My Own Happiness Project

A few months ago I started reading "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin on my way to and from Arizona. I should really read more often. Anyways, I finished it tonight after re-picking it up, again, on my way to and from Arizona for the Holidays. I was thinking about starting my own little Happiness Project (from now on to be referred to as HP) back in October. However, I wasn't convinced. Until, a dear friend, also named Katie, asked if I had read it about a week ago. I was like, "Absolutely - I just finished July!" After some discussion we have determined to start our own. I will resolve to hashtag it: #thekaties'happinessproject on Twitter. So we're doing this. In this moment I feel a little overwhelmed by what this means for the next calendar year. I am still processing all that I read and have yet to select my foci. Foci, such a great plural word. However, while I am still processing, I would like to provide my first few reactions: 1.) The Four Splendid Truths outlined by G-money. (Goodness, I hope Gretchen is alright with that nickname.) - To be happy, you need to consider feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right, in an atmosphere of growth. I think I do this. Maybe not outlined in this specific way or with such specific purpose, but it will be interesting to explore. - One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy; One of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself. Legit. This is something I forget and remember many times a week. Another snippet: "Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?" Super cheese, but same concept. - The days are long, but the years are short. Oh do I know it. - You're not happy unless you think you're happy. Pondering this. Thinking about happiness was what got me questioning happiness. Maybe that's just what happens when you grow up. 2.) The Commandments I need to craft mine. Maybe not so much craft, but reflect, recall, and place into words what I know to be true. I like the idea of "Be Katie." More to come.. 3.) Even though I am still working through my areas of focus for each month, I would like to start brainstorming a few: - Energy: Much like G-money, I like starting the year with energy. Workout, go to sleep earlier, eat foods that are mood boosting. I feel good about this one. - Be present: Enjoying the moments. The small things are often the things that give you happiness and what you'll remember years down the road. I always feel hurried, so that is definitely an area for growth! - Clear clutter: I am 24 and I already have an excessive amount of stuff. And an excessive amount of stuff I surely do not need. I'll be moving to a new apartment in April so I want to clear out before I move out. Less to move will be blissful! - Relationships: Maintain them, grow them, or eliminate them if they are creating bad stress. With friends, with family, maybe a lover (partner/dudefriend). I always wish I was better at staying in touch. May one month (and hopefully many more months after) be focused on this. 4.) Instead of the typical NYs resolutions, these will be my resolutions each month. 5.) As a previously self-diagnosed perfectionist, I must continue to remind myself that I won't be perfect. And just because one day isn't perfect, it isn't a sign to jump off the bandwagon and throw my hands in the air in a gesture of defeat. No ma'am. I will not have it. Seeing the clock strike 11:06 pm on my Mac means I need to wrap this puppy up so I can go to sleep earlier, as per energy. Ahh.... 11:12 pm! (6 minutes of editing...) I can't wait to talk with Miss Katie E. about this project!