But Wow – getting older has made them grumpy and negative. Perhaps when I get to my 80’s I will have earned the privilege to feel that way if I please, but for now I am going to make sure that I keep my comments and reactions to others as positive as I can.
Katie says
Discovered this book last week and would LOVE to win!
heather c says
I want to work on my health. Eating, fitness and mental.
Kerri R says
My goal is to focus more on taking care of me and my buisness
Sand says
Sounds like a great book! I need to work on my optimism.
angie says
family that is what I want to work in since my children are all growing and soon will be leaving the nest i want to make all the memories I can
[email protected]
Kara Davis says
I’m trying to work on my health. Particularly smoking!
Veronica Garrett says
I need to work on my finances.
Kelly Grant says
Finding a better job.
Rebecca says
I love Rubin’s site and I can’t wait to read this book and begin my own Happiness Project. After the 2009 I’ve had, I am in great need of it! I have several areas I can think of off the top of my head I want to work on: Organization, Getting Healthier, Communication, and Having More Fun in Life. Thanks for the giveaway!
Rita M says
I recently saw the author on the Today Show & what she said really hit home – I’d love to read the book.
Patty Niedert says
I need happiness! 2009 was a very depressing year. I would like to bring more happiness into my work life!
Gianna says
Please enter me 🙂
Kerrie Mayans says
I am working on spending more time individually with each of my children so they have a chance to have some one on one parent time without being interupted by siblings.
Beth (BBRB) says
This looks great! Please enter me!
BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com
kathy pease says
Thank you for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY.. Please count me in 🙂
Tracy P says
This looks like a great book. I would love to read it.
Lily Kwan says
I want to work on being more productive.
oneangel says
Im pretty sure this is goin to be the happiest year of my life. I would love to enter.
Karen says
This looks like a really interesting book. I’d like to work on appreciating the moment and not worrying so much about things that are out of my control.
Melanie says
I want to work on getting more sleep!
Ive been having trouble sleeping for a while, and I really need to get past it.
Fionen says
I have so many areas that I want to work on in 2010. One major goal is to be healthier by eating less junk and being more active. I think that would make me feel a lot better and be happier.
fionen_ftw @ fionen dot com
Chrysa says
I want to work on being more organized!
livingtheloa says
I’ve been following Gretchen’s blog for a few weeks now and really enjoying her journey toward happiness.
shawna says
My health…excercise more, eat healthier, get checkups!!
Kathy S says
Raych:
Maybe you could post a note on your library bulletin board requesting to borrow a copy of the book if anyone personally owns one. Anyone who reads a great book like this would be glad to share with another, I would think.
If you can find a way to save up the $14.00 by cutting back in other areas, such as buying “special coffees,” lottery tickets, smoking, etc. (I’m not saying that you do these things, but if so, it’s a way to save money.)
Do hope that you can get your hands on this book…it’s worth the read. I’ve followed Gretchen’s Happiness Project blog by RSS feed and have also read excerpts of the book by Googling in “excerpts of Gretchen Rubin’s latest book” and there’s information on a lot of sites.
I don’t have the book yet, but plan to get it for my grown daughter…but not without sneaking a read of it first myself!
Oh yes, maybe you could split the cost of the book with one or two friends.
Just a few ideas. Good luck!
Kathy S says
I’ve followed Gretchen Rubin’s blog for 2 years now, and her ideas have helped me to try to gather my thoughts and get motivated in ways that work for me to add some happiness to my otherwise “scrambled” life. What I would like to do in the very near future is to get myself and my home organized, and get rid of things that I tend to hold onto because of emotional attachments, and not because I need them for anything.
Ashley says
I need to focus on my cleanliness/organization. My apartment looks like a tornado hit it on most days.
Winning Readings says
I’ve got so much I want to work on – it’s hard to narrow things down! I guess I’d like to get organized and prioritized…
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
We posted about this giveaway at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2010/01/happiness-project.html
gloria says
I would like to focus on getting in shape and trying to lose about 10 pounds.
Tim Hughes says
In 2010, I plan on working on enjoying life more and not being so serious.
Diane Baum says
I want to work on losing weight and motivation
Diane Baum
[email protected]
Susan Smith says
I want to work on saving more money.
alycep says
This looks great. I have resolved this year to work on my tendancy to worry and also to read more so this will help with both!
Tricia Andrews says
I would like to work on having more patience with my family! I really don’t walk around with a short fuse but it seems that way sometimes!
Kelly says
There are a number of things I want to work on, but the top two are motivation and a healthier lifestyle! I have so many great ideas, but lack the “get up and go” to start many of them. I think the healthy lifestyle would fall into place with some of that motivation!
Sheila Hickmon says
One area I would like to work on is my weight!
Thanks!
Ed Nemmers says
Happy January!
Marie says
I really want to read this book — I’m trying to work on my habit of worrying about everything and anything — that’s my goal this year!
Barbara says
Thanks for the great contest! [email protected]
Leonie C says
I resolved to work on decluttering my MENTAL and physical space
Carmela P says
In 2010, I’m going to work on updating my journal more reliably, working out when I say I will, and drinking my daily water! 🙂
Christina Sparks says
I want to lower my cholestrol and learn to speak up for myself.
Erma says
My finances is one area I’m going to work on this year.
Ellen Brower says
I really want to win this for my stepdaughter. She will be a new mommy in July and her life is going to change so much!
Lori Taube says
What an interesting concept, I’m sure it made for a great read! Thanks for the chance!
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Amanda D. says
What a great giveaway. This book sounds like it could be very helpful for whoever wins it. Hope it’s me! macd82 at gmail dot com
Alexandrea M says
Thank you for the giveaway, I could use this. I need to work on something I knew 5 years ago but have kind of forgotten – how to look to myself for happiness instead of basing it on how those surrounding me are acting.
Aniela says
I really want to read this. One thing I want to work at this year is giving my kids more positive feedback, trying to point out the good things they do each day.
Belinda Shaw says
I could use this great book for self motivation and self esteem improvement which I deperately need now.
Vanessa says
I want to grow my website
karen says
I’d like find a better job this year.
Becky K says
I need to manage my stress; that’s my goal this year.
Zayna Phillips says
I have somewhat started working on my happiness and it sounds like reading this might help me prevent a few mistakes. The main thing I am trying to work on this year is my financial situation.
K. Rock says
I am definitely working on my happiness. Trying to be content with what I have.
katklaw777 says
I’ve heard about this book, looks like an interesting read. I am working on eating more fruits and veggies and less carbs. Thanks.
Mary M says
I would like to work on my health this year. I feel so bad all the time, that I am afraid I’m not a happy person — nor is anyone close to me when they are with me.
Lori says
Ironically, the most important area I need to work on is being “happy.” More specifically, being joyful in my heart so that I can be cheerful with my family (not to mention myself!).
Mia J. says
This book sounds wonderful. In the new year I would like to be less stressed about money and just enjoy the small things in life. Happy New Year to you.
Melissa D says
I’m striving to stop worrying so much in 2010, and to clean out my closets! Thanks– wishing you a happy year!
Marjorie Whitney says
I’d like to declutter physically, but also emotionally. I think it might help make happiness more often and easily achieved.
Jessica Harwood says
I’d like to work on building meaning relationships and creating meaningful memories with my loved ones.
JamericanSpice says
have the giveaway button
JamericanSpice says
have your newsletter subscriptin
JamericanSpice says
subscriber
JamericanSpice says
I’d love to work on my anger. At present Ithink I’m starting this journey.
Angela Winesburg says
I’d love to read this, thanks for the chance!
Stephanie says
This book is actually on my nightstand right now, waiting to be read. 🙂
Looking forward to it…
Carolyn says
I’d love to win. I follow Gretchen’s blog and her daily thoughts have helped me focus on the happy. I want to work on finding peacefulness.
Linda Kish says
I want to work on my relationship with my DIL. She is angry at me for them having to live with me..what did I do wrong? They live with me, I don’t live with them.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Kathy D says
I need to work on being more more organized in my life as well as my time mangement
Wendy says
Sounds like a good read and motivating.
Jennifer Short says
I lost 23 pounds in 2009 and would like to double that in 2010!
LaVonne Long says
My devotion time with God.
Mary says
This sounds like an entertaining book. I like Gretchen’s two questions: “What do I want less of in my life?†(post baby bulge; house clutter) and “What do I want more of in my life?” (Museums!)
Shari D says
I would like to work on curbing my spending this year.
Sandy M says
My husband has been diagnosed with a terminal disease, and although we have faith that he will get better, I want to spend this year making all his little moments special. I want him to be happy.
sandym204 @ gmail dot com
HilLesha says
I need to meet more people! 🙂
raych says
Oooh, I was dying to read this but my library doesn’t have it and I’m dirt poor. Gretchen always talks about how trying new and hard things contributes to your happiness, but I’m a rut kind of girl. I’d like to work on challenging myself.
Jess says
I’ve been reading her blog for a while now, and think the book would be likewise interesting.
Laureen says
I’d love to be happier in my marriage. I will be working on that through emotional freedom. Thanks for this giveaway!
Dena says
This book sounds great! I would love to read it.
Stacie says
This sounds like a great and helpful book.
Anita says
Organization for sure! 🙂
Kim says
I am working on accepting the things (and people) I cannot change and learning to be happy with what I’ve got.
mindy says
this sounds wonderful thanks
Jen says
I plan on being nicer to and more tolerant of others in 2010.
MaryBeth I says
getting fit!
Jenny in Ca says
sorry, missed the part where I’m supposed to name an area I’d like to work on in 2010
I’d have to say, as a busy mom, homeschooling 5 and blogger,…the one area would have to be time management, since I don’t at all, really. Nice contest!
Jenny in Ca says
I picked up this book at B & N, but did not buy it. It looked very intriguing, I’m going to have to go back and get it now!
autie says
I’m going to blog more often!
Katherine Barnett says
i would like to work on being a better wife, mother.. and person!
Barb says
Life itself. It seems that something always gets in the way of enjoying my family.
Susan C says
I would like to work on my tendency to procrastinate-it’s brought me nothing but trouble!
smchester at gmail dot com
Amber Gibson says
I would love to win and I’d really like to work on my physical health – on treating my body the way it deserves to be treated!
Deborah Wellenstein says
I was going to start exercising regularly today, but I sprained my foot two days ago, and right now, I’m working on just walking! LOL! Happy New Year!
Benita G . says
I’d like to work on losing weight.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Martha C says
I’d like to move closer to the happy side. Put me down to win. My goal for the year is to eat more fruit and vegetables each day and keep myself from getting behind.
edj says
I just left a comment and it’s gone! So I’m leaving another, but if there are 2 please don’t disqualify me!
I am working on being a happier driver. And if that sounds easy, chances are high that you’ve never visited my city. 😉
KSue says
This sounds like a great book. I am working on thankfulness this year
Renee C says
I think I can make 2010 happier by having more patience with my two kids! Easier said than done!
Dezi Allen says
I want to work on just having more fun and enjoying the little things with my boys, while they are still little.
Jen says
I’ve heard of this project. I’d like to be a better manager/player at home.
stacy says
I want to work on having a more positive attitude.
Mariah says
Recently, a guy was really rude to me. I am now being very pessimistic and unhappy. Hopefully this book would help me.
Carissa says
Sounds like an interesting book. I want to focus on improving my finances and professional and living situations.
Angie (Losing It and Loving It) says
Looks like a great book! I will be working on weight loss/fitness goals and I want to get this house organized!
Stacey says
This falls right in line with one of my New Year’s promises. I can’t wait to go pick up this book and check out her blog! Thanks!
Minivan mom says
I’m doing a Happiness Project at my blog based on the book. Anyone is welcome to jump in! 🙂
Amy says
I’ve been wanting to read this book – 2010 is the year of happy!! 🙂
Bonnie McAfee says
One area of my life I’d like to work on this year is my diet. I want to integrate a larger variety of fruits and vegetables into it. I want to learn to adjust to more different types. I’m somewhat of a picky eater, heh.
Valerie Gay says
I would like to work on improving my finances this year. Sounds like a great read!
Melissa Nunley says
I’d like to work more on our marriage – we’re trying for a baby and I want us to be that much stronger.
Snarky A says
I would like to work on myself, more specifically strengthening my self esteem and tackling some insecurities.
Thanks for a great giveaway, I would love to read this book.
Adriane says
This book sounds very interesting. I would love to work on making my marriage better this year. With twin boys, or with children in general, we sometimes lose focus on the other in our lives, our partner
Jana says
I am so glad to come across your blog and this post. The Happiness Project is now added to my 2010 reading list. Just began looking at what I would like to accomplish in 2010 and there are so many challenges that I know I will have to narrow my concentration to be successful.
Lisa notes... says
I’ve been wanting to read this book, and have been following the Happiness Project blog. Glad you found it to be a good book.
Corinne says
This looks interesting. I definitely want to work on de-cluttering!
monica says
how’s this?
it would make me happy to win this book.
Kati says
I would like to stress and worry less-mostly about money. I know we will be provided for but it is hard to remember that when you go try and pay the bills and aren’t sure where the money is going to come from.
Nikki says
This sounds interesting to me. It has been a really rough 2009. I was thinking just this last night. Despite where we are in our lives I can look down all the time or put my head up and try to be happy about what life has thrown our way. I have decided in 2009 to start all my prayers with Thanksgiving. I seemed of late to only pray about the things that are needling me. Last night I began. At first I had no idea what thankgiving I could think of but as I dug deep into the day I found there were many joys I was over looking. Those joys with my children and friends made me put the sorrows in perspective. I also want to work on not complaining about things I can not control. It sort of goes along with the happieness idea. I bring myself down with them and friends. They don’t want to hear my troubles so much when they have their own.
Nikki
Kim says
I’m generally a happy person but this book sounds really good, maybe to encourage me on that journey.
For the new year I really want to work on being more organized in Homeschooling.
Blessings,
Kim
Emilye says
This is perfect timing, as I have spent the past few days thinking about how rough 2009 was for me emotionally.
Most of it was my own fault, I know, and I have determined to learn to enjoy each moment as it passes. I especially want to appreciate what I have more, and truly make my husband and son priority over my projects.
Tawnda says
I really need to be happier
Melanie Sand says
I would like to work on a stronger marriage
Heather says
I’d like to work on my organization.
Susan S. says
This sounds like a fabulous book. I am a worrier, and worry never solved anything. It is certainly something I would like to work on in a quest to be happier.
blueviolet says
I’d really like this and I’d like to focus on my marriage.
Angel S. says
I’ve heard a lot about this book recently. I would like to work on being more organized so i am not frantically searching for something and ruining not only mine, but the happiness of those around me!
Laura says
I’ve seen this book around and thought it looked very interesting. This year will be one of great change for our family so definitely staying calm in midst of change is something I will be working very hard at.
The Diaper Diaries says
I want to work on my parenting. Specifically being more patient.