Happiness

I just finished The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. (Note: Amazon affiliate link!)  I actually don't think of myself as a particularly unhappy person, although I'm sure I have some habits that fall into the slightly-disliked category. For instance, I snap at people when I'm tired or hungry. I tend to use sarcasm a little too often. Um...I'm sure there's more. But, let's just stick with the short list for now.

Ms. Rubin creates a year-long project in hopes of making herself happier. Each month is devoted to a certain set of goals, which she tracks daily on a chart. I think the overall method is a little too much for me, but I loved the idea of it and am considering a miniature version. I need to think through what that would look like, though. Do I just work on my attitude when tired or stressed? Do I include my marriage (as she did hers)? Maybe I should think about my work habits?

I spent a good part of the new year working through our finances, so I actually started my own Happiness Project without realizing it. Part of the book talks about money, albeit differently than the budget I'm referring to. Being in control of one finances, though, definitely helps to bring a general happiness (or at least less stress).

Cleaning products have been in the back of my mind for a long time. Not only do we spend a lot of money on chemicals, I feel my family is also leaving quite a mark on the planet with our cleaning habits. So, a few weeks ago, my friend and I made our own laundry detergent and multi-purpose cleaner. The detergent is a winner at my house, but I think the cleaner just isn't what I hoped. I'm not sure that things are as clean as I'd like. Does anyone have a good disinfectant that isn't in the form of non-reusable wipes?

Since I've tackled a couple of things that were on my mind, I think I may look to others to see what I can do to make myself happier. My overall 2015 list (as of now) looks like this:
1. Deal with medical issues (1 appointment made; still need to schedule dentist and eye doctor)
2. Kitchen walls and ceiling
3. Bathroom walls and floor
4. Overhaul bedroom closets
5. Create office space (figure out if it's possible?)
6. Clean front closet
7. Update blog at least weekly
8. Get back to regularly exercising

I guess a lot of the things on my list center around my house. I shouldn't be so surprised, though, since that kind of work is what I typically put off. Putting off work is something that has a tendency to make me unhappy.

While I try to think of some ways to make my list happen, why don't you tell me some things on your list?