1.Looking back what have been the most surprising things that have happened to you as a result of The Happiness Project?

I would never have expected to become a blogger. I started my blog fully expecting to abandon it after a month. Now I have an entirely new
identity, with all sorts of new friends, new skills, new places to go, new interests, a deep connection to my readers that I never knew was
possible...my blog is a gigantic engine of happiness for me. I sure didn't expect that!

Also, I knew -- more or less -- that strong relationships were the most important element of happiness, but I was surprised by how much happier I did become by the many steps I took to deepen and broaden my relationships. I have many more friends now, as well as many more friendly acquaintances, and I feel closer to my friends and family.

2.If there had been another month in the year what would you have added as another area to focus on? Or is there going to be a Happiness Project 2?

There is going to be a happiness project 2! It will be called "Happier at Home," and it will be a happiness project focused on the question: how can I feel more at home at home? Time, Possessions, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Family...these are the kinds of themes I'll be examining.

3.How does it feel to be identified as one of the most powerful and influential women in the US?

Zoikes, I'm not sure that I am! But it is thrilling to feel that my work resonates deeply with so many people. With every book I've written, I've hoped to convey my passion for my subject to readers, but I've never had an experience like this. It makes me very HAPPY.

4) How have your attitudes to parenting changed as a result of the Happiness Project? What advice would you give to school-leavers to help them lead happier lives?

I make a big effort to stay calm and light-hearted as a parent -- so I place much more value on things like getting enough sleep myself, or taking the time to do fun and silly things. For anyone, I think it's helpful to remember that we can build happy lives only on the foundation of our own natures -- temperament, interests, values. The more clearly you think about your own nature, the better you're able to craft a life that suits you.

5) You mention the importance of devoting time to yourself as in the 'Be Gretchen' statement. What advice would you give to others who find this hard to do.

Why is it so hard to know yourself? A great mystery! I'd say -- pay attention to yourself. What catches your interest? Whom do you envy? When do you find yourself bored, angry, or resentful? What makes you feel energized? When you look at your calendar, what activities are you anticipating, or dreading? It's easy, somehow, not to pay attention to ourselves.

Thank you so much for taking part in this interview.

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT- By Gretchen Rubin
From money buying happiness, to popular culture teaching us about the important things in life, Gretchen Rubin’s ‘The Happiness Project’ is an honest and lively account of one woman’s ultimate quest for happiness.

Told over a period of twelve months, Gretchen’s memoir – adapted from her popular daily blog www.happiness-project.com is full of experiments and challenges as she questions age-old wisdom and test drives current scientific research – to discover one thing; how to be happy. The result is this – a book which teaches us all that the smallest changes can make the biggest difference. Gretchen found that challenges bring about a feeling of determination and self-worth, money can buy happiness if spent wisely and popular culture can teach us a thing or two. Gretchen knew that she couldn’t start a whole new life, but she could teach herself how to make the very best of what she already had.

Gretchen Rubin is the author of several books, including the bestselling ‘Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill’. She was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she realized that she really wanted to be a writer. She lives in New York City with her husband and two young daughters.

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT
By Gretchen Rubin
Paperback £9.99
Harper Collins US
ISBN: 978-0-061-58326-1
Publication date: June 2011
www.harpercollins.com

(We love this book - see our Highly Recommended review in June’s newsletter)