MY 10 Commandments of Happiness

I recently listened to Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project, a wonderful book that follows the author through a year of resolutions, each specifically designed to increase her overall happiness. From the moment I read the title, I knew it was something I had to listen to, and I downloaded it immediately. Each month, Gretchen set a handful of resolutions in a specific area she wanted to focus on that month, and added more to the list as the year progressed.
 
I enjoyed her monthly progress, but one of my favorite parts of the book was something she shared near the beginning, which she called her 12 Commandments. These were basically 12 truths that she had learned throughout her life that guided her behavior and helped her make decisions that would help lead her to greater happiness.  I began thinking to myself, what are my commandments? What are the non-changing truths that help to bring about a life of happiness and peace?
 
As I began to write, I discovered that I did, in fact, have several guiding truths about life that I ascribe to. I also found that I could not word them any better than Gretchen already had. Therefore, I give her full credit for several on this list, though the experiences that have taught me these truths are entirely my own.
 
I settled on 10 commandments for the time being. There is no magic to the number 10, though it was good enough for God, and I think He is a pretty good role model to follow. I also expect that over time, this list will alter and grow, or change shape entirely, for that is the nature of lists. I am not the same person I was one month ago, and I am hopeful that next month, life will illuminate more truths for me to capture.
 
For today, my 10 Commandments are:
1.Be Becky.
2.Be transparent.
3.Heed all engine warning lights.
4.Give Your Lemons to the Great Lemonade Maker.
5.Act the way you want to feel.
6.Preserve personal peace.
7.Be a connector.
8.Live in the now.
9.Show proofs of love.
10.Always, “yes, and….” Never, “no, but….”
 
Over the next 10 weeks, I will share with you what these 10 Commandments mean to me. For this week, I challenge you to share with me, what are your personal commandments? What are some of the things that you know to be 100% true, that you use to guide you through the never-ending threats to your peace? What are your 10 Commandments of Happiness?

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