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Three Rivers Press (2012)
Self Help – Happiness
320 pages

A copy of the book was sent to me for review. How the book came to me does not affect my opinions of the book or my reviews.

Synopsis: From the author of The Happiness Project. “[…] “Of all the elements of a happy life, she thought, “my home is the most important.” In a flash, Rubin decided to dedicate a year to making her home a place of greater simplicity, comfort and love. Each month she experiments with concrete, manageable resolutions in areas such as possessions, marriage, body , time and parenthood. How can she control her cubicle in her pocket? How might she spotlight her family’s treasured possessions? And it really was time to replace that dud toaster.”

Why I Want To Be Happier At Home

I realized recently that I’m not happy with my home. When I’m away from home, I want to be back home, but when I get home, I’m depressed. I finally realized it’s because my house has become a disorganized mess and I spend so much time on upkeep that I haven’t been really enjoying my family and home. I needed help.

For the Average Joe or Jane

Just like with The Happiness Project, this book is about finding happiness in the average life. This isn’t about finding happiness amid poverty, disease, addiction, war etc. This is about those who have the basic needs of food and security but feel they aren’t able to enjoy their life the best they can. Some of the resolutions she makes seem like common sense but really, knowing you should do something is not the same as actually doing it.

Topics

She dedicates a year to being happier at home but what does that mean exactly? Each month she focuses on a certain part of home. She covers: Possessions, Marriage, Parenthood, Interior Design, Time, Body, Family, Neighbourhood and Now. The book will resonate the most if you have a significant other and children but even if this is not the case, the book can get you thinking about what you consider home and what you want to change about it so you can create your own project if you so choose.

Extra Bonus Info

At the end of the book Gretchen shares some more helpful tips including:

• The Eight Splendid Truths
• Secrets of Adulthood
• 10 Tips to Beat Clutter – In Less Than 5 Minutes
• 7 Tips to Keep School-Day Mornings Calm and Cheerful
• 7 Tips for Boosting Your Energy Right Now
• 11 Tips for Dealing With a Really Lousy Day
• 5 Tips for Making Yourself Happier in the Next Hour
• 9 Tips for Getting Good Sleep

Disclosure: I or a member of my review team received this book for evaluation purposes. Some links above may be affiliate links. All review are honest.