“Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” -Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project
Have you ever read a book that you feel so strongly about that you literally want to tell the world about it? That is how I feel about Gretchen Craft Rubin’s “The Happiness Project”. As an avid reader and one who loves to delve into new books, I find absolutely no shame in reading books that have the potential to improve me as a person. Ever read “The Secret”? Mol and I literally swear by that book and have implemented much of the books philosophy into our own lives and, if you ask us, it has made all the difference. Its not necessarily a self help book, but a book that teaches people to be the best that they can be. Thats what “The Happiness Project” is. Books are a powerful thing I tell ya.
It was back over Christmas-time that my best friend Michaela told me about her love affair with “The Happiness Project” and how it had changed her life. I immediately bought the book on my iPad, but, as life goes, I found I had little free time to actually read it. It wasn’t until my trip the other weekend with two flights and a layover that I finally got some quiet time to just sit and read. Yep, Michaela was right, this book is a game changer. I don’t want to give the book away because I want you all to read it yourselves, but the book tells us that there is always a potential to be happier. Whether its finding time to do more of what you love (even if it means staying up an extra ten minutes or waking up earlier) – reading for instance, appreciating the little things like time with family, or actually learning what it is that makes you happy so that in a time of crisis you can turn to those things. I am a firm believer that we all go through shitty things (Molly and I have definitely been through our fair share of those things), but we have two choices – to either let those things define us for as long as we let them or to rise above and choose to be happy. As Rubin says in the book, “The days are long, but the years are short”. You only live once, so you might as well make it a good one, right?!
I don’t claim to be an expert or any type of psychologist, but what I do know and what I have learned, is that happiness truly is the meaning of life and only you have the power make yourself happy. If you haven’t read the book, you’ve got to – and then report back!
(Image 1 via la-vogue tumblr // 2 via Pretty Procrastination // 3 via Miles to Style // 4 via Tumble Weed // 5 via Vogue // 6 via Paul Costello // 7 via Marley and Me Tumblr // 8 via Guusje’s Appeltaart // 9 via Chris Emeott Photography)
This is the second time I read about this book today on a blog! Definitely adding it to my must-read list – the timing of things is just uncanny sometimes
I'm reading this book right now, too! I love it and it definitely is a game changer.
I read this book two years ago and always refer back to it – changed everything from work to relationships! LOVE IT
I've heard so much about this book, and it was on my list of books to read until I saw that it was a "self-help" book. This post has made me reconsider! It's back on my summer reading list!
I have been wanting to read this book for awhile and now I think I've bumped it to my must-read-immediately list
Just added both The Secret and The Happiness Project to my Amazon wishlist! I can't wait to read them as soon as I'm finished with 50 Shades (couldn't resist the hype)….
It was amazing to see Gretchen at Alt. She was an amazing speaker. I actually did the same thing…got the book and haven't finished reading it. You have inspired me to finish it. xo
I felt the exact same way after I read The Happiness Project. I plan on rereading it again to be reminded of all the things I gained from it!
Ohhh, thanks for the recommendation! Will definitely be picking this up to read! And as a long follower just wanted to say your blog content just keeps getting better and better. Cheers!
Brittany
I am now inspired to pick this up again! I started it awhile ago, and I got a bit distracted. I read a bit of it today. It seems like the right time to read it! Thanks for the inspiration.
I'm just in the middle of reading it – and I love it!
My sister called me from Barnes and Noble last week asking for book recs. I told her The Happiness Project because I'd heard amazing things, though never read myself. She's halfway through and so in love, and I plan to read it as soon as she's done. Also, halfway through The Secret, myself, and truly eating it up. Think I have felt changes already…
Just opened up another tab and put "The Happiness Project" on hold. Can't wait to start it! I just finished reading "The Alchemist" which is about following your 'Personal Legend.' Highly recommended!
I was holding that book at the bookstore the other day and thinking should i or should i not. maybe i should.
Love this! I love hearing about new books! Especially when they can make a positive impact on your life! Definitely adding this to my book list!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.oliveandanarrow.com
Love that book! Just discovered your blog and visiting your pretty world is definitely something that I do "just for the happy of it!" Love that the book inspired you too. Keep up the good work!
After reading Molly's post about her clarisonic, I did a little amazon research and decided it was worth the investment. Two weeks later my skin has never looked or felt better so I know that when you two stand behind a product it's going to be good! I've just gone through a pretty tramatic event in my life and your post could not have come at a bettter time. I plan to buy the book after work today. Thank you for continuing to inspire your readers (and me) with your posts everyday.
I feel the same way about The Happiness Project! I actually got the page-a-day calendar for 2012 and it serves as a daily reminder of the concepts in the book.
Great blog, by the way.
xx Atlas Grace
This book sounds like a great feel good book! I look forward to getting it! and PS you picked THE most perfect pictures for this post. The picture of the man holding his pig with the ribbon is the most precious picture ever!
xoxo
peacelovedecor.com
This book sounds like a great feel good book! I look forward to getting it! and PS you picked THE most perfect pictures for this post. The picture of the man holding his pig with the ribbon is the most precious picture ever!
xoxo
peacelovedecor.com