Since the last three days, I was facing terrible internet connectivity. After stabbing the refresh button for a while with the same results, “This webpage is not available”, I accepted the situation, calmly. Now how did an internet junkie like me accept this ghastly situation so easily!
Well, a few days ago, I had read about acceptance and emotional adulthood and how our reaction to a thing/situation changes our outlook towards it. Sounds mumbo-jumbo? Allow me to explain with an example. When we are faced with some uncertainty and we are not able to accept it, it turns into fear, but when we go for trekking or do rafting or bungee jumping, uncertainty is present at each an every step, but we accept it as part and parcel of the whole package and it becomes adventure. Similarly, if somebody has hurt us and we don’t accept it, it turns into hatred. But when we accept this hurt, it turns into forgiveness. So, it’s all about how you look at things.
To cut long story short, instead of whining, sulking or making life hell for the customer care for messing up with one of my life-lines, I calmly accepted the internet issue and focussed on books.
These past few months, I had barely read anything. So, I shut down the laptop and opened my library cupboard and read 10 books in three days! Do I hear an appreciative whistle? Well, even I am pretty impressed with my reading spree. And while, I was on it and forming a pile of unread books and bringing them out from the deep recesses of my library cupboard, I saw this book. It was a present from Corinne. I had seen her write and practice it on her blog and was impressed by it. And she was kind enough to send the book across to me. On its receipt, I flipped through some pages and told myself that I’d take it up when I am a bit free. And the so called free time never came and the book lay untouched for quite a while.
Last night, I saw this book again after a long time and decided to read it. It is titled The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. As I read the initial pages, I was sucked into its simple insights.
Being happy is on everyone’s agenda. Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence. Thankfully, I have a lot to be happy about. Touch wood! What I liked about this book is how Gretchin has shared the wisdom of the ages, current scientific studies, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier into a methodical approach to forge her own path to a happier state of mind with great tips and suggestions. I am all for systematic, logical and planned approach towards things so Gretchin’s Happiness Project inspired me greatly.
A part of me suggested that I should start this Happiness Project from the new year, yeah, that’s the clichéd official start day for most of our personal projects! And another small voice said, ‘Now is the time’. As 1st September was just a few hours away, I listened to the small voice and after reading the introductory pages, I turned to the month September in the book. And guess what, it was about Books!!
It was a sign, definitely, positively! So, here I am starting my first month on this Happiness Project.
In the Book, The Happiness Project, September is about Books and it suggests to focus on
- Write a novel : Well, this one is not on my agenda, so I will focus on writing on blog creatively.
- Make time : Yes, make time to read. I have to read a LOT!!
- Forget about results : Pursuing something with passion without the pressure of numbers, results can be exhilarating. I am keen to see how this works, because, all this while, I am driven by end results.
- Master a new Technology : Aah! There is a lot to learn. I’ll figure out something new to explore this month.
I’ll be back at the end of the month and share my progress, learnings, insights from My Happiness Project for the month of September. Wish me luck!
20 Responses
I have found that my “vacations” from writing and the internet have done me the world of good. It is nice to enjoy the pool, a good book, playing games with my kids, and knitting. Whatever makes you happy is the ticket! ♥
Oh no, if I don’t focus on results, I will never do anything! I need to have a target for even watching movies, otherwise it won’t happen! 😛
Same here. I am so lazy, unless I have a target, I”ll do nothing. That said, I will be very happy also doing nothing 😛
This is one of my favourite books and a mantra of sorts. A friend sent me the e-book and I love dipping into it every now and then. We actually practise the principles on my parenting group and feel so much more grateful every single day. Glad that the Internet crashed on you and you got to read this book, Shilpa 🙂
Write a novel has been on my list for a while… a very long while. a very very long while 🙁 Somehow it just isn’t meant to be… seeing this reminded me of what I should atleast aim for one last time
Best of success with your Happiness Project, Shilpa! Sounds like something I desperately need at the moment. Having a rough day.
Thanks Shilpa! Also having computer problems as I write. I swear it can be so stressful. But what bliss when there is nothing that I can do – but wait – Great that you found reading, and creativity simmering soon to be actioned!
Ten books in three days!! Awesome! Congrats on taking up the happiness project, Shilpa. 🙂
That is a wonderful book, Shilpa! And you never know about writing a book You may surprise yourself! You are one of the most prolific bloggers I know. Here’s wishing no more forced digital breaks for you! Happy September to you. Love, Vidya
I haven’t read this one. I guess I should buy it now. Some great words there. I agree, once we treat a bad situation as a project to be tackled we concentrate on action instead of the whining, crying and feeling bad. I am doing the exact same thing with the refund situation now.
About the pointers, I have no interest in writing a book but yes, need to make more time for reading. Goals are important for me but I understand why certain things are meant to be done for the joy of it. Wish you luck.
That’s a great start Shilpa…Wish you all the best on the project…
I haven’t read this book but it looks like something that could find a place on my bookshelf..
Your internet co operated with you to take time for you to read. A blessing in disguise!Your book reading will help friends, who don’t read books.(I cant read much because of poor eye sight)
It requires a tremendous amount of focus, doesn’t it? Writing. But hey, forced digital breaks are a good way to start. Of course, the next one is to actually just write. Good luck, Shilpa. I’m sure you’ll be successful 🙂
Good luck with the project Shilpa. Looking forward to your updates. I’m hoping I’ll be inspired. I need to do this too. Goodness knows when, though.
10 books in three days! That indeed calls for whistles! I haven’t been able to read or write my blog,and you know why! But I’m inspired to take up this happiness project too!
Good luck with that! It’s so difficult to find time to both read and write and then go about living the rest of our life 🙂 But the happiness makes it worth the effort 🙂
wow ! shilpa ! my admiration for you has doubled, and definitely its a seetie mar performance (ten books in 3 days), and now glad to hear about the happiness project, loved your attitude to move on despite internet issues, which is so very common… hope to read this book some time…thank you for sharing ! and wishing you all the very best !! Love and hugs to you .
Good luck Shilpa …I should get that book sometime
I believe I need to read more too. And of course the idea of a happiness project already has been in 🙂 and the fact that Corinne sent this to you is even more wonderful no?
Wow shilpa, so true when internet is down, its irritating for people like us who are net addict and its a life line so we get stressed and me too find reading relaxing in such times as crib cant mend net….
10 books in 3 days woo i can well imagine the way must have read them…
Wish u all the best for happiness project and also for helping me specially for motivating to read this book again.
Writing a book is my long lost dream hmmm hope i can do it…