At the end of 2011, a book called “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin caught my attention. Ms. Rubin spent a year making changes in her life in order to be happy. Browsing her website gave me the incentive to make changes in my life immediately. Ms. Rubin gives a set of simple guidelines for anyone to make their own happiness commandments. In writing my own commandments, I realized that the majority on my list focused on internal happiness; otherwise known as joy. On her website, there is an area for readers to share their commandments to help and inspire others. I’m choosing to share my list with the dear readers of The Kitchen Table. Some of my commandments are serious, there are biblical based ones and some are phrases I found funny. I will offer explanations for a few from my list. I hope you enjoy.
1. Stop rewarding yourself with food. You are not a dog! – This is a funny reminder to stop stress/ emotional eating. (smile)
2. No more stress, it’s not that serious. – A year from now, I will not remember what caused stress to my mind, body and soul. Therefore, I need to let it go!
3. Buy something nice (for me) or go somewhere fun at least once a month.
4. Let go of demons, leave the past in the past.
5. Hebrews 13:1-2 – “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
6. Be grateful. In all things give thanks. - If I learned something, even in a bad situation, be thankful.
7. Don’t be afraid to “clean house”, negative people you’ve got to let go!
8. Sometimes you have to put yourself first. It’s not selfish, it’s healthy. Your happiness should always be a priority. #self-preservation - I saw this quote on Twitter and added the hash tag “self-preservation”.
9. Get busy in your purpose, gifting, or ministry. No idle hands.
10. Haters gonna hate, potatoes gonna potate. – Surely you think I’ve gone crazy after reading this one, LOL! This is a quote a saw on Twitter and I interpret it to mean: People are going to be who they truly are. Some people’s assignment appears is seemingly to dislike, disagree, and speak negatively against you and anything you’re trying to accomplish. “Haters” are what they do. Just like potatoes well, they potato, LOL! Hence the previous phrase (smile)
11. 1Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” – Just a reminder to be careful who I become intimate with on a friendship or relationship level.
12. You deserve to look as nice outside are you are inside. Eat right, workout regularly, treat yourself to clothes, accessories, wear makeup and get your hair done. Most of all, remember to SMILE!
Thank you wonderful readers for reading my list; my prayer is that those who needed encouragement or a “pick me up” found it and are inspired to create their own happiness commandments.
Until next time, Jennifer!
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