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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

My Happiness Project

I have talked about the little things that make me happy before, and if asked, I would certainly say that I am a happy person... but I have always wondered if there was secret for maximizing one's happiness that I was missing out on. After multiple recommendations, I picked up a copy of The Happiness Project... and I couldn't put it down, reading it cover to cover in a weekend.
The honest and easy way that author Gretchen Rubin talks about her own struggles with maximizing her happiness... resounded strongly with me.

I can honestly say that I am happier after reading this book. Some of the changes Rubin implements in her life, won't happen over night (stop nagging... yea, that's going to take some time), but having these nuggets of information at the front of my mind have made me more aware of cultivating my happiness daily
One of my favorite parts were the "secrets of adulthood" that Rubin declares for herself...
I picked out my favorites from the book, but I also can't wait to pen some "secrets" of my own

"Secrets of Adulthood"
-- People don't notice your mistakes as much as you think
-- Do good, feel good
-- By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished (AMEN!)
-- What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while
-- It's important to be nice to everyone
Since finishing The Happiness Project, I have realized there are some simple ways of living that make me happy ... they might not be everyone's cup of tea, but keeping these "commandments" have helped me maximize my happiness

Jessica Commandments
Let it go
Act the way you want to feel (AKA fake it till you make it)
Enjoy the process
Clean while you go
Laugh it off
Appreciate the way others love you
Quality over quantity
I enjoyed this book, and I think you will too! 
This is nothing special - just a copy of the book to call your own.
"Sisterhood of the traveling book" style

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(** if your email address isn't connected to your GFC profile, please leave it in the comments so I can contact you if you win)

Two of the little things that make me happy - riding to school on my bike with my new backpack.
What are your secrets of happiness?
xx
Jessica
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36 comments:

  1. Sara StraussSeptember 4, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    One little thing that makes me happy is reading up on tv news at the end of the day. I don't know why but it calms me down before I go to sleep. lol

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  2. RachelSeptember 4, 2012 at 9:26 AM

    A little thing that makes me happy are compliments from strangers. 

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  3. SardoodledomSoap59September 4, 2012 at 9:28 AM

    !!!http://goo.gl/huYUr

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  4. StellapnpSeptember 4, 2012 at 9:33 AM

    amazing pictures and color on your dress!!
    mychoicesaremystyle.blogspot.com

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  5. Britt+WhitSeptember 4, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    ooh yes! i always wonder that too...if there is some special formula or outlook on life! Interesting book

    love from San Francisco,Britt+Whit 

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  6. Sharon SSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:16 AM

    You're adorable on your bike!

    The unconditional love I get from my doggies makes me happy!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Win a Mint Green statement necklace! 

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  7. Joann NewportSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    lunch dates with friends make me happy!  

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  8. Shea SayersSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    That sounds like a great book, perfect for me right now. I'm transitioning between careers, so I need all the happiness help I can get! One thing that makes me happy--coming home and being greeted by my always-happy dog! 

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  9. sarahSeptember 4, 2012 at 11:07 AM

    reading before bed makes me happy :)

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  10. MillienewellSeptember 4, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    One little thing that makes me happy is learning and exeecuting a new recipe! It feels so good to accomplish something new and have everyone love it. This is a neat idea Jess! I have to get this book!! :)

    millienewell@gmail.com

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  11. Daily JennSeptember 4, 2012 at 11:29 AM

    I love this post!! Finding happiness in the little things is so important to me.

    Things that make me happy: finding something good about everyday, spending time with my fiance, being back at school and able to walk to campus each day. I guess I need to check out this book :)

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  12. SaraSeptember 4, 2012 at 11:47 AM

    Awww some I follow on twitter keeps talking about this and I am wondering what she is referencing too! NOW I know! :) Thanks for this post! 
    Sara
    http://seventwentysomethings.blogspot.com/

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  13. KatieSeptember 4, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    i really want to read that book!  a little thing that makes me happy - coffee.  reading blogs.  a big thing - my family. 

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  14. Anna D KartSeptember 4, 2012 at 11:56 AM

    This looks like a such fun idea ! I've been wanting a bike, and will probably get one next summer... ;)

    happymedley.blogspot.com

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  15. nicoleSeptember 4, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    LOVE this book.  My friend and I are doing our own Happiness Project 2012.  9 months into it, I can certainly say I am definitely happier and have healthier habits! The author has a new book it just came out today it's called Happier At Home, I intend to purchase this and read it cover to cover twice!

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  16. Shanna SchneiderSeptember 4, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    Thanks for this giveaway! I have really been wanting to read this for awhile. If I don't win, which I hope I do, I am def getting a copy. This is something I think we should all read...especially women!! My family and my health make me happy!!! You are ADORABLE!!

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  17. Amber BartlettSeptember 4, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    These pictures are great. I love dresses like that, they are so easy and go great with boots or sandals. Basically great for anything.

    http://frenchpresstights.blogspot.com/ 

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  18. JenniferSeptember 4, 2012 at 1:35 PM

    Love this post! Thanks for the reminders. One of the little things that makes me happy is the shape of my husband's nose (it's so cute!).  I would love a copy of this book, so fingers crossed! Thanks again.

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  19. Mini Me StyleSeptember 4, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    Jessica - this sounds like an amazing book and one I could definitely benefit from right now! Love your whimsical pics and hope you have a great week!

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  20. GiovannaPaciniSeptember 4, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    So cute! Loving this post! I keep hearing about that book! Definitely need to check itout!

    xx
    Giovanna
    www.oliveandanarrow.com

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  21. RamonaSeptember 4, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    I absolutely agree!Do good, talk good and help who ever you can. But there is one more thing- appreciate! We shouldn't forget to appreciate what we have in our lives.
    This is wonderful post!
    I like your bike!You look so happy in these photos!
    ♥ 

    xoxo Rahttp://ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie/

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  22. Brigid (Small Town Fabulous)September 4, 2012 at 4:16 PM

    My dog always makes me happy. She's so full of unconditional love :)

    smalltownfabulous(at)gmail.com

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  23. Priya PappuSeptember 4, 2012 at 5:34 PM

    I am totally reading this book right now! I haven't finished it yet, but I am loving it. Gretchen has so much awesome insight, and terrific ideas! I have the book but I still entered because, why not? A little thing that makes me happy is: opening the blinds to let the daylight is. These pictures on your bike are adorable!

    perfectly priya

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  24. Hems for Her, a.k.a. KatieSeptember 4, 2012 at 5:47 PM

    Thank you for sharing this. I have recently bought the book, but I haven't started reading it yet. I definitely need reminders to be happy and grateful. I look forward to making my own lists!

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  25. A JSeptember 4, 2012 at 6:46 PM

    One of the little things that makes me happy is talking to my grandmother. I know that taking the time to have a 10 minute conversation with her brightens her whole day, and that makes me feel warm and fuzzy :-)

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

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  26. JessicaSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    Oh yes... love me some pug kisses too!
    xx

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  27. JessicaSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    Oh thanks for the tip... I am looking for a book to take on my trip next week, looks like I found it!
    xx

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  28. JessicaSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    Thank you dear! I hope you do get a chance to read it - definitely good for an all at once dose, or a couple of nuggets before bed each night!
    xx

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  29. JessicaSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    So cute! Love this answer - it really is the little things!
    xx

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  30. JessicaSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    So true! 
    xx

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  31. JessicaSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    If you win, you could always pass along the happiness!
    xx

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  32. Rachel @ little bits of lovelySeptember 5, 2012 at 12:10 AM

    You look so happy in all of these pics, it is hard not to smile! xx

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  33. CorinneSeptember 5, 2012 at 1:49 AM

    One thing making me happy today is spring! It's the first day of the season that there's that real warmth in the air, and it's such a mood lifter! I've been hearing so much about this book, might have to give it a go :)



    Life etc

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  34. RachSeptember 5, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    Such a cute bike! Glad you loved the book! :) 

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  35. Lindsay BoxSeptember 5, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Drinking a really good cup of coffee early in the morning makes me happy!

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  36. Jessica LSeptember 12, 2012 at 7:54 AM

    I really need to read this book! Everyone is raving about it! I also get simple pleasure out of riding my bike. I love your bike though! So cute! -Jessica L

    THEJESSICALBLOG.COM

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Thank you for your comments, they make my day!!
xx

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