This summer, I was strolling through a used bookstore somewhere in Idaho and came across the book 'The Happiness Project' written by Gretchen Rubin. The title struck me and caught my attention. I had never thought about viewing happiness as a logical and sequential project. Flipping through the pages, I found myself intrigued with Rubin's strategies and ideas of how to better her life. Gretchen mapped out 12 different areas in her life that she wanted to work on such as patience, taking time for projects, simplifying, etc. And every month she would focus on one area. Along with her monthly focus she drafted her own version of the 10 commandments. While in her monthly focus she would return to these commandments and they would aid her while confronting a problem or simply remind her how to achieve her happiness goals she was pursuing.
So I took after Gretchen and wrote my own set of 10 Commandments to help me stay true to myself and my happiness.
1. Write and then write some more.
Writing is an excellent way for me to release and a logical way of dealing with emotions. It also helps me work through problems in my life, helps me stay inspired and embracing creativity in my life.
2. Stay present.
Being there in the moment, not dwelling on the past or having feelings of anxiety for the future.
3. Less stuff, more happiness.
Simplify. This means anything from physical to mental clutter. Less is always more.
4. Be selfish, about the important stuff.
Don't let your people pleasing ways wind my path onto one I don't want to walk down. Take time to myself, daily.
5. Be Maddy.
Being proud of who I am completely. Body, soul and mind.
6. Do it with passion, or don't do it at all.
Don't give a half effort on anything, go all out and accomplish my greatest work.
7. Be a dedicated lifelong learner.
Read books often, attend seminars, watch TED talks, follow the news. Always be in active learning mode.
8. Outside & active.
Spend some time under the sun getting exercise and leave life behind for a moment of time.
9. Service.
Have a servants heart and care for those around me. Make it a daily habit to help someone around me.
10. Make time for art.
Create, create, create. Put that creativity power to use and make something beautiful, or not.
Take a note that everyone's commandments will be unique. My commandments may differ from yours greatly. Try writing your commandments you wish to live by and watch your happiness increase! I strongly encourage you to write you own commandments and review them and help create the life you want to live.
