The Happiness Project



"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." - Frederick Keonig

 

I copied the quote from North of 10th.  Finding happiness was The Page Turner's theme for the month.  We need happiness this month.  So many people I know are under so much stress.  People I care about are dealing with illness, sadness, stress from work.  The Old Lady and I have had many conversations about life getting harder as we get older.  Not every part of life.  But there are some tough times to face!

The Page Turners voted on our book to read this month.  The Happiness Journal by Gretchen Ruben won.  It was my pick.  When I read the description of the book I thought it was more of a story.  It is not as much of a story as it is a journal of Gretchen's year of happiness research.  I enjoyed it.  I would rather be happy than sad.  Most people would be.  I would like some coping mechanisms to help me stay happy.  This book had quite a few ideas.

Sadly, only four people showed up for our meeting last night.  Three of us loved the book, one would have given it a negative if rules allowed.  Rules do not allow.  We did not have a true discussion because the small number of people that were there.  We did convince T that the book was not as lame as she originally thought. 

We ate in a very nice "Uptown" restaurant.  The food was delicious.  We were at Medici, a beautiful place to eat.  We had a round table which is our favorite for book club.  Unfortunately, we were in a huge, open room.  It was filled with people, most of them talking.  The sounds were bouncing around, making it hard to hear.  We were still able to enjoy our food and drinks.  I had a huge, steak salad.  The dressing was amazing. 

I suggest this book to anyone that likes self-improvement books.  I agree with Easy Rider that this is close to Eat, Pray, Love.  Gretchen spent a year of self exploration.  What would I learn about myself if I had a year and money.  Unfortunately, one of the things I would discover is that if I have free time, I like to read.  I would also spend too much time spoiling on my grand children.  That would make me happy.  Happy children, make happy adults.  That is from experience, not research.

This is a book I would like to reread when I am not under so much pressure to finish the book.  I want to take notes on some of Gretchen's ideas.  There were two things that stood out to me from the book.  Gretchen was organizing her house.  When a house is not organized it is harder to be happy.  Gretchen bought a nice box and put things in it that made her happy.  We all have little things that make us happy.  I like the thought of putting some of things things all in one place.  When I am feeling low, I can go through things that make me happy.  That is something I will try to accomplish.

I also liked the one sentence journal.  I think I would like to make it a two sentence journal.  One sentence in the morning.  One sentence at night.  The extremes that can happen in a day.  We can wake up with hope, end the day in despair.  Or wake up low, end the day with happiness.  Think I will work on that.  I know I have many journals just waiting to be used.  Journals make me happy!

I am sad about the small number at the meeting.  Enjoyed the the bookies that did show up.  Really missed the Old Lady.

The Old Lady is getting knocked around by life right now.  If you so desire, send some prayers, or positive thoughts out in the universe for her.  The Old Lady and her family need all the positive energy they can get.  You know we are standing right next to you when you need us OL!

On a happy note, Jersey Girl had an excused absence.  She delivered a beautiful little girl, Ruby.  Jersey Girl was a trooper.  She went into labor at work.  Barely, let out a squeak, shut down her computer, drove herself home.  Several hours later added a perfect little girl to her family.  Congratulations to Jersey Girl and her family.  We can't wait to meet your little angel.

Next month we are doing a light, summer read.  The Summer of Us by Holly Chamberlin.  This book came in second for our vote for this month's book.  Everyone is so busy right now.  Thought an easy read is just what we need.  Hope it is a good one!