The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun
has captivated me. She is a writer who had a flash of insight: “The days are long but the years are short”. She realized that she wasn’t enjoying her life and appreciating her blessings as she ought to, so she set out to study happiness and learn if a person can boost one’s own happiness.
Normally I borrow books from the library and this was no exception. However, I wanted to underline and scribble notes in the margins, so I actually bought my own copy! (Gasp of shock, but it IS a used copy!!) You can buy one too. I am now an Amazon Associate*, so that is my recommendation of a place to get yours.
Why am I telling you this on a blog about being a California Artist?
In her month of working on more happiness at work, Gretchen lists “Enjoy Now” as one of her resolutions.
I have set a goal of drawing an entire book. It occurred to me that as someone who is motivated by completion, I am in danger of just gritting my teeth and plowing through 230 drawings with the “wake me up when it is over” mindset.
NO NO NO!! I love to draw! Sure, it gets lonely in the studio. To say “Yes” to completing this goal, I am saying “No” to every interruption, diversion and spontaneous opportunity for a year. Wah.
So? This is a self-imposed deadline. It is a well-thought out plan. Drawing is a privilege. I get to work in my home studio without commuting. I love to draw. I plan to enjoy it every step of the way.
Thank you, Gretchen Rubin!
*This means that if you click “The Happiness Project” under “Books I Love” on the left side of my blog, and then actually buy after clicking the link, I will earn a little bit of money from Amazon.
4 Comments
“Enjoy now.” Yes, and your concept of doing what you love as a privilege resonates with me.
Re your comment on my post “Why You’re Never Too Old,”
you are funny. Those cheese danishes are a special treat on Tuesdays when I’m out studying at a coffee shop for an hour or so. But I am far from immune to the lure of sweets at home too. 🙂 Ach. Need it to be warm so I can try to run again. What’s your secret? It’s all that hiking, huh?
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Jennifer, sometimes just changing my language from “have to” to “get to” makes all the difference!
And my secret? I’m kind of chubby, so no secret at all. 😎
I can identify with your completion mindset, Jana. Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the process. Live the moments, right?
Cheryl, it is So Very Satisfying to cross things off a list, don’t you think? I get such a charge out of it that it takes some real intentional thought to enjoy the process!
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