My Happiness Project - October

In The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin the month of October is centered on "paying attention." Her four goals are "meditate on koans," "examine true rules," "stimulate the mind in new ways," and "keep a food diary." For my happiness project I followed Rubin’s general outline and tailored these categories to my liking.

Meditate on Koans
            Meditating on koans helped Rubin find clarity as well as think in different ways, so for my happiness project I wanted to make it a priority of mine to practice yoga daily. As seen here one of the main benefits of yoga is acquiring a more peaceful mindset. The breathing techniques and poses have helped me lower my stress and anxiety levels. Yoga has also benefited me because I have taken the time each day to clear my mind and escape from the pressures of my daily life. So far this month it has helped me to think more clearly and has helped me become a bit happier as well.

Examine True Rules
            The second task for October is to "examine true rules." These are commonly used principles or rules that you use frequently. The goal for the month is to examine some of them further and see whether or not they are useful to you. Some of my rules of thumb include "too much of anything is too much," "change is good," "exercise daily," "always do the right thing," "follow your heart," and "dance like no one is watching." Analyzing these true rules made me realize that some of them help me while hurting me at the same time, such as "change is good."While change can be excellent because it keeps life exciting and can give one a fresh perspective, but sometimes too much change will make you lose sight of who you really are. On the other hand I found that a true rule that is helpful to me is "dance like no one is watching." This has taught me to not care what others think and to just be myself because ultimately that is how I will be happiest.

Stimulate the Mind in New Ways
            In the work Rubin attempts to accomplish her task of paying more attention by using her brain in different ways. She made it a goal to have different mindsets like one of enthusiasm or an observant one. For my happiness project I went about viewing everything in a more optimistic and appreciative way. I began to realize that I had been blessed with so much that I had taken for granted, like the roof over my head, the parents that support me, the clothes on my back, the dance classes I am able to attend, and the food on the table. I also started to view everything more positively. When faced with situations that are less-with-ideal I try to always look and think on the bright side. Changing the ways in which I think has made me more aware of myself and how fortunate I am.

Keep a Food Diary
            Rubin's final task for October was keeping a food diary. She wanted to be healthier and more conscious as well as break her bad habits. For my happiness project I went in an entirely different direction. Instead of a food diary I decided to write down something I am thankful for each day. The other tasks for the month have made me more aware and appreciative, which is why I felt it important to always remind myself of this. Keeping this "diary" has helped me to stay upbeat even in the most difficult of times.  

            Through my different tasks so far this month I have found myself paying more attention to the seemingly insignificant but important details. I have become more self-aware and learned a lot, and I can already feel myself becoming happier.