It struck me the other day that I have so many wonderful books just sitting idly on my bookshelf. And while it gives me some pleasure to know that they are there in case I ever want to read them again, for the most part, they are simply gathering dust. Which brings me to a new effort I’m going to be making this year:
Each month, I’m going to purchase a book that I’ve been wanting to read, and then once I’m done with it, I’m going to give it away to one lucky reader.
I figure that this will ensure that I’m sharing these wonderful reads with others and it will help me do my part to support the world of books!
To kick this off, I’m going to share my copy of Gretchen Rubin’s Happier at Home: Kiss More, Jump More, Abandon a Project, Read Samuel Johnson, and My Other Experiments in the Practice of Everyday Life. I picked up this book at Anthropologie when we were in Philadelphia over the holidays because it sounded like a good way to start my new year. Gretchen takes us through a school year’s worth of monthly resolutions as she attempts to make herself (and her family) happier at home. I’m not sure that I will take on the same methodical approach to my home life, but I did pick up a few really helpful tips including:
The days are long, but the years are short.
The only person I can change is myself.
Now is now.
By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished.
What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.
There are a lot more of these helpful nuggets and I fully plan to follow her suggestion to stop checking my phone while I’m going places (while a passenger in the car, while out on walks, etc., which is a terrible habit). Plus, just hearing about Gretchen’s experience was really a lovely way to spend a few hours. It’s empowering to think (remember?) that we have the power to shape our lives, to make ourselves happier, and generally to be better at being ourselves!
So here’s your chance to read the book. Simply leave a comment sharing one thing related to your happiness by Friday January 18 at 10 am CST for your chance to win the book. I’ll randomly choose a winner and will then promptly mail out the book to you. Good luck and happy reading!
9 Comments
What a great idea! These days baby coos and cups of coffee make me happy
Hi, Amy!
I am happy when I see my daughter`s smile each day, when I enjoy the view from my window(beautiful trees and birds).
Hi, Amy! Oh, I loved her first book … and am big on thinking about happiness lately. Reading Brene Brown’s new book (Daring Greatly) right now which is, inadvertently, about this too. So for me, happiness at home: baking bread, having fresh flowers around (which I don’t always spring for, but really love having around), evening cocktail with Sam!
Congrats Megan! You’ve won the book. I’ll be in touch to coordinate mailing it to you. Happy day!
Many things make me happy
Appreciating all the good things I have in my life and all the bad things that I DON’T have make me grateful. But in my daily routine, with my kids all grown up and out of the house (for now) it makes me happy when I’m making necklaces/earrings, jogging, getting together with friends, having lunch with my husband, seeing how happy my dogs get when I pet them….. should I keep going? 
Of the many experiences (self-created and offered by others) that contribute to my happiness, two shine extra brightly at the moment. The first is the daily rhythm of small household tasks and the one main project for the day of the week (stitch on Monday, iron on Tuesday, tidy office on Wednesday and so on . . . the best: bread, soup and something sweet on Sunday!) I created to bring balance into our household (2 weeks into this rhythm project it seems to be working well).
The second is dancing with my daughter. She hands me a soft doll, takes one for herself, we put on rollicking Irish music and twirl, sway, pound the floor with our feet while smiling and laughing from ear to ear!
I love this idea, Amy! I’m happy witnessing my kids’ milestones, big and small. Lately we’ve had some big ones! My kindergartner is learning to read, which is remarkable to experience seeing her mind form words from once-foreign letters. And my 11-month old is walking and is too darn cute with his little legs, big smile, and limitless determination. Plus a glass of wine after a long day.
I am happy when all my boys are learning and happy and when we are just snuggling together.
I am a devoted fan of Gretchen Rubin’s blog–such great tips for a happier life!