Book report time. I just finished The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I started this book with a preconceived notion that I wasn't going to learn anything about being happy. I have always felt that "happy" is something you choose to be. If you are waiting for happiness to find you, you will be waiting a long time. I have to say that my initial notion was spot on. Ms. Rubin did not tell me anything I didn't already know. But I'm not saying her book isn't worth reading. I may have known or deduced many of her concepts but it did not hurt to be reminded to put them into practice.

The Happiness Project follows Ms. Rubin's year long research on increasing her happiness. She sets goals for each month. The year begins with 'Boost Energy' and ends with the goal of 'Boot Camp Perfect'. 'Boot Camp Perfect' is really an unattainable objective. We are human after all. Ms. Rubin herself admits that she was not able to achieve 'Boot Camp Perfect'.

What I took away from this book is the reminder that I am in charge of my own happiness. What I do daily, how I react to the world around me, the love I show others, etc; are all integral parts of my own happiness. I have tried to incorporate some of her ideas into my own life. One in particular that I had been neglecting is to validate others feelings. I used this recently on Kristen. (Surprise Kristen!) She called me upset about something and we ended up barking at each other. I wanted to carry the anger with me but instead I decided to be the big girl and let it go. I responded in a positive way and ultimately acknowledge that she had a right to her annoyance. This way I let it go. I also was intrigued by her concept of "Being Gretchen". It has given me pause to consider what it means to "Be Jill". I am more thoughtful about the things I enjoy. I am more accepting of my own idiosyncrasies. And I can let go of trying to force myself into being someone I think I should be.

Over all I'd give the book a B grade. This is a book I will hold on to and pick up to read again. It's not something you absorb all at once. Ms. Rubin has a website that she started during her research year. Give this book a go if the subject interests you. And visit The Happiness Project at http://www.happiness-project.com