Almost done reading the book, at least more than half way and only 2 more days until I get to put into practice what Gretchen has spoken about. Hopefully, my fellow engineer's won't think I'm crazy when I'm reading children's books at lunch time. Oh well it is for the sake of the "project" after all. In respect to the blank book mentioned yesterday (a book full of clippings and memorabilia) I have saved my fortune from today's lunch. It reads, "The world will soon be ready to receive your talents." Hmmm....I better get ready then. I'm looking forward to creating my own blank book, reading children's books, not nagging at Nate or anyone and just being happy. Crossing my fingers.
Chapter 7 Buy some happiness, Money
Of course the issue of whether money brings happiness would be up for discussion. I think many of us would like to believe it doesn't buy happiness (as to not be shallow) but Gretchen points out that money can provide happiness if spent wisely. It is seen in society as a way to keep score, win security, exercise generosity and earn recognition. It's a symbol of status and success. Some say, "Money can't buy happiness." but people seem to be convinced otherwise. Studies show that people in wealthier countries report being happier than in poorer countries. Gretchen mentions that "Studies show that peoples basic psychological needs include the need to feel secure, to feel good at what they do, to be loved, to feel connected to others, and to have a strong sense of control." In order to stick with her happiness project she searches for ways to use money to fulfill her happiness goals.
Indulge in a modest splurge. A favorite pen if you are a writer. File boxes to keep mementos and/or a
happy box, photo frames, new cutlery, new pillows or towels. All of these things may be small in cost but can have a big payout to creating a happier lifestyle for yourself!
Spend out. Don't think about the return. Does it cost more money to repair that broken camera you have been meaning to repair or just purchase a new one? Are you saving perfume or special plates for a special time but have never used them in years? Now is the time to use them and spend out.
Give something up; your morning coffee run (make at home), newspapers (read online).
Money should be used to support aspects of your life that bring you happiness. Okay Gretchen, I will watch out for frivolous spending that doesn't bring me happiness and purchase more on modest splurges that have a high happiness return.
Chapter 8 Contemplate the heavens, Eternity
Spiritual states are essential to happiness such as gratitude, mindfulness and contemplation of death. Studies show spiritual people are relatively happier. She begins to read memoirs of catastrophe to become more aware of the preciousness of life and to learn about spirituality from others. William Edward Hartpole Lecky said, "When we would have given all the world to be as we were but yesterday, though that yesterday had passed over is unappreciated and unenjoyed." She realizes how grateful she has to not have to endure some of the pain and suffering of the people in these memoirs. Spiritually, she learns to live her life, now. This was a main theme throughout these books. She then decides to keep a gratitude notebook. Three sentences of gratitude every day. She goes a step further and decides to turn complaints into gratitude. For example, "I hate going to the doctor." Instead, "I am grateful that I have good health care that allows me to see a doctor." Gretchen explains that gratitude brings freedom from envy because you're not consumed with wanting something else. It fosters forbearance because it's harder to feel disappointed wth someone when you are feeling grateful towards him or her. It also connects you with nature because it's so easy to feel connected with the beauty of nature. In order to continue her practice of gratefulness she wants to begin a journal but doesn't want to get bogged down with the commitment so she creates a one sentence journal. One sentence of a memorable event from the day and what she is grateful for. This is great for having a log to look back on, to remember the important happy everyday things that can be forgotten easily.
Lastly, to imitate a spiritual master to bring more happiness as studies show. Similar to when Christians ask, "What would Jesus do?" Gretchen is a reverent agnostic- attracted to belief but did not have a particular belief nor a spiritual master. She begins to look for one and stumbles upon St. Therese, a young convent nun. She focused on the little daily things to make her happy just like her happiness project. St. Therese is quoted saying, "Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by...every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love." Gretchen knows she can aspire to perfection within the common order of her day and hopefully be happier. Therese always seemed happy to the others but she had inner turmoil spiritually and she was physically sick. She hid these things as a way to love others. Because of her spirituality she acted happy for her God and spread happiness to all that were around her. Very noble indeed.
Money and spirituality, almost two opposing ideas but they both contribute to our happiness and unhappiness. Both need to be chosen wisely and thought out carefully in our daily lives. After reading these two chapters, I will have to have a modest splurge on a book light so I can keep up with this heavy reading schedule and purchase Saint Therese's memoir, Story of a Soul.
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