The Happiness Project

Have you read the book? I ordered it Friday and decided to hold off on resolutions or goals until I had a chance to read a bit of the book. If you've read the book or participate in a "happiness group" I would love to hear from you. It seemed to me that working independently might be easier but it would be interesting to hear how the group thing works. Don't get me wrong. I'm not unhappy but the idea of thinning out some of the unnecessary to let in more happy moments seems most appealing.

My girlfriend, together with her teen-aged daughter, went on a very meaningful service trip to Kenya in 2009. When she returned she described a simple tribal life saying that many of those living in the community were almost giddy with happiness. They had very little, according to western standards and yet everyone seemed very happy. Her observation was "Life on the Mara was simple, stress free and it called us to slow down and to live closer to nature."

Photo of Lindsey and her Masai Friend

Doesn't that sound like something we all should try to do - live more simply, with less stress, slow down and connect with nature? It doesn't sound too hard.

It isn't exactly a resolution but exercise is on my list of things to do in 2010. When I turned 40 I started taking ballet and have continued classes off and on over the past twelve years. Last year I fell off the wagon but will be back in class next Saturday. The idea of wall-to-wall mirrors is a bit scary but facing one's fears is an exercise in itself, right?

Have you made any goals yet? I would love to hear them.