For my birthday I received The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Rubin did a large amount of research into the philosophy of happiness and strategies psychologists, philosophers scientists and peers used to be happier. Then she tested these theories over a year. She left out things that seemed ridiculous, but for the most part she wanted to see if she could be a happier person following these tips. I haven't finished the book yet so I don't know if she did end up being happier in the way she wanted, but one thing she did (and carries through to the end) is create her own commandments:
1. Be Gretchen
2. Let it go
3. Act the way I want to feel
4. Do it now
5. Be polite and be fair
6. Enjoy the process
7. Spend out
8. Identify the problem
9. Lighten up
10. Do what ought to be done
11. No calculation
12. There is only love
Rubin also had a blog and asked her readers if they have commandments and many of them agreed that they did as well (many of them were inspired to create their own after reading about Rubin's).
I have decided that I also like the idea of having commandments:
1. Don't sell yourself short
2. It's okay to make mistakes
3. There is only love (yes I stole that, but it's so good)
4. It's okay to be scared
5. Feel it
6. There is only now
7. Be thankful
8. Remember the playground
9. Consider the phoenix
Later I will define each of the commandments to provide you some insight but for now...
I want to be interactive. What kind of commandments do you guys tend to follow?
I saw the nice mention of my book, The Happiness Project, here! I very much appreciate those kind words and you shinning a spotlight on my work!! Thanks and best wishes,
ReplyDeleteGretchen
I agree with the "do it now" because I'm such a horrible procrastinator sometimes and it really does dampen the spirit in a noticeable way!
ReplyDeleteI guess I could add "Notice the little things". Maybe that's what the playground is all about (though I don't have any good playground memories), but just gaining that worldly curiosity and awe back. Kind of like the way Sophie's World makes me feel. After that book, I didn't even listen to music when I left the house anymore. After that it was all birdsong. Often I will open a window (even if it's chilly) just so I can hear SOUNDS.
Maybe "listen" should be its own commandment?
Cool entry! Man, I always find really awesome quotes that I totally relate to, but then they disappear from my memory...I would use them as my commandments, and will tell you when I remember HAHA!
ReplyDeleteStill trying to figure out what my Commandments are. Still seeking that peace and acceptance, but definitely agree with the importance of love.
ReplyDeleteTell those you love that you love them.
Hug often.
Rescue an animal from a shelter. The love and lessons you receive are priceless.
Still workin' on the rest...
I just discovered her blog. I like it.
ReplyDelete