When asked what I should write about, one of my clients replied, “what fascinates you.” This is one of those topics.
Happiness is one of those very elusive “human” concepts. Webster’s calls it “the feeling or showing of pleasure or contentment.” That doesn’t cut it for me. It’s bigger than that.
I read a review of the book by Gretchen Rubin, ” The Happiness Project.” Ms. Rubin spent a year examining her life, trying to see how she could enjoy it more. Every month, she picked a topic to focus on, such as money, energy, or spirituality. She practiced improving these topics by taking little steps (for energy: get your sleep, cut down junk food). She noticed that it worked.
Then, my Sunday paper had a column by Emily Brendler Shoff, giving an example of how “The Happiness Project” affected her in a positive way. Ms. Brendler Shoff highlighted Gretchen Rubin’s 12 Personal Commandments. Here they are.
• Be Gretchen. • Let it go. • Act the way I want to feel. • Do it now.
• Be polite and be fair. • Enjoy the process. • Spend out. • Identify the problem.
• Lighten up. • Do what ought to be done. • No calculation.
• There is only love.
Great stuff.
From the coaching perspective, some questions.
What is happiness for you? What is it composed of?
What makes you happy?
What allows you to be happy?
What holds you back from being happy?
How do the Personal Commandments resonate with you? What are your top three?
What is the impact on you from making others happy?
What do you want to learn about happiness?
What is next for you?
Go ahead. Do something risky for the sake of your happiness– or someone else’s. Consider #3 Act the way you want to feel. #4 Do it now. #11 No calculation.
Fun for today: Visit Gretchen Rubin’s website at www.happiness-project.com See the Four Splendid Truths. And, #6 enjoy the process.
“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” Colette
“It is easy to be heavy: hard to be light.” G. K. Chesterton
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln
