Say Yes Whenever Possible

Gretchen Rubin (of Happiness Project fame) recently said something in a video she made about relationships and happiness that struck a chord with me.  She said (and this is an inexact quote, so please forgive me if I mess it up):  

When you're trying to decide whether to make a commitment, think to yourself, "Will this experience build or strengthen relationships with my friends or family?"  and, if it will, then say "yes" to that commitment. 

We had a rather hectic weekend this weekend--attending a family Christmas party, seeing a movie, helping my sister move, seeing a band, and driving to Athens to see some good friends from out of town.  It was kind of a lot to squeeze into one weekend.  And at times, I wondered if it was crazy to try to make it to all those different commitments. But I kept thinking to myself--these experiences will strengthen our relationships with our friends and family, so they're a good use of our time.

In the end, I admit we're all a little exhausted.  And poor Flanna still has two days of school left before her break!  But it's good to feel connected to our extended family, and to see old friends we haven't seen in years, and to get to see my sister's cute new home taking shape.  So I think it was worth the effort.

For  most people, feeling connected to our friends and family tends to bring us great happiness.   And what builds connection more than taking time to be together?  So, if you're invited out, or you're thinking of organizing a get-together, but you're not sure that it's worth all the trouble--remember that happiness does not come from sitting at home alone taking it easy, and say, "yes!" whenever possible.




Who can you not wait to see this holiday season?  For me, I am happily anticipating seeing my west-coast BFF Kelley, who is on her way toward our home town now, I believe!  Yay!

Come on Get Happy

So the book that inspired my happiness project for this year is out on bookshelves now! I already preordered a copy, but since I'm out of town, it's sitting in my neighbor's apartment, who kindly agreed to collect our mail each day. I'm tempted to go buy another one just so I can read it now! But I guess I'll be sensible and wait until I get home.

I already read the Happiness Project blog, but I'm really excited about reading this book, as well. There's something so personal and comfortable about reading a book. I can't wait to fold down the corners of pages I really like, or to see the book stacked among my favorite books on my shelf once I'm done.

I always feel like when people come into my home and see my book shelf with my most beloved books, they get a glimpse into what I am about. Along with my "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child," my "How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids will Talk," my "Collected works of Flannery O'Connor," my "Creative Counterpart," and my "Super Baby Food" books, I think that "The Happiness Project" will be one of those books I'll continually learn from and that I'll enjoy reading again and again. If any of you read it, let me know what you think, too!

What books do you keep on your shelf even when you've read them many times?

I've made a terrible mistake

So I've just started a blog as my happiness project for next year, and I'm beginning to think I've made a terrible mistake. Because it's 3:07 a.m. Really, it is. And I am AWAKE. That used to be normal, oh, say, back when my daughter was a nursing infant. But now, she's 3. She (mostly) sleeps through the night. I (mostly) get my 7 or 8 hours of sleep per night or really really regret it. Yet, here I am, blogging in the wee hours of the morning because I am either crazy or am just way into writing about being glad. OK. Well, the blog is up. I'll post something meaningful and amazing tomorrow.