"I could barely remember to stop at the drugstore to buy toothpaste- it didn't seem realistic to think that I could incorporate these high aims into my everyday routine."

The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin


Utterly inspirational.  I have to say, I absolutely enjoyed reading this one from start to finish.  This novel centers on the author's year-long challenge of putting her happiness to the forefront by implementing strategies, backed by research and anecdotal evidence, into place.  Gretchen seamlessly incorporates a self-help guide for her audience while simultaneously documenting her own progress (both the missteps and the advances) with her personal "happiness" journey.

Each chapter represents not only a new month, but also a different aspect of life that she chooses to focus her "happiness" efforts on.

January: Boost Energy; Vitality
February: Remember Love; Marriage
March: Aim Higher; Work
April: Lighten Up; Parenthood
May: Be Serious About Play; Leisure
June: Make Time for Friends; Friendship
July: Buy Some Happiness; Money
August: Contemplate the Heavens; Eternity
September: Pursue a Passion; Books
October: Pay Attention; Mindfulness
November: Keep a Contented Heart; Attitude
December: Boot Camp Perfect; Happiness

It seems appropriate to highlight a few of my favorite tips/suggestions from the book in order to give you a better understanding of this infectious read!  Sure, some of them seem obvious, superficial, or even  downright ridiculous..... but in the end, sometimes that may be just what one needs.

*Be yourself- As the author puts it, "Be Gretchen." Ok, so "Be Jessica."
*De-clutter- "the evening tidy up": take ten minutes before bed to put away the miscellaneous
*Launch a blog- Check.
*Enjoy the now- stop banking on the future
*Be a Treasure House of Happy Memories- keep the good times vivid and remembered
*Go Off the Path- experience new thoughts, encounters, and places, to increase creativity
*Don't Gossip- whoops.
*Keep a Gratitude Journal- "grateful people are happier and more satisfied with their lives..."
*Write a book- one day, one day....
*Laugh Out Loud- "it can boost immunity and lower blood pressure and cortisol levels..."
*Stimulate the Mind in New Ways- getting out of your comfort zone heightens growth
*Tackle a Nagging Task- "unfinished tasks were draining my energy and making me feel guilty..."
*Act the way I want to feel- be authentic.

This one will be making its new home front and center on the coveted bookshelf (not too many slots left available!).  I could certainly see myself making reference of this novel several times in the future...