I'm always on the lookout for a good book, especially one that is not in my typical genre (which lately seems to be anything "vampire" or fantasy). So when a friend mentioned this book about happiness, and how is was easy reading, light, and funny, I said to myself, "that is a book I want to read". I was excited to try something new - to broaden my horizens - so immediately accessed the library website, looked it up, and reserved a copy for myself. I was SO excited, in fact, that I didn't even wait for them to pull it off the shelf for me - I stopped by on my way home and picked it up myself!
I couldn't tell you the exact reason I was so excited to read this. Maybe it was because I was becoming bored with my other books. Maybe it was because I valued my friend's opinion and thought "it has to be a good book if she recommends it". Maybe it was because deep down inside I was looking for my own piece of happiness. Don't get me wrong - I'm happy with my life. But everyone has those moments, as small as they may be - when you're sitting amongst the chaos of your crazy life and you wonder, is this it? Maybe what I really needed was someone to say "stop and slow down" so that I can truely appreciate the things in my life that make me happy.
For the past month I have gone along for the ride as Gretchen tackled one resolution every month for a year, in all areas of life. Vitality, Marriage, Work, Parenthood, Leisure, Friendship, Money, Eternity, Books, Mindfulness, Attitude, & Happiness. Written with a comic touch, it was so easy to visualize her stories, whether it was about her children and learning to be more patient and accepting, or about her husband as she learns how to quit nagging and give proofs of love, or just pursuing a passion (hers is books - I can relate). It is full of insightful wisdom and little ideas that stay with you throughout the day.
I am so glad that I read this book. Now I might just have to go buy a copy for myself!
"The days are long, but the years are short."
