I finally have the confidence in myself to make my own Happiness Project. Years before I read The Happiness Project, written by Gretchen Rubin, I always wondered ways to add more happiness in my life. So when my friend told me about this book a few years ago, I was mind blown, because I had a similar idea in mind. Little did I know this book was published in 2009, and I started thinking about this in 2012 for myself, and my own happiness. It is sort of like I subconsciously knew about this idea before I was even introduced to this amazing story.

My friend was telling me that each month, Gretchen focuses on a different area in her life, ranging from parenthood, finances, time for fun, and a career, etc. She found little ways to make her life more meaningful and happier by adding new habits to her daily life.

“What you do every day matters more, than what you do once in awhile.”

-Gretchen Rubin

I asked for this book for my birthday, since it was a month away at the time since my friend told me about it. I was lucky enough to receive it for my birthday. I read this book in 2014, but I reread it more slowly in 2015. I read a chapter every month, since each chapter was about how she slowly changed her habits each month, and what she learned. And then I reread it in 2016, so I can do this with my boyfriend, since he only knew about it, and hadn’t read it yet.

I now have the confidence and resources to do it this year. I am so excited!

I tried to do this last year, but we fell behind with our move, and the stress of the pandemic, so we didn’t make much progress.

Here are some of my commandants, they are similar to Gretchen Rubin’s commandants, but with my own twist.

Be Julianne

For those that may not know, my name is Julianne. And for me that means I should focus on what makes me happy. Not really listening to what people have something negative to me, which I haven’t really come across anyone that has had anything negative to say to me, or about me. It means doing things for myself, and not trying to appease anyone else.

Be More Spiritual

I would like to practice yoga, and mediation more regularly. I have been trying to do this one for a bit now. I am totally looking forward for this one!

Make Time For Reading

As of lately I have been trying to make time for reading, but some days it is more difficult than others. Sometimes it’s easier to just lay in bed, and play games on my phone. Instead of getting up to do yoga, or read a book.

Go on More Adventures

I hope that we are able to have a bit more freedom in the new year. I would love to make more time for adventures. I would love to travel the world as well. I would love to visit Bali, London, and Africa (because I love giraffes).

Have a Morning and Evening Routine

This will ensure that I have enough sleep, so I have no problem getting out of bed to start my day.

“Do What Ought to be Done” -Gretchen Rubin

I am borrowing this one from Gretchen Rubin. I really like this idea. It is so simple, yet so profound. It just reminds me that I shouldn’t put stuff off. I am glad I am one of those people that likes to get things done. Sometimes my boyfriend doesn’t, but I think this will help him.

What are some of your commandants for the new year?

Last year we were so ready! This is our binder for Our Happiness Project. The pages are in the inside need to be updated a bit, but I still love the design of this. The pages on the inside of the binder will be updated tomorrow. So I will definitely keep you posted later on tomorrow.

Here is a sneak peak of what you can expect for the upcoming year. And perhaps you’ll become inspired to make your own Happiness Project. I am super excited to begin this journey with all of you. Of course everyone’s Happiness Project is going to be different. At the moment, I’m not working, so maybe you might want to add a category strictly about your career, or perhaps you are parent, you can make resolutions to be more loving parent, or “new traditions” and adventures with your child(ren).

Monthly Resolutions

January: Boost Energy
February: Love And Relationships
March: Possessions
April: Finances
May: Exercise
June: Family and Friends
July: Adventure
August: Make Time For Fun
September: Mindfulness
October: Literature
November: Community Involvement
December: Minimalize Holiday Stress

Every first day of the month, I will talk about the resolutions I will make month. I am only going to add three, maybe four habits each month. On the last day of the month, I will go over my notes, and talk about the things I have learned about myself. I cannot wait to share this journey with everyone.

If you are inspired to make your own, please tag me, because I would love to read your posts. Although you don’t really need to make a binder out of your resolutions, like I have done. I’m a bit old school like that, where I prefer paper and pen to do certain things. I like being able to check things off on my to-do list.