Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Well, it’s been a long time since I have talked about The Happiness Project. My last post was here in April! Is anyone else doing it with me? I must admit that I am not as excited about it this go ’round. I honestly do think many of its principles have stuck with me and have become part of me!
May’s theme was about leisure and being serious about play. Find more fun, take time to be silly, go off the path, and start a collection were the goals.
So, May was a busy and long month. I was finishing up my teaching career, of course! I was silly in class with my students but I didn’t do a lot outside of school. I didn’t start a collection that I can think of but I do consider my coffee mugs to be a collection. So, I didn’t really do a lot of playing in May, but I made up for it in June!
June’s theme was make time for friends! I did that after a month of not much time for friends and it was so great to catch up with people. Anyone that asked to hang out I had to put off until I get school finished! Friendship, remember birthdays, be generous, show up, don’t gossip, and make three new friends were all part of the month’s goals. I talked to three new people at the teacher pool day last week so maybe that counts? It’s really hard to make new friends at this stage, isn’t it?
July’s theme is money – buy some happiness. Oh no! Don’t tell Tom! Indulge in a modest splurge, buy needful things, spend out, and give something up are the goals that I will work on this month. You don’t have to tell me twice! I don’t really have a problem with this!
I bought two pairs of clearance earrings from a little boutique and have worn both a bunch! That fits my mission of helping local businesses and using what I have. I am into smaller gold earrings right now. I have bought some clothes to wear around the house because that is what I am wearing the most of, some consignment things, and have shopped a little and buy something if it fits my style, new flip flops, and several summer beauty and skincare products. I’m not doing a lot of shopping for entertainment or online shopping.
In the household, I am trying to use up cleaning products before buying new, not waste food and look to what I have before I meal plan, eat up leftovers, and things like that.
I am taking some loads to donate as I go through different areas. I am trying to be a better shopper and return what isn’t perfect and only buy what fits me and my lifestyle.
Any thoughts on any of these themes?
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
I feel like make 3 friends is quite ambitious! I do think it’s harder at this stage of life, I can definitely make new acquaintances maybe but definitely not 3 new friends. I definitely take plenty of time for leisure and fun and have zero problems splurging on small things for myself “just for fun.” Even though I too am trying not to clutter up the house with “things.” I’ve been tossing clothing items into my donation bags left and right as summer progresses and there are outfits/dresses/items I have zero desire to wear or that don’t fit me right and I’m much too lazy to alter. Though I really should find a consignment store nearby and start making a bit of money back on those clothes that I never got enough use out of.
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I chuckled at July’s theme- if you buy something for the boat, he can’t be mad right? Maybe that should be your strategy? Ha! Enjoy 🙂
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Hi Amy, do you know actionforhappines dot org? The key themes are similar to Gretchen Rubin’s book, which I read when it was first published. Some months I follow the Action for Happiness calendar and I quite enjoy being more deliberate about things that bring joy.
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No! Thank you for telling me about it!
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You seem to me the type of person who always (or almost always) embraces fun social activities and time with friends. I mean there’s nothing wrong with designating a month to focus on it but to me, it seems like that’s part and parcel of your life pretty much always? I feel like embracing the small joys in life and being positive are always two of your attributes as well. But again, if this project is helping you be mindful of things that are important to you, then it sounds like a good one for you :).
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And, I just heard it was “No Buy July!” It doesn’t seem like it, but I have been more mindful about shopping. I have several things for the consignment shop, but they’re not taking fall yet. Oh, making three new friends is a hard one for me. But, I think, over the course of my docent training, I’ve done more than that! Did you ever get the lobster sweater/sweatshirt?
https://marshainthemiddle.com
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I’ve enjoyed following along as you do this! It’s such a meaningful way to spend your time.
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I love the “be serious about play” theme. I’m not very good at playing, unless I’m actually on vacation. Incorporating it into my regular life is something I’d love to do. These are great things to consider for happiness! Visiting from the Talking About it Tuesdays linkup.
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It is harder to make friends now because I am so stingy with my time! I think this is a great project as you adjust to retired life!
xo,
Kellyann
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I love that we have become friends at this stage of life! I feel like we are approaching the “Christmas of the summer” with people taking vacations and all the sales approaching next week. I agree about really trying to like each purchase. I am trying to think twice before purchasing/keeping an item. Great post!
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I can count blog friends! You’re right! That is so true. Amazon days and Nordstrom sale and soon it will be fall stuff in the stores, right?
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