"The Days are Long, but the Years are Short..."

I don't often post quotes, and I don't often get sentimental; but I'm doing both in this post. I just got through reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (where the quote above originates), and haven't felt this inspired in ages (I also attended a phenomenal dance convention last weekend, so that helped). If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend it. My copy is filled with post-its, notes in the margins, and entire paragraphs bathed in orange highlighter. What a great lesson in appreciation for what you have, incentive for making improvements, and motivation for lasting change. Here are a few great ideals that stuck with me (and I hope continue to do so...):

Be Casey: In the author's case, it was "Be Gretchen." She said this to herself daily; accept who you are in everything that you do. Whether it is what you wear, the books you read, the music you listen to, or in the hobbies you pursue. Always stay true to who you are. That being said, a key take-away from this book was not only being yourself, but finding ways to make yourself better. Can you be nicer? Could you be more patient? Is there any possible way for you to relinquish some control? Yes, yes, and yeeeesssss.

Do What you Love...and Avoid What you Don't: Think about the hobbies and interests that make you happy. Truly happy. And accept two facts: 1.) Just because someone else loves something doesn't mean you will (or should), too and 2.) You can't do it all. Gretchen Rubin is a genius; sheer genius. I know I am absolutely guilty of both, and most likely, so are you :) Focus on the things that you are passionate about, and make time to do them.

Have Fun: I interpreted this personally as 'quit being such an uptight b*$%@ all of the time.' :) "The days are long, but the years are short;" If ever a phrase resounded with me, it is that. I spend a lot of time on needless worry, I have somewhat of a low tolerance for really anything irritating, and I obsess over a clean house. But the years are too short and too precious to waste fretting or feeling anxious. So let the dishes go for the night, turn on the music, grab your kids, and spend the night dancing in the living room.

I am starting my own Happiness Project in January. I will keep you posted on my progress. But now, I'm off to shake a tailfeather....

http://www.happiness-project.com