Reflection
In the beginning of the book I had mimicked Rubin’s idea of making resolution and decided to make a list of my own. For my last and final blog I will be reflecting on the ones I had tried and now use regularly in my life. First, I want to reflect on what my original resolutions were…
My 12 Commandments:
1) Always be yourself
2) Don’t be afraid to laugh
3) Loosen up a bit
4) Work smarter not harder
5) Smile even when someone isn’t smiling at you.
6) Always be nice
7) Read more books
8) Stay fit and healthy
9) Help others in times of need and don’t expect anything in return
10) Be more patient
11) Spend more time with the ones I love
12) Dream and then achieve
I have never pretended to be anyone or anything I am not even when participating in the happiness project. I wanted to stay true to myself otherwise what is the point? Next, my resolution was “don’t be afraid to laugh” thankfully I do laugh more and it feels good. I have an incredibly hilarious fiancé though so laughing has never really been an issue. Then, I wanted to practice loosening up a bit and while I still have a hard time doing this around people I am not really familiar with (as I feel anyone should be), I have noticed that I have learned to let the little things go and to loosen up with my family. Not everything needs to be perfect all the time. My fourth resolution “work smarter, not harder” has definitely helped me during the second half of my semester online. In the beginning, I was still trying to figure out the logistics, which limited the amount of time I invested in my work. My fifth resolution really helped me to realize that sometimes people are having a bad day and that a smile can brighten right away or it will just make you feel better about yourself because you know you tried to be friendly. While I followed most of my resolutions, the rest were hard for me such as reading more books, staying fit and healthy, being more patient. When I am in school it is always harder for me to find extra time to read books that I really enjoy. In addition, I haven’t been able to stay as fit as I want to because I am a full-time student and worker and it can be really hard to wake up early when I am tired to try and squeeze in a little work out. I was able to do it for about a week consistently then had to stop. I needed sleep. Finally, I must say my patients has improved however, I still have moments when I snap or break down sometimes. While I know everyone has their moment I am still trying to work on mine. Rubin wrote a great book that has really motivated to try my best in life. Happiness as we know, takes time, we have to be focused and dedicated to trying new ways to improve our mood. Overall, happiness is attainable you just need to find something your passionate about and aim towards getting it. It won't be easy but nothing in life ever is. What makes you happy? Is it family, friends, money traveling? Whatever it is I urge you to read this book to help you become a more organized, happy person. You will not be disappointed, I promise.
I incorporated this last photo of me and my friends because it takes me back to a time of true happiness when I was exploring South Africa with amazing people!
