Thoughts on Happiness

"To be happier, you have to think about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right, in an atmosphere of growth" is the first of Gretchen Rubin's Eight Splendid Truths of Happiness. Here, she discusses how learning is a key element of the "atmosphere of growth."

30 things writer and happiness expert Gretchen Rubin does for a quick boost of happiness.

Studies show that an artificially induced smile can prompt happier emotions—Gretchen Rubin shares more ways that she uses this surprising strategy to counteract unpleasant feelings.

For many people, September marks the beginning of a new year. Gretchen Rubin use the Strategies of the Clean Slate and First Steps to get a fresh start in September—and clean out her office.

Research suggests that some people have better success changing a habit when they start small. When setting your aims or resolutions for your Happiness Project, consider the concrete and manageable steps you can take today.

One of the most universal spiritual practices is the imitation of a spiritual master as a way to gain understanding and discipline. Gretchen Rubin shares lessons from one of her spiritual masters, St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

A helpful exercise when starting your own Happiness Project is to identify a personal symbol. Gretchen Rubin shares the personal symbol she adopted for Happiness Project, and an example from writer Flannery O'Connor's life.