Wednesday, June 16, 2010

rainbow in the storm

Last night I was driving home from an errand - in yet another rainstorm.  I will admit to having done more than my share of complaining about the weather.  For someone whose goal was gratitude that's not such a good thing.  BUT as I headed home, there in the midst of the gray skies and rain was a rainbow.  How any sunlight got to the water to make the rainbow, I don't know.  But there it was, reminding me that within the rain there can be moments of joy and reminders of God.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

More on Happiness

A few more random quotations from THE HAPPINESS PROJECT by Gretchen Rubin.

1) To eke out the most happiness from an experience, we must anticipate it, savour it as it unfolds, express happiness, and recall a happy memory.  (page 108)

2) quotation from C.S. Lewis - When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so.  Now that I am fifty I read them openly.  When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."  (page 119)

3) Three different kinds of fun - challenging fun (most demanding, takes time and energy, but also most satisfying), accommodating fun (requires making accommodations, takes effort, organization, and it strengthens relationships), and relaxing fun (doesn't require honing skills or taking action)   (pages 134 and 135)

4) quotation from a reader - I can DO ANYTHING I want, but I can't DO EVERYTHING I want. (page 123)

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Lessons - both large and small

I just started reading a book called THE HAPPINESS PROJECT by Gretchen Rubin.  I already like it.  Here's a sample of why I like it.  Her list of secrets of adulthood.

People don't notice your mistakes as much as you think.
It's okay to ask for help.
Most decisions don't require extensive research.
Do good, feel good.
It's important to be nice to everyone.
Bring a sweater.
By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished.
Soap and water remove most stains.
Turning the computer on and off a few times often fixes a glitch.
If you can't find something, clean up.
You can choose what you do; you can't choose what you like to do.
Happiness doesn't always make you feel happy.
What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.
You don't have to be good at everything.
If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough.
Over-the-counter medicines are very effective.
Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
What's fun for other people may not be fun for you - and vice versa.
People actually prefer that you buy wedding gifts off their registry.
You can't profoundly change your children's natures by nagging them or signing them up for classes.
No deposit, no return.
Never start a sentence with the words "No offense."