So I wrote a blog post a week or two ago introducing “The Happiness Project” 

I am starting my own on May 1, and I am so excited! The book caught my eye while grocery shopping, and there is nothing I love more than a new book! I read it in just a few days and was hooked on the idea!

I loved the simplicity of the idea. I loved how easy it all sounded to Gretchen when she started and how hard these small changes were to make in her life. I loved the main idea behind the book is to “change your life without changing your life”. I was so inspired by “Eat, Pray, Love” but I don’t want to go to Bali, or India to change my life…I could definitly be convinced to go to Italy though…..haha. I want to stay at home with my husband and son. I want to make my everyday life happier. I am not unhappy with my life. I was just struck by the simple idea/challenge of making my happy life happier! I think everyone no matter how happy they are with their lives could strive to be happier.

It’s about slowing down to notice the small things, being you, taking time for the simple things, breaking up the cycle of complaining, recognizing daily miracles and appreciating and embracing your life for what it is. That is the Happiness Project.

Step one is to pick your own personal 12 commandments. The 12 rules/guidelines that will help you through your project. It took me just a few minutes to choose mine! Not sure why I found it so easy, I just know where I need the most work I guess!

So here they are!

1. BE JUSTINE! – not sure why I find it so hard to just be me…..but I do.

2. Lighten up – I need to take things less seriously.

3. There is only love – when Marco is driving me nuts, or Luca is being frustrating….there is only love. That’s all that matters.

4. Talk to strangers – once I know you I can talk your ear off for hours….when I first meet you I am super quiet, self conscious, and shy.

5. Stay in touch – I want to take more time to keep in touch with old friends, people I haven’t talked to in a long time.

6. Go outside – with a job that requires a lot of computer time I tend to stay in side a lot. I LOVE being outside, I MISS being outside.

7. Make mistakes – this terrifies me for some reason. I tend to not do for fear of making a mistake. I need to get uncomfortable. Make mistakes. Grow.

8. Sh*t Happens, Count on it – I have a hard time handling change, especially bad change. I need to be more flexible.

9. Choose not to take things personally – I take EVERYTHING personally….

10. Remember, everyone is doing their best all the time – I get frustrated easily.

11. What would I do if I weren’t scared? – This one ties in with making mistakes.

12. If I can’t get out of it, Get into it – I tend to complain when there is something I have to do that isn’t overly enjoyable….rather than complain, embrace it.

13. Let go, Let God (I just HAD to include this one) – He has the  best plan for me…I need to let mine go, and follow His….that’s the true happiness project!

Starting May 1, I will focus on one theme a month! May is Energy! How to get more, how to be more energetic, and feel more energetic! Wish me luck! :)

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