It's such a pain to vote. Oh wait, I love to vote!

One of my resolutions is to “Turn complaints into pleasures.”

This vow was partly inspired by something a friend said to me during our senior year in college. She was an art major, and I was an English major, and we were commiserating about all the work we had to finish before we graduated.

“Well,” she said at the end of the conversation, “one day we’ll look back on this and think, ‘Oh yeah, we were complaining because we had to read some novels and paint some pictures.’”

So I’m trying hard to remember that often, the very things I complain about are things that I enjoy. It sounds impossible to turn complaints into pleasures, but I’ve actually managed to do it several times.

This morning, for example, as I was mentally running through my day, I kept thinking, “What a pain, when should I vote? If I go after I drop off the Big Girl at school, I’ll have to bring the Little Girl in her stroller. If I go on my way to Society Library, there will probably be a lunch crowd…” etc. etc.

Then it occurred to me: I love to vote!

I love the sense of accomplishment it gives me, like I’ve really done something significant during the course of my day.

I love the ritual aspect—the whole country going through an experience together. It’s like the Super Bowl. Especially this year, with all the suspense around the Super-Duper Tuesday.

And it gives me a sense of…of…earning my keep. I live in a stable democratic government—sheesh, I hardly deserve that good fortune if I don’t vote.

And for all my whining, my voting experience could not have been any more convenient. My polling area is literally around the corner from my house. They found my name on the list right away. I didn't have to wait in line.

And as I walked out, I thought to myself—now, even if I don’t get anything more accomplished in my day, at least I did vote. I love to vote.

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Check out my movie! The Years Are Short. Well, it's not really a MOVIE -- call it a two-minute internet show.

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Comments

[Daria]

Well here I am in Canada watching Super Tuesday.
IT'S A GREAT TIME TO VOTE!!!!!!!! And after years
of America's appalling demise under the Bush reign
finally a chance for HISTORY TO BE MADE, and
made through *voting* for a TRUE RENAISSANCE!

Americans young and old are excited again and proud
to be voting AGAIN. Can't wait for the results but with either
Hillary or Obama history will be made.

YEA! EXCITING TIMES!!

[Michael Melcher]

I love to vote, too. And today when I was voting, I thought, "I love that I'm trivial."

What I mean is that every single person was taking their vote seriously. (Plus this was at 6:30 am so people did some planning.) I'm just one of many, many people, each of whom has a mind and the franchise.

I'm very into politics and have been my whole life. So I often think of influencing other people. But today, instead of wondering how I would influence the whole country, I just liked doing my part. Just my part. Little me.

[The Vintage Magpie]

I'm so glad I've found your blog, and The Happiness Project. Can't wait to read through all your tips. I loved the film clip. Thank you for this inspiration!

[Nika]

I loved the movie. And truly days are long but years are short. My best adult rule is "Cherish the moment", it makes years a little longer.

[Never the Same River Twice]

This is a great reminder to people, Gretchen. I always stress about getting to the polls, but find (sadly) that I often don't even have to wait in line, or if I do it's only for a couple of minutes.

Even if you have a long line to wait in, by following your "Always have something to read," rule, the time isn't wasted and you get to participate in the important decisions facing our country.

[Nichole]

Your blog about happiness really hits home for us. It is something many of our viewers can relate to. Once diagnosed with cancer, many describe a new found appreciation for life and those little things.

Nichole

[anonymous]

Gretchen,

No offense, but what you're doing has been done and is being done...in much better ways...(there are 2 best seller books about happiness out by harvard professors who study and teach positive psychology and are much more qualified than you)....
also, your age (you're too old) and background (privileged and a lawyer) comes across in your analysis of things...a lot of things sound fake and unoriginal because you're OLD...and a lot of it is super dry from your lawyer background.
i hope you do well in life and with this project, but i'm pretty sure that your audience is isolated to the old money kind....and the OLD in age kind.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Hi Anonymous --
You are such a great ad for my blog!

Be happy!

[Michael Melcher]

Hi Anonymous,

Please make a note for yourself: never get OLD. Because obviously it's both horrible and avoidable.

No offense, but when someone makes snarky comments yet doesn't have the commitment and courage to put an actual name behind them, it's hard to take them seriously.

Michael

[chicklet]

Hi Gretchen,
I am neither OLD (all caps!) nor do I have money, and I read your blog regularly. I believe that it is my responsibility as a human being to be happy, and I find things here that help me remember that responsibility, and also achieve my goal. Thank you.

[TOM651USA]

Why vote in US when same people keep getting re-elected. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll keep getting what you get....and what you deserve.

[David]

Michael Melcher- do you feel insulted by anonymous because your book is unoriginal as well?

As far as the content on this 'happiness project' blog ...very very unimpressive.

I went to Yale and I wish you didn't flaunt it so much.

[David]

Michael Melcher- do you feel insulted by anonymous because your book is unoriginal as well?

As far as the content on this 'happiness project' blog ...very very unimpressive.

I went to Yale and I wish you didn't flaunt it so much.

[RT]

Ron Paul is the only candidate with a proven track record for freedom. Ron Paul is the only candidate not beholden to corporate interests.

[Loi P]

I am neither old nor privileged (no seriously, my entire family makes less than 25 thousand a year) and I enjoy this blog.

[Paula]

Too OLD to blog/write about happiness??? Who better to write about happiness than someone who has alittle life experience behind them?? By the way...Gretchen is still considered young...and has many more life experiences ahead of her. Keep on blogging, Gretchen. Thank you for all of the wonderful insight that you and your readers share!

[Melyssa]

Dearest Dave,

Maybe Gretchen's goal wasn't to impress. Maybe it was something humbler. Maybe, instead of throwing snobbery at her readers she wanted to say something small but significant rather than "impressive" and intimidating. She's inspired me and helped to shape my life, so I'm thankful to her.

As for Yale? WHAT A WONDERFUL ACCOMPLISHMENT! She has every right to be proud of it (though I don't think she flaunts it). Maybe if you were more proud of the things you've done you'd be less likely to post negative comments on a blog that makes so many happy.

Appreciate first. Judge never.

-Melyssa

PS In reference to the OLD comment: I'm a college student and I read this blog. If it's not your cup of tea, go to another cafe. This website only serves those who want to be helped, and it's not meant to serve everyone.

SMILE!!!

[Khrystyna]

Wow, how variously we filter reality! I've only been reading this blog for a few weeks, but I must admit that a thought of my own that I still have to deal with occasionally while visiting the site (especially when I see Gretchen's photo) is: '... but she's so YOUNG ... can she possibly understand my concerns?'
Keep on bloggin', Gretchen, your work is just fine!

[KH]

How variously we filter reality, indeed. Making this about age or status is ridiculous, and says nothing of the contents' relevance to the vast range of readers. I'm also on the younger/not wealthy/inexperienced end of the spectrum, yet so much (I'd say "everything", but who knows?) of what Gretchen writes is perfectly applicable to my life.