When I discovered that I was going to have to read for 90 minutes a week, blog about it, and record my time I was like "Oh Brother!". I actually do not get pleasure out of pleasure reading so this is going to be a challenge, but in a good way. I am looking forward to re-opening my mind to the world of books.
The book I have chosen to read is a self-help book. I bought this book a little over 3 years ago because at the time I felt that I was unhappy with almost everything in my life, yet I couldn't pinpoint an exact reason why. The book I have chosen is called Happy for No Reason by Marci Shimoff & co-writer Carol Kline. Marci has written books such as Chicken Soup for the Soul and various other helpful reads.
What my intention is with this book is to re-evaluate my life and find out how I can become more reliant on simply being and less reliant on worldly and social beings to make me happy. The book not only provides evidence that being happy for no reason is possible, but also stops you in various chapters and asks that you do a self-inventory of what you have learned thus far and also to help you set goals.
In the first couple of chapters Marci speaks on why she wrote the book and what inspired her to do so. Marci states that she was inspired to write this book after doing a mission trip in the Himalayas. What she learned is that not only was she giving to the people but they were teaching her how to be truly content and pleased with your life. Considering that this tribe had no material possessions, medical care, or the luxury's we take for granted, they still managed to be thankful for what they did have and were joyous.
There are 7 steps to really meditate on in the beginning of the book, steps that I believe will be the stepping stones to being happy for no reason. 1. The Foundation - Take ownership of your happiness 2. The Pillar of the Mind- Don't believe everything you think 3. The Pillar of the Heart- Let love lead 4. The Pillar of the Body- Make your cells happy 5. The Pillars of the Soul- Plug yourself in to Spirit 6. The Roof-live a life inspired by purpose and finally 7. The Garden- Cultivate nourishing relationships. (Pg. 9)
I looked at those steps and realized I am not doing any of these. As I read on Marci shares some facts about the happiness factor in the United States. Did you know that by 2020, The World Health Organization predicts that depression will be the second leading cause of illness/death, only to be beat by heart disease. (Pg. 12) Scary prediction!
As I continue reading through the chapters, the stories of interviewed people that claim to be truly happy are shared. I am loving this book thus far because it proves that there is still a way to be truly happy without turning to electronics, or social outings, addictions, or whatever some people use to put a smile on their face. I want to be able to look at myself at the end of the day knowing that I am going to be/am truly happy and waking up the same way.
I know that this book is going to take me on a journey, some parts will be bumpy as I have to face the facts, other moments will be an "aha" situation. Sometimes it takes someone else putting life in words for our minds to truly grasp the concept. I'm excited!
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