Return to the Happiness Project

[mizarchivist]

Last February I listened to the amazing Shawn Achor TED talk video on how to rewire your brain. I realize I didn't talk about it much, I just did it. I didn't even elaborate as to what one does. Not helpful if looking for breadcrumbs when one wants to do it again later.
So, the parameters of the project are-
For 21 days, you do the following:

1. Write down 3 things you're grateful for
2. Write down 1 thing that has happened in the last 24 hours that is positive
3. Perform 1 act of random kindness
4. Exercise
5. Meditate

It's always nice to reboot once in a while, but on top of that, it feels like a very good project to share with my dear, honorary niece. 

Some back story...
The last month or two, I've been talking to L, who is 14. She's my oldest bff's middle kid and having a pretty tough time. A tough time, even before you throw on the fact that teenagers turn into aliens thanks to the thick soup of hormones they have to contend with. We email back and forth, usually no more than about 3 lines at a time. A live conversation or IM conversation in slow-mo most of the time. Her gremlins got the upper hand on her (again) today, and I remembered last year's project and figured why not. 
My own parameters for the daily regimen will be to try to identify a societal gratitude, a personal gratitude, and a person. I'll try not to repeat any gratitude or what I journal for the happy thought. What can I say, I like to add an extra challenge to things. Minimum 10 minutes of meditation, minimum 20-30 minutes of exercise. Chances are I will probably not make note of everything every day here, rather do what I did last time and record it all in a Moleskine. This time I will share with L, though, which is sort of the whole point. 

Feel free to play along at home if this sounds worth-while. 

Comments

I'm lazy

[drwex]

But maybe. Particularly if someone prods me :)

[macthud]

I like this. Perhaps after the plague has left me and I know what day it is again.