Wendy and I have decided to start a little pet project together.
We call it - The Happiness Project. 
It’s based on the book by Gretchen Rubin by the same name.
Why?
Because we both want a little more. Not that we are lacking of anything, but we want a little more out of life, and each of us has very different goals.
It *is* that time of year, you know. Resolution time. January 1st of you-name-it Year. These are always hard for me. I come up with this laundry list of “resolutions” and then I never follow through with any of them. It’s too overwhelming.
How do I start?
Where do I start?
Who cares if I follow through?
A while back Wendy started talking to me about this book she had heard about. I saw it. I almost bought it. Then she got it for me. *nudge 1*
Then time goes on and we talk about blogging on a site together. We kick around ideas, and I suggest an ongoing feature regarding The Happiness Project. *nudge 2*
We decide to take everything in a completely different direction and focus on this. *nudge that broke the camel’s back*
We talk about it and we really like the idea. Again, not because our lives are so incredibly shitty that we need to make some drastic changes. After all, that is NOT what the book is about. It’s about taking a systematic approach to your life and improving it, one month at a time, simply in order to be HAPPIER. I must admit, this is HIGHLY attractive to my right-brained self. If I could marry anyone, it would be the scientific method and the if-then statement. (I know, that’s two people, but it’s my fantasy, right?)
We have found that there are a few people out there who would like to come along on this journey with us. Here is the jist of what that entails:
- Wendy and I will be doing weekly posts here on Monday and Wednesday.
- On Thursdays, we will be publishing a Linky with a prompt with a thought or goal for the week. Optimally, this will be a general thought that applies to your goal. In no way do we think that we all have to have the same goal. That just wouldn’t work.
- We are working on getting an official The Happiness Project Group Kit from the author, Gretchen Rubin, to guide us though this process even better. No use to re-invent the wheel when so many great tools are already available, right?
- Each Month will have a “theme”, as in the book, and from the book. We will pick 3-4 goals for ourselves for the month and invite you to do the same! Each week we will talk about our goals and progress as we support each other in a healthy, judgement-free environment. This is meant to be a safe process. As is noted by Gretchen Rubin, everyone’s project is different. We want to celebrate these differences, and support and learn from each other.
- We have a Facebook Fan page and will be forming another group as well. Let’s face it, we all have stalkers on Facebook. We love them, we call them family. But we may not want them to read all about our trials as we evolve. Just saying.
We have created a Pinterest page to house our vision boards and other inspiring things or things that will help with our goals for the month. We welcome everyone to follow along, make boards of your own and label it so we can, again, encourage each other. (If you need an invite, let us know!)
We are on twitter. Who doesn’t love twitter, right? #happinessproject
That is the premise for the project. Additionally, we will be migrating to a [dot]org WP site. PLEASE leave your twitter handle, at the least, below, and your email if you like and we will put you on “the list”. Or follow us on FB to keep up too. Once we get over to [dot]org, we will have an awesome subscription service that you can get (RSS or other) and follow along that way. We will also have fancy buttons and logos and all that jazz too! Estimated hard launch is February 1, 2012, if not sooner.
Wendy and I have already established the Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter because we are so excited.
Thank you for hanging in while we get “official”.
Happy Journey!
~Maegan
How exciting… a new year and a new project to boot. Last year one of my New Year’s resolutions was to be happier. I think I am definitely happier now than I was at this time a year ago. But… happy doesn’t have an ending, does it? Is there a limit to how happy someone can be? I think not. I want to go all the way. I think I’m already signed up with all your social media groups. @temysmom
Best wishes and good luck on this terrific adventure together. Can’t wait to see the happiness unfold.
So much what I need….it was like you entered my brain but with a plan (which I didn’t have). I think I must get the book now. I am not so saavy with all the steps/items/social sites so I may need some guidance on getting started in that arena so I can keep up with you all. LOVE IT!
Jenny, we can’t wait to have you along for the ride! Also, don’t feel like you need to read the whole thing overnight! I am only reading month to month!
~M
I will definitely follow you on FB and here and will try to join in your challenges as I am able to
I haven’t made any new years resolutions as I tend not to keep them (other than to stop buying STUFF that I really don’t need!!) so this can be kind of a resolution for me, if you’ll let me
Lynne – so *Happy* to have you along for the ride! ha!
It really does make a mental difference to just think of 1 month at a time!
Good Luck!
have the book–can’t wait to start it while following you! I’ve picked three words to focus on this year…begin, practice, and grow. I’ll begin the book and following your blog, practice what I learn and grow through the process. They work with just about every situation, even when I stumble. (begin again, grow from the experience, and practice new beginnings.) Thanks ladies, for being a part of my new year! I wish you growth and happiness!
Love it!! begin, practice, grow! Can I use it too?
Those are FANTASTIC words! I hope you have a killer vision board going with those! (We are on pinterest too – so feel free to follow and start your own #HappinessProject board!)
Thank you for joining us!
I have been following the author’s blog and received the book as a Christmas present. I’ll start reading it and incorporate it in my life this year, sort of like having a happiness project of my own too. Looking forward to your posts!
Thanks, Vera!
We are looking forward to your posts (or comments) too!
Sounds good! Can’t wait to follow your journey!
Thanks, Ms. C!
I shall look forward to following this.
Awesome – can’t wait to see your comments!!!
My daughter and I are doing our Happiness project together in 2012 and will include your blog in reading and inspiration. Thanks!!
Thanks, Donna – I hope you and your daughter can join us on FB too!
http://www.facebook.com/chronicallydistracted
Add me to “the list” gals. Looking forward to your happiness journey!
Thanks Laura! It’s gonna be fun!
Sounds great! My sister and I are also doing a Happiness Project. Can’t wait to follow your journey as well.
We are looking forward to hearing about your journey’s as well!
Add me to the list. I love a good “Happiness Project”!
Thanks Susan! Looking forward to your comments!
You are so organized about what you are doing here. I love it. I just started following Gretchen, but haven’t read the book yet. I figure more happiness in the world is a good thing!
Thank you, Deb!
We are excited about the whole thing!
I’m just reading the book month to month, so if you do pick it up, don’t feel too pressured to read it all overnight!
Although, you may want to! ha!
Please sign me up! I’ll enjoy reading about your project.
Thanks, Wendy! Can’t wait to see your comments!
Great. I need all the reminders I can find.
Thanks for following!!
Please sign me up! I’m interested in learning more about your project!
Thanks so much, Julie! Stay tuned, it’s going to be fun!
really glad that i found this – I have my plan for January on the kitchen door at home but also distracted by work and a 3 year old! Glad for any reminders :0)
Sam! we can’t wait to give you tons of reminders! Please stay tuned via our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/chronicallydistracted
This site may (will) disappear for a week or so as we re-design it and get it all fancy! Hope we don’t lose you in the roll over!
Thanks for finding us!
~Maegan
I love the book and Gretchens blog. Looking forward to following your happiness project and joining in. Good Luck
I am very interested in seeing how a new happiness project unfolds. Good luck and plenty of perseverence! I can’t wait to follow your journey….
I need to see how this happiness project proceeds. I need to see some happiness someplace. I keep trying to bring some into my life however …
Good luck! Just started mine last night–in between watching Downton Abbey–so I’ll definitely follow along!