You have probably all read this book already - The Happiness Project.
The book follows twelve months of the author trying to get her "happiness" house in order. I am still using my time in Argentina as a resting point, a place to figure out what is important, fine tune some things with myself (because let's face it, most of the behaviors for good or bad are set) and get ready to have a great next twenty years. There are a ton of tools out there to help you find out how to navigate life a little easier, but the point is to find one that works for you and take the time to try it.
Good luck.
To save those of you some time who haven't read it or don't want to, here are a few key things she wrote:
The author's Twelve Commandments.
Be yourself.
Let it go.
Act the way I want to feel (fake it till you make it).
Do it now.
Be polite and be fair.
Enjoy the process.
Spend out. (I haven't finished the book so don't know what this means!)
Identify the problem.
Lighten up.
Do what ought to be done. (I really like this one - simple but we all have an inner compass)
No calculation.
There is only love.
She also has the Secrets of Adulthood (most of which I agree with)
People don't notice our mistakes as much as you think.
It's okay to ask for help.
Most decisions don't require extensive research (I REALLY LIKE THIS ONE)
Do good, feel good.
It's important to be nice to everyone.
Bring a sweater (and umbrella, etc)
By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished.
Soap and water remove most stains.
Turning the computer on and off a few times often fixes a glitch.
If you can't find something, clean up.
You can choose what you do, you can't choose what you LIKE to do. (Though I would add, you can choose to like what you do!)
Happiness doesn't always make you feel happy.
What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while. (ALSO VERY SMART)
You don't have to be good at everything.
If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough.
Over-the-counter medications are very effective.
Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good (this blog is a GREAT example).
What's fun for other people may not be fun for you - and vice versa.
People actually prefer that you buy wedding gifts off their registry (and everyone loves a gift).
You can't profoundly change your children's (or partner's or colleagues) natures by nagging them or signing them up for classes.
No deposit, no return.
The book follows twelve months of the author trying to get her "happiness" house in order. I am still using my time in Argentina as a resting point, a place to figure out what is important, fine tune some things with myself (because let's face it, most of the behaviors for good or bad are set) and get ready to have a great next twenty years. There are a ton of tools out there to help you find out how to navigate life a little easier, but the point is to find one that works for you and take the time to try it.
Good luck.
To save those of you some time who haven't read it or don't want to, here are a few key things she wrote:
The author's Twelve Commandments.
Be yourself.
Let it go.
Act the way I want to feel (fake it till you make it).
Do it now.
Be polite and be fair.
Enjoy the process.
Spend out. (I haven't finished the book so don't know what this means!)
Identify the problem.
Lighten up.
Do what ought to be done. (I really like this one - simple but we all have an inner compass)
No calculation.
There is only love.
She also has the Secrets of Adulthood (most of which I agree with)
People don't notice our mistakes as much as you think.
It's okay to ask for help.
Most decisions don't require extensive research (I REALLY LIKE THIS ONE)
Do good, feel good.
It's important to be nice to everyone.
Bring a sweater (and umbrella, etc)
By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished.
Soap and water remove most stains.
Turning the computer on and off a few times often fixes a glitch.
If you can't find something, clean up.
You can choose what you do, you can't choose what you LIKE to do. (Though I would add, you can choose to like what you do!)
Happiness doesn't always make you feel happy.
What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while. (ALSO VERY SMART)
You don't have to be good at everything.
If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough.
Over-the-counter medications are very effective.
Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good (this blog is a GREAT example).
What's fun for other people may not be fun for you - and vice versa.
People actually prefer that you buy wedding gifts off their registry (and everyone loves a gift).
You can't profoundly change your children's (or partner's or colleagues) natures by nagging them or signing them up for classes.
No deposit, no return.
I am reading all of your posts from Afganistan and I am fascinated! Do you think the women will ever be OK in that country? I feel so sorry for them. What were they wearing under their burka's? Most importantly do you think it is worth the time and the effort that the US and allies are putting in to make it a better place or do you see the Taliban taking over again as soon as we are gone? And - can any of those kids in the orphanage be adopted by Americans? Sorry for all of these questions but it's not often you find someone who has been to Afganistan! Thanks for the blog - it is great!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if women will ever be treated equally but I do think that they are working to make their lives better. I understand your sympathy but consider giving money to an organization working to make their lives better, many are run by Afghan women themselves. I do think the effort we make matters for each child in school and every village with clean water and woman who doesn't die in childbirth. I hope the Taliban don't return and the Afghan army can stand up to the threat. As for adoption, at this time I don't think that is possible. Plus, many of those kids aren't orphans, they have family that simply can't feed them but wouldn't give them up. Many of them will eventually return to an uncle or brother's house. Thanks for reading my blog!
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