Happiness Project

The author of the book The happiness Project wrote the above statement. She observed that many opposite statements about happiness are true. I have been observing this over the past week. It is has been one of those weeks that it been showing itself often.

I often feel the need to hurry but I want to feel/be relaxed. I want to be in constant motion to get things done. However, there are times in this hurry and activity I don't have a visible result. I like to have that check on the list, the gold star or the medal to show achievement.

I like the opposite quoted above. I feel the need to lighten up, be freer, but not lose sight of the seriousness of life and responsibilities. Perfectionism at it's finest.

I have found several opposites to ring true that deal with happiness- linger and savor the moments yet don't waste time it's a resource that can't be replaced.  Here are a more written by the author of the book:

"Do it now. Wait
Control and mastery are key elements of happiness; so are novelty and challenge.
Everything matters, and nothing matters.

Happiness doesn’t always make me feel happier.
Somewhere, keep an empty shelf; somewhere, keep a junk drawer.
Flawed can be more perfect than perfection.

Go slow to go fast.:



There are many of these ideas and I find that it all comes down to two things. Balancing the two opposites brings me to a place to be happy. happiness isn't affected by situations in life but sometimes I let it. It is really about being mature enough to embrace them as a part of the journey. Wish I could always remember that!

The other is that none of these things really should impact my deep sense of self and therefore the ability to experience happiness. Truly being happy is about having peace, joy, love and contentment present in my life.

To be honest, since I read this book I had never given these Opposites much thought. I am now because I find them quite fascinating.