The Road to Happiness… It’s a Personal Thing
Since starting the Happiness Project, I’ve Learned that My Focus Is Not Going to Be Another’s Focus
Comparion is the thief of joy. It’s also a complication to knowing what we really want.
It’s easy to ask others what they find happiness in. It’s also simple to take another’s routine or project and attempt to accomplish it the way that they do it.
This is especially true while attempting a year long project that was born in another’s brain. It’s easy to read a book and attempt to adapt their exact months and rules. To do it the way they did.
However, what is important to you? What brings you joy? What practices would bring you true joy?
Look at what is true for you in the moment. When designing a personal project after another’s, look to the things that you want to get done. What do you want to try? Adapt the time frame and the theme but leave the details to what you know you would love to do.
For example, in month 1 of the Happiness Project, author Gretchen Rubin focused on energy. I immediately thought this would be the perfect idea so I decided to do 8 glasses of water, a 15 minute workout and 8 hours of sleep a night. That worked on day 1. It’s day 10 now. I’m drinking more water and attempting for more sleep. My usual sleep log is 6 hours. I haven’t worked out once due to a cold.
Would I have done it differently if I hadn’t been reaching to follow?
Maybe.
I’m still going to attempt to keep working on water and sleep. However, 21 days would mean a time to adapt a life giving practice for energy. Making it a priority to add to my morning routine would provide energy.
In everyday life, my routine might not work for you. I tend to read a chapter or blog post from a source of inspiration. I try to do my gratitude log. I sit down and write for at least 30 minutes.
My routine is simplicity at it’s finest. It works for me. However, depending on your preferences and personality, it might be more beneficial to cuddle more, walk more or to take 5 minutes to meditate.
My addition for this month is to take 5 minutes to try meditation. Once I feel better, I might try the 15 minute work out. But 5 minutes in the morning to just be clear headed and focused on breathing might be just the kick of energy I need to start the day.
Starting any day or project meaningfully is important. However, remember to consider the following when designing any year or routine:
- What actually would work for me?
- What is on my heart to try?
- What rings true for me?
- What intrigues me?
- What would make me happy?
- What challenges me personally?
Do things your way. Learn from others. Adapt to your own needs.
