Prior to reading Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project, I came across a negative comment, which mentioned Rubin’s apparent wealth, perfect family and Manhattan apartment, as if to say that being in possession of the aforementioned make her project somehow less worthwhile. I found the argument a futile one. Much like when people are unsympathetic towards the rich and famous who suffer from depression; having – for all intents and purposes – a content and fulfilled life doesn’t mean than one can’t strive for further happiness.

An account of the year that Rubin spent pursuing happiness, The Happiness Project is part memoir, part guide, part study on the idea of happiness and how we can all achieve it. From de-cluttering wardrobes to reading more and nagging less, Rubin set herself twelve months’ worth of tasks as she set out to conquer a more contented way of living.

It resonated with me on a lot of levels – since I was a young girl my mum has always instilled in me the importance of finding happiness in the simplest of things – birdsongs and bike ride rides and dog walks and nature. In a world where so much of our focus is on materialism and ownership of flash and expensive goods, the book serves as a great reminder to find happiness in small and insignificant things; experiences rather than objects; friends rather than things.

An inspiring and uplifting read, The Happiness Project is a well-researched book full of ideas on how to live more in the present, and appreciate the smallest things in life.

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