My Experiments in the Practice of Everyday Life

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November 4, 2006
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This Saturday: a quote from Epicurus.

Epicurus“We must, therefore, pursue the things that make for happiness, seeing that when happiness is present, we have everything; but when it is absent, we do everything to possess it.” — Epicurus

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  • Sophie

    Are you familiar with the book “Everyday Traditions” by Nava Atlas?
    It has inspired me to think about non-holiday-time rituals for my dear “Can’t we do something NEW this year?” daughters. I thought it might appeal to you even more because you and your children do enjoy family rituals.

  • Ben

    Just finished reading the entire blog, to date. It was more than worth it.
    Two questions:
    Where can I find out more about you? Specifically, your switch from a truly amazing career in law, to a truly amazing career as a writer?
    Second, what downsides, if any, have you come across as part of your trials at happiness?

  • http://profile.typekey.com/StephanieWestAllen/ Stephanie West Allen

    Gretchen, I think you will like this research about the role of happiness and a good mood in one’s success:
    http://westallen.typepad.com/idealawg/2006/11/are_happy_lawye

  • http://www.happiness-project.com Gretchen Rubin

    Sophie, I just ordered the Nava Atlas book on traditions. Thanks so much for that recommendation. And Stephanie, I just printed out the study you mention. It’s just the kind of thing I’ve been looking for, about how happiness affects health, success, altruism, etc.
    Ben, your kind words about my blog have made me very happy! If after that, you really want more information about me, http://www.gretchenrubin.com is my author website. Any downsides I’ve found? Interesting question…well, I’ve found that sometimes happiness doesn’t make you happy. For example, I recently learned a VERY juicy piece of news (it wasn’t mean, but it was juicy). It would have been so much fun to tell people what I knew. But I didn’t allow myself to do that. Also, I so badly wanted to say “I told you so…” this weekend, but just managed to hold it back. I’m happier for having done the right things in these situations, but it was tough to bite my tongue. Also, working to be happier is just that–a lot of WORK. Exercise, tidy up, do thoughtful things for other people, remember birthdays, read more, don’t nag…it’s not easy! It’s become very clear to me that although many people believe that happiness descends on you when circumstances are appropriate, in fact, it’s a state of mind that you have to work for constantly.

  • http://profile.typekey.com/StephanieWestAllen/ Stephanie West Allen

    Thought you would like the Reverse Gossip Game described at Bob Burg’s site:
    http://www.burg.com/reversegossip
    He had an EndGossip project:
    http://www.endgossip.com

  • http://www.westallen.typepad.com/idealawg Stephanie West Allen

    I will continue to update this post when I find research. There are a couple of articles about happiness there at the bottom in notes that might interest you:
    http://westallen.typepad.com/idealawg/2006/11/are_happy_lawye

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