Check out my happiness-project movie! A one-minute story about -- what else? -- how I learned to be happier.

I'm very excited.

Today, my internet movie, The Years Are Short, launched!

I hesitated to do this movie. Then I remembered all my resolutions: "Push myself," "Try something new," and "Enjoy the fun of failure" (well, actually, I hope that one won't come into play).

I remembered my Secret of Adulthood: "It's okay to ask for help."

As always, novelty and challenge can be intimidating -- but, just as the happiness researchers tell us, they give big boosts of happiness. Now that the movie is finished and out in the world, I'm very happy, even though I felt frustrated and anxious at various times along the way.

The fact is, whenever I stick to my happiness resolutions, I do make myself happier. I remind myself of that every day.

The story is a true story about something that happened to me as a parent. The title, The Years Are Short, comes from the phrase that I constantly invoke: The days are long, but the years are short.

I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think. If you like the movie, please pass the link along to anyone else who might like it, too.

And if you're visiting this blog for the first time, after having seen the movie, welcome!

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Comments

[Heather at Grace303]

Gretchen, I love your movie. It is so touching. I definitely had tears in my eyes as it finished. The words, images, and larger thoughts are so lovely. You did a terrific job.

[Lani]

Just beautiful!
Perfect!!!
Thank you so much!!!

[Hunter Johnson]

I sent the link around to my wife and some other parents and work-with-kids types. Thanks for launching it.

[Erik]

The movie was very nice, but the overexposed picture of you at the landing page made me think: "Oh shit! A vampire!" :)

[Rob]

As the father of two young girls - I can relate. I often find myself squandering the time - waiting impatiently when I should be enjoying the time with my girls. This nearly brought tears to my eyes.

Thanks for the reminder!!!

[Leslie]

The movie is beautiful; it brought tears to my eyes. As a mom of two teens, I know all too well how quickly the years go by. Thank you for sharing this.

[Sharyn]

For me, you captured the feel of the meaning of the title very well. I can't help but wonder how someone who has never had children relates to it.
It also makes me wonder, how much of life do we only see in the rear view mirror?

[Susan]

That was lovely.

[Susan]

That was lovely.

[Dori]

Gretchen, I just learned about you and your site this morning. I watched the bus trip video and have to tell you - I remember taking bus trips with my own mom and younger brother. I loved those trips so much. It is so wonderful how children appreciate the litte things in life. I truly remember those little things and quite frankly, I still appreciate the little things. This being in large part due to my mom who taught me to do so.

She passed away years ago but I thank you for bringing back these great memories.

[Sherry]

This is my first time commenting, but I've been following your blog for a bit now. I adored the movie! It made my eyes well up. Great job!

[Nancy]

Lovely movie!

I'll chime in here with a variation: My only child is now 20 and studying in Ireland for a semester. When she invited me to visit her and travel with her during her spring break, I balked -- too expensive, not a good time to take a week off from work, all the grown-up reasons to be practical. I gave in to the fun of it all, and now I am so excited to be looking forward to our visit in seven weeks! It made my heart glad to hear her happiness at my plans to visit.

Moral of this story: The "bus" may change in scale and scope, but the "time" is still the "time."

[Ella]

That made me cry.

[Alice Bachini-Smith]

This is so lovely, charming and moving. The music is a big part of the weepiness effect. Music is such a powerful thing. But the scenes of New York seem moving too - it's all about love, isn't it, for one's home and experiences and everything in life, not just one's family.

Thanks- thought-provoking indeed.

[J]

really well done. congrats!
I will keep that little saying as a mantra now.
it'll help me stay present in my life.
thank you.

[Daria]

Nice touch about appreciating the now. They years
they do pass quickly.

Only thought - why did you use stock footage? I mean
it's your story - universal that it could be. Why not
take some photos yourself? Otherwise it has that
kind of muzacki - hallmarki card feeling of
detached otherness.

[Amy]

Loved the movie, but the sentiments more. Yes, it's so valuable to push yourself and try something new. My daughter is graduating from college in June. And as she prepares to go I remember all the "bus rides."

[Michael Smith]

Hello, Gretchen

I recieved a copy of your video from Scott Stratten.
It's beautiful.

Have you heard of "The Happiness Club."
They have a new chapter in Manhattan.
I have yet to make a meeting, but I'm
hoping next month I will be able to.

Mike in Fort Lee, NJ
Writer of inspirational and motivational stories.
Editor of Hearts and Humor newsletter

[An old mother]

As a mother whose youngest is a very surly 16, your movie broke my heart for my lack of realization of your very point when my kids were smaller; when they wanted my company.

I've not been happy. Nor a very good parent, although I've had some stellar moments. My children know they're loved, but realize their dad has enjoyed them more.

This breaks me in two, but shows me I need a happiness regime to begin, or all will be regret.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Thanks so much for these wonderful comments -- I'm glad the movie resonated with so many people.

It's a very interesting aspect of happiness, that it's often understood best in hindsight -- when it's too late.

Schopenhauer has a beautiful passage about this: “But we live through the fine days without noticing them; only when we fall on evil ones do we wish to have back the former. With sour faces we let a thousand bright and pleasant hours slip by unenjoyed and afterwards vainly sigh for their return when times are trying and depressing. Instead of this, we should cherish every present moment that is bearable, even the most ordinary, which with such indifference we now let slip by, and even with impatience push on.”

[Patricia]

I loved everything about your movie - it is stunning!!! I too, am from New York. You have brought tears to my eyes.

[Julie]

That was beautiful. I'm going to try to remember this when I have kids, some day in the not-too-distant future (hopefully).

Cheers!

[Mike]

Gretchen,
I'm a product of 40's/50's two parental suburbia, so have no first hand experience as to the wonderment of your daughters life.
Thanks to your video, I got to share it.
Never too late to be happy, again!

[Michael Melcher]

Gretchen, I loved this. It is brilliant. I'm really proud of you. I'm kvelling.

Erik (above), sometimes it's okay just to keep it inside. You know?

[LauraBeth]

Gretchen, I was very touched by your internet movie. It is wonderful that you realize the importance of being "with" your children before they don't want to be with you any more.
Beautiful words, thoughts, music, photos, and inspiration. Thank you for sharing.