Well, here we go. 2021, BABY.
New Year, same global crisis. As much as our very-trendy-sister-sites love to tell us that THIS IS OUR YEAR GIRLLLLL...this year might not look that different from the last 9 months. Bummer, I know.
But, hey, let’s be optimistic realists, shall we? Covid-19 is still QUITE at large, most of us are still woefully unemployed (or stuck with jobs we wanted to quit a year ago), but there is still time to make this year feel a little less whomp-whomp.
As a refresher, Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project changed my entire-non-dramatic life when I was hungover at the airport sometime in 2013.
Gretchen’s approach to positivity amidst monotony is STILL one of the most inspiring things I’ve come across. I read The Happiness Project every couple of years, when things feel particularly stale or blah. It always perks me up and gives me the mojo to step outside my typical routine. Cleaning out my closets? HELL YES.
So. Here's the rub: When I kicked off my last Happiness Project, I was in the midst of what I later recognized as a toxic relationship.
During the first iteration of my Happiness Project, my former partner helped me create my Adult Happiness Rules, and even helped edit a few earlier posts. With my thirtieth birthday looming (the good ole days), I wanted to ensure that I had the happiest, lovey-dovey-est birthday in the world. Alas, dear friends, that didn’t happen.
My 30th birthday was full of fighting and tears. All in all, it was the worst birthday I can recall (excluding my 25th when I sat in a chair and cried staring out the window ALL DAY LONG). It took the wind out of my blogger sails, and I stopped writing about my Happiness goals. Honestly, I think I was ashamed of my crumbling relationship. I felt like I didn't deserve to keep going on my Happiness Journey, so I didn't. Life has its ups and downs, I guess. So it goes.
Needless to say, that relationship has since come and gone, for which I’m grateful. And - as I’m going through the process of healing and purging things that no longer serve me - I’m desperately in need of a do-over.
Hence, HAPPINESS PROJECT TAKE TWO!
Here we go. Again.
THE WHY
First, let’s revisit my List of 2020 Blunders. Read it, re-read it, live it, then never ask me about it again because I’m tired of talking about it. To sum it up (in case you missed it): It was a weird year, and I’m more than ready to jumpstart the next one. Let’s dive in, shall we? I’m halfway to 31 and, as pop culture loves to remind me, I’m not getting any younger.
My NEW (and single) Rules to Adult Happiness:
Trust your intuition. It’s usually right.
Get checkups (including ROUTINE COVID TESTS).
Evaluate who in your life makes you feel like your best self.
Love fully and unconditionally.
Be brave.
Create something, even if you think you suck.
Say what you feel when you feel it.
Never settle for less than exactly what you want.
A slightly heavier list than the former, cuter version?? Definitely. And, you know what? That’s how it should be. In the 18 months since I created my original list of rules, a LOT has changed. As it should. Life is full of surprises. If you’re not changing, you’re not living, I guess.
CORNY I KNOW, SHUT UP.
THE CALENDAR
Okay, let’s just dive right in. Here is my 12-month Happiness Project Calendar. When this list is complete, I will be (gasp) THIRTY-ONE years old. I’m officially a woman in my thirties. When the FUCK did that happen??
Now, be advised, this calendar is going to read a little differently from the last edition.
Last year, I was concerned with making new friends, putting myself out there, stepping outside my comfort zone, etc. This year, I’m trying to stay sane and creative long enough to outlive this global nightmare. Each month will have a happiness intention, which I will use as a catalyst for my thoughts, words, and deeds. Just something new I’m trying on (like being IN MY THIRTIES. Ugh.).
MY HAPPINESS CALENDAR
January: Honesty
February: Creativity
March: Optimism (duh)
April: Productivity
May: Kindness
June: LOVE
July: Organization (everywhere)
August: Me Time
September: We Time (whatever that means)
October: Family
November: MORE LOVE
December: Auld Lang Syne
FINAL THOUGHTS
There isn’t much to say. Let’s get started! Stay tuned for monthly updates
on my 2021 hopes, dreams, blunders, and defeats.
Whatever happens, I embrace it all.
After all, I’m not getting any younger.
XOXO
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