I generally dread the return of school and the onset of all of the chaos that it brings. But this year, I am trying to approach things on a more positive note. With the start of new schedules and new activities, September seems like the perfect time to revamp and reorganize our daily life!
Over the summer, I read {and re-read!} The Happiness Project.
It is basically the story of one woman’s year long journey to find more happiness in her life. So much of what she was writing made perfect sense to me and it really hit close to home. Although each person’s path to finding their own happiness will be different, the book outlines easy strategies and actions to create your own project. And, really, who can’t do with a little more happiness in their life?
So…this September I am going to be starting my own Happiness Project. I’m calling it “A Happier Happy” because I don’t want it to sound like I am currently unhappy. I just think that they are lots of little things that can be changed in my day to day life to make me happier and more appreciative.
One of the first things to do when getting started on your project is to identify those things that bring you happiness and satisfaction and those things that bring you anger, guilt or sadness. Based on that, you need to create specific, concrete actions to improve your happiness. Like the book, I have chosen to break my resolutions into monthly goals to make things a little easier to attain. And, I wanted to create somewhere to display my goals so that I would see them on a daily basis.
So here is my Happier Happy board.
A month ago I found this ugly thing at Liquidation World for $2.00. I have no idea what those tacks actually are – clams maybe? Anyways, I knew that I would be able to do something with it so I picked it up.
I spray painted the little chef section with chalk board paint and covered the cork with some burlap that I had left over from Matthew’s bulletin boards. I then painted the frame a light sea blue.
I’m planning on using the top part for inspiring quotes {this one is just rings SO true for me!} and will be posting my monthly goals on the cork board. I will be working on ENERGY for the first month and am still trying to figure out all of my resolutions for the month.
To add a little color, I rolled up a fabric flower and added some leaves made from scrapbook paper and a little button {and I finally got to use some of my baker’s twine!!}.
I glued a few buttons to the front of some flat tacks and I am ready to get happy!!! I’m actually planning on hanging it in my closet so I can see it every morning when I am getting ready – just need to get some more Command strips!
If anyone has read the book or has done their own happiness project I would love to hear your thoughts. The author of the book, Gretchen Rubin, has a website as well if you are interested in reading more about it. Let me know if you are interested in starting your own project with me – it doesn’t have to be the same, just something to make you happier!
Have a Happy Weekend!
I linked up with I Heart Organizing, Tidy Mom, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Home Stories A to Z, Just a Girl, Thirty Handmade Days, Whipperberry, The Shabby Nest, Southern Lovely, Somewhat Simple, Crafty, Scrappy, Happy {and Craftberry Bush}, Delightful Order, Blue Cricket Design, Tip Junkie, Lil Luna, Today’s Creative Blog, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Skip To My Lou, Ask Anna, Craft-O-Maniac, CRAFT, I Heart Naptime, Under the Table and Dreaming, Lolly Jane, Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors and Tatertots and Jello.
Amy says
So cute!!!! I love it!
Janet says
This is so fun! I’m amazed at the before and after, it’s looks so pretty now. Wonderful job. 🙂
Nancy from Flatrock Cabin says
Your board turned out so cute-what an improvement. I love your positive idea for a “happier happy”. I am going to have to check out that book. I just began following your blog and I would love it if you would pop over to mine and check it out.
Laura @ Laura's Crafty Life says
I will have to check out that book. I love your sign you made, and I really love the quote you put at the top. It is so true! Good luck in finding a happier happy! 🙂
Lolly Jane says
Darling! What a great after 🙂 I love that you could see the potential in that fun sign- esp. love the button tacks! Cute!
Thanks for linkin up w/ us @ Whatcha Got Weekend!!!
xoxo
Nat says
This is a beautiful message board! I am totally impressed! I am hosting a Mirror Week over at my blog starting today–and other wall art! Feel free to head over there and link this gorgeous message board up! 🙂
Nat
doodlecraft.blogspot
Mariah says
This caught my eye over at Sundae Scoop and I had to check it out. I love the quote, I need to write that down as a daily reminder to myself. 🙂
http://gigglesgalorenmore.blogspot.com
Jennifer Dawn says
I love your “Happy Board”. I especially like the quote that is on it!
liZ evans says
The next time I am at the bookstore (which will be soon) I am buying this book. It sounds awesome.
I love the idea of your happiness project and I love your happy board. Who couldn’t use a little bit of happier happy?
liZ
(simplesimonandco)
Kellie says
I *love* it! What a great transformation!
Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says
It’s SO cute! I love the colors and love the burlap. Great job making your own Happiness Project. 🙂
Pam
Sara says
Would love it if you would link this project up at my turquoise lovin’ party going on right now!! http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2011/09/turquoise-lovin-3.html
Meredith Resnick says
Love this and I love the inspiration. I am constantly inspired by what I read (following through is a whole different story!) :).
~ Meredith From A Mother Seeking
A Mother Seeking…
This week, “When Life Hands You Lemons…”
Hannah says
Cute transformation!!
Lindsay says
This is adorable! I need to post that saying in my house! The color is fantastic! I would love to have you share this @ Show & Share–
http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/2011/09/show-share-4.html
Jennifer says
This is SO cute! And I love that you used so many different materials! Love it and will be featuring it Friday! Stop by and grab a button if you’d like!
Jen
Scissors & Spatulas
Mandy says
This turned out great!! Thank you for sharing.
http://www.projectqueen.org
Craftberry Bush says
Beautiful sentiments and transformation. Surrounding yourself with happiness will make you look forward to tomorrow. Thank you for the soul food and the crafty inspiration…xo
Lucy
Jaime Lyn at Crafty Scrappy Happy says
Awhhh what a GREAT transformation! I adore it! You are just great!!! I am always inspired by your wonderful ideas! Thank you for inspiring me—there is just something about your board that makes me so happy!!!!
Jaime from Crafty Scrappy Happy
Becky @ UCreate with Kids says
I am completely inspired! Thank you!
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says
It definitely looks way better 🙂 Nice job!
I♥naptime w/ Chocolate Sundaes says
I love this saying! thanks for the reminder.. just shared it on my fb page! 🙂
xoxo
Shirley says
Awesome project! Stopping in from A to Z.
Shannon says
I really like this! I could use a reminder like this around my house.
Thanks!
Shannon @ Imperfectly-Inspired.blogspot.com
man and van hire London says
This is a very good book.The people around Paramount Garden knows him well and he is always smiling. “Colonel Teoh” was happy to be back
Kim says
love the transformation! So cute!!