My Happiness Project~~Part I

Last week I finally purchased "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. I've read her stuff for months in GoodHousekeeping and have perused the book the last few times I've visited a bookstore. I was wondering if I should honestly trust a book on happiness that wasn't coming from a Biblical background, but concluded that I can be discerning enough to know when the answer is actually Jesus (rather than whatever turns up on these pages). And I also believe that God can redeem all things and teach me valuable lessons even through people who aren't professing Christians.

Well, I'm just now (like right now) starting my own happiness project. The first steps are to ask myself the following questions, so I thought I'd make a post out of the task. These questions are designed to help me understand the resolutions I want to make to basically become a happier person. And in an attempt to not make this a book review or "plot" summary, I'm simply going to dive in. (In other words, if you're curious about the book itself, click here.)

The questions are: What makes you feel good? What gives you joy, energy, fun? What makes you feel bad? What brings you anger, guilt, boredom, dread? What makes you feel right? What values do you want your life to reflect? How can you build an atmosphere of growth—where you learn, explore, build, teach, help?

What makes you feel good? What gives you joy, energy, fun?

I feel good when my areas and home are organized and free of excess clutter. I feel better prepared for the day when I've gotten enough sleep and allowed myself time and space to wake up slowly. I feel good when I've eaten enough fruits and vegetables and found some way to move that day (others may call this exercise). I feel joy when I'm engaged in a free-flowing interaction (be it a conversation, hang-out, or gathering) with people who know and understand me well. I am energized by purposeful periods of rest that include time in the Word, time for creativity, and reflection on the past day or week. I have fun when I'm physically comfortable (free or distracted from pain) and have a plan...when I am: surrounded by someone(s) who loves me, laughing, or experiencing rich and cultural things.

What makes you feel bad? What brings you anger, guilt, boredom, dread?

I feel bad when I am misunderstood. I get angry when people in my life are hurting or hurt me. Guilt sets in when I fall into bad patterns of sin that I am really ready to be done with. I feel dread when there is no variety in my routine or when I have nothing to which I can look forward. I feel bad when I haven't had enough sleep or time to myself and I feel frustrated when time is wasted. I don't enjoy winging it unless I'm on a road trip or am in a particularly spontaneous mood. I feel terrible when an entire day goes by without meaningful thought, conversation, physical contact, or affection from another person. I feel bad when it seems that I'm in something alone. I hate being emotionally inconsistent...and I do not like the fact that my list of negatives is so long.

What makes you feel right? What values do you want your life to reflect?

I feel right when I am on-track in my relationship with Christ. This includes being in tune to his plan of grace for my life. I want my life to reflect the values of good listening, compassion, service, care, confidence, and gratitude. I feel right when I am both pouring into someone's life and being poured into by someone older than myself.

How can you build an atmosphere of growth-where you learn, explore, build, teach, help?

I can build an atmosphere of growth by reading more and using my free time with purpose. I can plan excursions and events for myself that foster a spirit of adventure and joy. I can get serious about physical health and the connection it has to my mood and disposition. I can make sure I keep healthy margins for myself in regards to the number and quality of activities/ministries in which I'm involved. I should be able to give the best of myself and if I cannot, should consider dropping the activity.

I'm excited to read this book and to plan my happiness project. I will document when I can and hopefully inspire others to seek happiness more seriously too!