I finished Gretchen Ruben’s The Happiness Project last night, and I have two confessions to make.
First, I thought this book would say nothing I hadn’t already heard. I was so very wrong.
Second, this book was a bit overwhelming at times. It gave me so many good ideas. When I got off the plane last Monday, I had a huge list of things I wanted to do or learn more about or just websites I wanted to go to. Thank goodness I make lists. If I didn’t, and all those thoughts had been left to run around my head, I might have had a mini breakdown.
The book has inspired me to do a few things differently. Things won’t change on here dramatically, but I’m going to share more about me and my experiences than I have in the past. (I hope you like it.) I’ve decided to start focusing on cultivating a positive attitude about…well, everything (I realized recently that negativity really brings me down, especially when people are negative about things I like. I don’t want to make anyone else feel that way.). Oh, yeah, and about a hundred other things.
Hope you have a brilliant start to your week!
I’m dying to read this. Will happen soon. Yay for positivity! You inspire me Brandi. XOXOXOXO
I actually have this book on hold at the library…can’t wait until it comes in. I was thinking the same thing as you….that it’s just going to be the same stuff I’ve heard before. So I’m glad to hear you came away with new stuff!!
This is the second post I’ve read in the past couple of weeks about this book and the reviews have been the same…so inspirational! I’m definitely adding it to my list. (Maybe I’ll pick it up today so I can read it on my trip!)
NEO-trad — Well, if that’s the case, I’m only returning the inspiration favor.
Piper — I definitely did come away with many new things. And believe me, as a religion major, I’d read many books on happiness.
Salt — Oh, do pick it up, my dear. It’s such an enjoyable read — perfect for the plane ride (just try not to spill yogurt all over your book at take off like I did last week).
The Happiness Project sounds really interesting…as does you sharing more about yourself. I look forward to it.
I look forward to your newly inspired posts.
You have to appreciate the power of a good book.
yes, it WAS overwhelming right? talk about making your mind go in circles with all the great advice, ideas, resources, plans, lists, it goes on and on! i’m glad you wrote some things down, that was certainly smart. i didn’t and stored it in my head for a week or two before having to go back and then write down.
glad to hear you have FINISHED successfully! yay!
happpppppppy start of the week dear:)
This is on my “to-read” list on goodreads.
I might have to read it when I finish the book I’m currently reading. I’m a “list” girl so I’m afraid of all I’ll want to do afterwards! hahaha
Wil & Tina — Thanks. I hope I don’t disappoint.
Lauren — Really one of the best books I’ve read in some time. I’m so glad you read it too.
L — I can’t wait for you to read it. And you won’t want to do it all afterwards, because you’ll know what’s you and what’s not and you’ll create your own lists.
I am going to have to read this. I need some extra positivity in my life. Thanks for the recommendation.
Oh I need to read this! Adding it to the list….
So glad you loved it, Brandi! I am almost done but have a few more chapters to go. I am really loving it, and have already been applying some of her ideas (and so far have had success with them!). Yay. I can’t wait to hear more about your experiences and your ideas from the book.
Rachel Elizabeth — Definitely, definitely read it. And when you finish, come back and tell me what you thought about it.
Shelby – Do! Do! I know you’ll enjoy it.
Jayni — I can’t wait until you finish so we can talk more about it!
She also has a blog (where she wrote before the book came out). I can send you the link if you don’t have it. I’m not sure she’s any different than the other self-help books; I didn’t think the book was great or terrible, just average. As I read it, I got some good ideas and was able to think through things, but I felt like it was lacking something. Have you read Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment By Tal Ben-Shahar? I thought his was more interactive and a better book. He made me wish I had gone to Harvard to take his class!
Also, this post reminds me that i have pretty much abandoned my “project me: the pursuit of happiness” posts. I should really get back on that.
perhaps you would like to jump start it and do a guest post?! I’d love it if you would, assuming you’re not too busy.
i am so ready for this book. i have it on hold at the library, just waiting for someone to return it. i’ve heard so many good things – glad to hear your thoughts on it, too!
I’ve seen this book on a few blogs and feel like it’s about time I jump on the bandwagon. I think positivity is a great idea! My blog is definitely a place I’ve vowed to always be a positive space, so that if there is nowhere else, I always have that.
The thought alone of being known as “the one who is always positive” just makes me feel better, even if it’s just being really good at faking it towards others at times.
Leni — You’re the first person I’ve heard give a rather tepid review of this book. I understand what you mean when you say you feel it’s lacking something. There are no definite answers in it, but I like that she leaves that journey for each individual reader.
Sarah — Yay! I hope whoever has it returns it soon.
Lauren — Sometimes you have to fake it until you make it. From all my acting training I’ve learned that sometimes pretending to be in particular mood actually puts you there.
lovely to read your thoughts on it ~ i’ve been thinking about buying this for a while.
Ingrid, I think you’d so enjoy it. I can just see you coming up with lists of fun projects for yourself.
i would LOVE to read this book now – maybe i’ll try to hunt down a copy this weekend.
i’m looking forward to hearing more personal stories too
I am getting such polar opposite reviews on this book that I don’t know whether finding out for myself would be better if I borrowed the book or if I bought it (I just can’t spend money on new books right now if they’re going to be shelved 1/3 way into it).
I’m glad to see it’s given you some ideas on how to do things differently. I like when something inspires that effect on me. Maybe I’ll see all these good changes you’re going through on this and your other blog and decide if I should get the book or not.
This book sounds like it’s right up my alley! I’ll have to look into it. Thanks for recommending it.
Hello! I’m new and not so… But I am so excited about this book! Thanks for posting! I gave you the link rather than using Amazon because I like your synopsis better! Points for you! Can’t wait to read more!
Yes for positivity, always! =)
I can’t wait to check this book, too.
The title is grabs my attention! A Happiness Project would do wonder for me now!
Thanks for the tip
Fake it until you make it. Some of the best advice my father ever gave me, and you follow it too!
I cannot wait for our chats. Can’t wait.
I so want to read this now! I’m with you on cultivating the positive!
xo
This is awesome hun, Now I must read it too! Thank you for reminding me or introducing me….or both!
xo
Melis
I was actually thinking of reading this book. I had it in my hand at the store, but put it down. Your post has made me want to go back to the store and buy it!
Ladies, if you haven’t read the book yet, get it.
And Lili, I understand your reservations.
Gretchen has a blog http://www.happiness-project.com that you should check out if you’re a bit unsure of whether to read it or not. But I recommend it. Some of you may be inspired in big ways, some in small, but I think it has little things to teach each of us, even if it’s only to remind us of things.
ok. i’m always suspect about books like this. no idea why…i just bristle at instruction on how to be something…
you sold me, though. i’ll find it. xoxo.
this looks so good, and although i’ve already got quite an extensive (to say the least, right?) reading list already, i definitely will check this out next chance i get!