Remember Alt? Yes, of course you do. I talk about it all the darn time.
Well, while I was there, I got to hear Gretchen Rubin speak… and she is pretty darn incredible. Her resume is packed with accomplishments (clerking for Sandra Day O’Connor, writing biographies of Winston Churchill and JFK).
It’s more likely, however, that you know her from The Happiness Project (not that you aren’t a Churchill buff, it’s just that harnessing happiness seems to be more on the radar).
Anyway, I’ve owned the book forever but always felt I had to be in a certain frame of mind to read it. Like I had to sit down with a journal and fancy pen to catch any nuggets of wisdom as I slowly worked my way through the book. There would be long pauses for reflection after every chapter. You know, the perfect kind of meditative environment in which I never find myself.
So, I finally just sat down and read it. And loved it. And you should read it too.
Gretchen has a list of Splendid Truths – her fundamental principles of happiness. I decided to make my own list.
Today is a special occasion. Why wait until Thanksgiving to break out the fancy china? Use it tonight.
Always, always upgrade to the sweet potato fries. Word.
Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom. Believe me, I’ve learned this (and relearned this) the hard way. While I don’t exactly live in a bathroom-less desert, it would be nice not to guilt-buy bananas at Starbucks when I’m out and need the loo.
You always have time for what’s important. In younger years, I used to say this snidely to people who said they were too busy for whatever plans I’d proposed. Super-subtle meaning: YOU MUST NOT THINK I’M IMPORTANT! Now, it’s more of a self-commandment (or affirmation when my schedule seems crazy). If it’s important, it’s worth the time. If time is tight, cut things so important stuff fits.
Just take the darn compliment. Don’t rush to return the compliment (“I like your shoes, too!”) or put yourself down (“Really? I think my hair looks like a mess!”) … just smile and say “Thank you.”
Thoughts? What would you add?