My Happiness Project

First things first, shout out to Gretchen Rubin for being my inspiration. I've never met the woman, but she's a genius. After spending the middle of 2013 in a slight funk, I stumbled (probably literally) across her book, "The Happiness Project", at Target. I immediately picked it up to buy it because, well, I love being happy. After reading just the first chapter of this work of art, I knew that this was something I really wanted to do. Thus, this blog. Anyways, check out the book and start your own project. All the cool kids are doing it.

My Happiness Project is based a lot off of her book and how she did hers, just with mainly my own renditions of happiness. So really, I'm no mastermind in this shindig. Basically I'm just being that kid in class that copies a homework assignment but changes just enough of it so it looks like something new. But I don't care because this isn't for a grade and I'm changing my life.

Here's my Happiness Project:

Long story short, every month I will focus on an area of my life that I want to work on in hopes of increasing my overall happiness. So in January, I will focus on one aspect, then move on to a new one in February. However, the whole time I will continue to work on the previous months. I'll do this through all of 2014 and in December I will end with "tying all the loose ends". Throughout the year I will work to live by a happiness code, called my 12 Commandments. Obviously these come in 2nd place to the 10 Commandments, because, well, Jesus. These are the 12 most important things I feel I need to remember to maximize my happiness outcome and can apply to many situations.

Happiness Code: 12 Commandments

1. Stay weird.

2. If you don't use it, lose it.

3. Do it now.

4. Savor the little things.

5. Be positive and kind.

6. Always find laughter.

7. Embrace being a 20-something.

8. Don't look back.

9. Do the unexpected.

10. Be financially conscious.

11. Faith over worry.

12. Love first.

Every month will be focused on a different area of happiness. However, I am an impatient person. That being said, I'll probably get bored one day and decide that I want to begin something for the month of July in March. I don't know if Gretchen Rubin allowed herself to jump around months, but I am. Even though I may work on something from a different month, I will be FOCUSED on working on the present ideals. These are my monthly happiness aspects:

January - Getting Organized: start a blog, "spring clean" my apartment room, commit to a devotional.

February - An Apple A Day: work out, cook real meals, drink more water.

March - Brain Power: focus on my studies, read educational books, subscribe to/read Time magazine.

April - Journey With Jesus: serve others, prayer, read my Bible.

May - Be In The Present: reduce use of social media, watch the news, pay better attention to daily life.

June - Loving The Griswolds: call extended family more, focus on immediate family, show love more.

July - Pursue A Passion: make and begin my bucket list.

August - Broaden My Horizons: try new things, do the unexpected.

September - F.R.I.E.N.D.S: be intentional, socialize with new people, stop interrupting.

October - Financially Conscious: balance my checkbook, make a budget, spend wisely.

November - Attitude: avoid being negative, stop complaining, be kind.

December - Tying Loose Ends: work on all of my happiness aspects.

Being happy is a hobby of mine. Starting projects (rarely finishing) is another. This year should be full of interesting events and I can't wait to share them with you all!