Feb. 22, 2010 - The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

"The days are long, but the years are short." How true this is, especially when you have children who seem to grow at an astonishing rate. How do we preserve those special childhood memories - the adorable sayings, funny comments or impulsive actions - in a timely way? In the August chapter of The Happiness Project, Gretchen discusses the one sentence journal, a technique she uses to reduce the anxiety and pressure of writing a lengthy account of events.

This got me thinking about the benefits of a one-sentence journal. It would surely be much easier to stay on top of writing when only one sentence is required. It wouldn't seem so much of a chore. Whether on the computer, in a small notebook or journal, on a pad by the phone or on the fridge, daily reminders of joyful moments would certainly improve our personal happiness quotient. As an extension, the sentence could also be accompanied by a picture of a great family moment. This would be quite a keepsake after a few years and something children would enjoy looking at when they are older.

A gratitude journal is yet another idea proposed in this chapter. We have many things to be grateful for but we sometimes don't appreciate them. Our health, our careers, our children - should all be treasured, although we lose sight of the blessings they provide when we get too busy or overwhelmed. For example, the fact that my husband cooks dinner for our family regularly is definitely something I am grateful for. I make sure to compliment him and try not to complain about the menu. He even does the grocery shopping every week. Now, I could complain that my cupboards are a mess after he shops, that he buys too much food, especially when something is on sale, and that he uses every pot and pan in the house to make a dinner, but that would be focussing on the negative. I'm sure many women would love to be in my position.

So, I'm learning to let go of the little things and be grateful for what I do have, to enjoy life from a new perspective, one of happiness and gratitude.