I have always considered myself a bit of a Pollyanna...looking on the bright side of life, playing the "Glad Game", and trying to see the best in people.
But as of late, I find myself wanting to be more like Lewis. Lewis doesn't need to play any games or seek goodness...My little Hittyville Friend just IS and from the simple act of being, happiness seems to find him. I mean...look at him. Lewis experiences joy in EVERYDAY life adventures...such as taking time to admire a YELLOW flower. He didn't go in search of the flower to find happiness...The joy came from living in the moment.
And then...
Today, during my morning iPad time, I stumbled upon The Happiness Project book. I have seen, even picked up this book numerous times at Barnes and Noble, but would think...I don't need this book, I am already happy.
A vision of Lewis flashed before me and I took a closer look at the book. My sister, Missy, has quoted the author, Gretchen Rubin, several times over the past few years and that also resonated with me.
After some time studying the table of contents and reading the introduction, I decided I just HAD to have this book...I want to write my own manifesto, create personal commandments, select my Patron Saints, and fine tune the way I approach life.
Off I went...and bought The Happiness Project and some other "companion" type books to enrich this journey I am embarking on.
Missy also recommended this book. Living FULLY right where we are is really the only way I can imagine experiencing life as intended.
Oh my, Eleanor Roosevelt? I quickly pulled this book off the shelf. I can't imagine a more inspiring read.
Winston Churchill has fascinated me for years and The Happiness Project author, Gretchen Rubin, approached this great Statesman's life in such a creative way. My stack of books was growing.
Ah...one of Danny Gregory's earlier books. I LOVE this artist and knew this particular book was also a must-have for my Happiness Project.
WOW!!! This has to be the most AMAZING art journal I have ever seen! Excerpts from Leonardo Da Vinci's notebooks...words and sketches...I actually got tears in my eyes looking through this sacred art book.
It was time to head for the farm and start my Happiness Project!
I can't wait to get started on my Personal Manifesto...
~To definitely be continued~
I had that Danny Gregory book and passed it on. However, I do often read his blog and someone mentioned this book in the comments on his blog so I now have it on my wish list--thought this might be interesting to you:
ReplyDelete"The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing" by Jeff Goins--sounded good for we creative types who hover between euphoria at a project, and the ennui of the dreaded in-between.
Eleanor Roosevelt--definitely. I admire her--have done for years. She just kept on. I recently read a bio of Alice Roosevelt Longworth which was interesting--she didn't think much of Eleanor, but I have to disagree. Alice was rather cruel to people and Eleanor would never be. Who is the woman I admire?
Thank you, Judy, for the book recommendation! I have read about Alice as well and really wanted to embrace her...but just couldn't...About your last question...Who is the woman you admire?
DeleteEleanor of course!
ReplyDeleteAlice was pretty, had a sharp mind, read extensively, and was a life-long learner and debater of political issues. She had her own glow and charisma, but boy was she mean. She liked to cut and ridicule people, and a catty gossip with razor intellect isn't funny, just sad and tiresome.
I think this might explain why we seldom hear of Alice these days. For someone with a great background, intellect, influence, wealth, ability to communicate, and personal charm and attractiveness, she mostly hits the radar for smart-ass talk at social gatherings, political conventions, and fund-raisers.