What was the one most valuable thing you learned from The Happiness Project about happiness—for yourself?
Created: 01/06/14
Replies: 7
Join Date: 10/15/10
Posts: 3442
Join Date: 12/07/12
Posts: 68
Not to have anything around me that I do not believe to be either beautiful or useful and to spotlight those items by putting them where they can be a continual source of happiness. It is a whole philosophy of personal decorating that seems to say we should find what gives us pleasure and then showcase it rather than looking for professional decorators who speak to us. I loved reading about the authors shrines. It was fascinating that her young daughter was dealing with her possessions that way first. We know these things as children but then forget them. It was lovely to read of an adult who found this idea again.
Join Date: 04/16/12
Posts: 26
Something I totally agree with, but hadn't thought of before is the specificity of happiness and the importance of mindfulness. What makes someone else happy won't necessarily make me happy and vice verse The more specific I can be, the more likely I am to be happy. The author does a very good job in looking at herself and her situation and in identifying specific things and improve her happiness.
Join Date: 01/31/13
Posts: 110
I agree with Kathleenr and really enjoyed learning about the authors and other people's shrines. I have been to people's houses that clearly have stuff for decoration but nothing that even spoke to them. I also agree with the idea that it should still be you (be Gretchen) so if possessions are beautiful to you and useful to you than they matter and make you happy.
Join Date: 10/04/12
Posts: 5
Join Date: 03/22/12
Posts: 353
That I have some things in my home that have outlived their usefulness and are taking up space. Also, that I should be more open and understanding of other peoples possessions instead of thinking that it looks like a bunch of clutter.
Join Date: 05/24/12
Posts: 41
Know yourself and be aware of how what you're doing and what's around you make you feel. If you create the conditions for happiness, you will be happier over the long term, and more generous with everyone around you.
Join Date: 06/20/13
Posts: 27
Accept Yourself but expect more from Yourself. I loved this statement, because I find myself sometimes wanting to try new things, make resolutions, and not keeping them. It is easy to get burdened with everyday life and to give up on something that you really want, something that you think will make you happier. I appreciated that statement and decided that I'm not too shabby the person that I am, but I could be better and should always keep trying.
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