Happy new year! I hope everyone is having an amazing start to the year so far.
What to expect from me, Three Yellow Daisies AKA Julianne? Well, I am keeping everything the same, but for right now I am not going to be holding off on my daily decluttering mission for the time being. Instead I am going to be focusing on My Happiness Project. It’s where each month I focus on making small changes in my life in order to bring in more joy and happiness into my life. This month’s theme is ways to boost my energy. Although there is a topic about possessions coming up shortly, so that is where I will continue my decluttering journey. More on this shortly.
You are all welcome to partake in either My Happiness Project, or Gretchen Rubin’s book called The Happiness Project, or if you like you can make your own. It’s totally up to you.
If any point, you feel inspired, feel free to let me know, or you can spread joy, by telling a friend, or a family member about how this blog has helped you. I would love and appreciate that.
Even though the majority of us aren’t able to travel to new places, it doesn’t mean that we have to stay where we are. We can embrace new places, whether it’s getting promoted at work, or going to school, or talking a walk in a new neighbourhood. Staying where we are, doesn’t mean anything bad. It just means we have to embrace what we have. No storm lasts forever. Remember that. Instead embrace new beginnings and new opportunities.
Here’s to new beginnings, and hopefully a lot of happiness.
I finally have the confidence in myself to make my own Happiness Project. Years before I read The Happiness Project, written by Gretchen Rubin, I always wondered ways to add more happiness in my life. So when my friend told me about this book a few years ago, I was mind blown, because I had a similar idea in mind. Little did I know this book was published in 2009, and I started thinking about this in 2012 for myself, and my own happiness. It is sort of like I subconsciously knew about this idea before I was even introduced to this amazing story.
My friend was telling me that each month, Gretchen focuses on a different area in her life, ranging from parenthood, finances, time for fun, and a career, etc. She found little ways to make her life more meaningful and happier by adding new habits to her daily life.
“What you do every day matters more, than what you do once in awhile.”
-Gretchen Rubin
I asked for this book for my birthday, since it was a month away at the time since my friend told me about it. I was lucky enough to receive it for my birthday. I read this book in 2014, but I reread it more slowly in 2015. I read a chapter every month, since each chapter was about how she slowly changed her habits each month, and what she learned. And then I reread it in 2016, so I can do this with my boyfriend, since he only knew about it, and hadn’t read it yet.
As you can, I have read this book a lot! And I took it with me everywhere. But that’s okay, it adds character to the book.
I now have the confidence and resources to do it this year. I am so excited!
I tried to do this last year, but we fell behind with our move, and the stress of the pandemic, so we didn’t make much progress.
Here are some of my commandants, they are similar to Gretchen Rubin’s commandants, but with my own twist.
Be Julianne
For those that may not know, my name is Julianne. And for me that means I should focus on what makes me happy. Not really listening to what people have something negative to me, which I haven’t really come across anyone that has had anything negative to say to me, or about me. It means doing things for myself, and not trying to appease anyone else.
Be More Spiritual
I would like to practice yoga, and mediation more regularly. I have been trying to do this one for a bit now. I am totally looking forward for this one!
Make Time For Reading
As of lately I have been trying to make time for reading, but some days it is more difficult than others. Sometimes it’s easier to just lay in bed, and play games on my phone. Instead of getting up to do yoga, or read a book.
Go on More Adventures
I hope that we are able to have a bit more freedom in the new year. I would love to make more time for adventures. I would love to travel the world as well. I would love to visit Bali, London, and Africa (because I love giraffes).
Have a Morningand Evening Routine
This will ensure that I have enough sleep, so I have no problem getting out of bed to start my day.
“Do What Ought to be Done” -Gretchen Rubin
I am borrowing this one from Gretchen Rubin. I really like this idea. It is so simple, yet so profound. It just reminds me that I shouldn’t put stuff off. I am glad I am one of those people that likes to get things done. Sometimes my boyfriend doesn’t, but I think this will help him.
What are some of your commandants for the new year?
Last year we were so ready! This is our binder for Our Happiness Project. The pages are in the inside need to be updated a bit, but I still love the design of this. The pages on the inside of the binder will be updated tomorrow. So I will definitely keep you posted later on tomorrow.
Here is a sneak peak of what you can expect for the upcoming year. And perhaps you’ll become inspired to make your own Happiness Project. I am super excited to begin this journey with all of you. Of course everyone’s Happiness Project is going to be different. At the moment, I’m not working, so maybe you might want to add a category strictly about your career, or perhaps you are parent, you can make resolutions to be more loving parent, or “new traditions” and adventures with your child(ren).
Monthly Resolutions
January: Boost Energy February: Love And Relationships March: Possessions April: Finances May: Exercise June: Family and Friends July: Adventure August: Make Time For Fun September: Mindfulness October: Literature November: Community Involvement December: Minimalize Holiday Stress
Every first day of the month, I will talk about the resolutions I will make month. I am only going to add three, maybe four habits each month. On the last day of the month, I will go over my notes, and talk about the things I have learned about myself. I cannot wait to share this journey with everyone.
If you are inspired to make your own, please tag me, because I would love to read your posts. Although you don’t really need to make a binder out of your resolutions, like I have done. I’m a bit old school like that, where I prefer paper and pen to do certain things. I like being able to check things off on my to-do list.
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
The rules are simple: Each Tuesday, Jana assigns a new topic. Create your own Top Ten list that fits that topic – putting your unique spin on it if you want. Everyone is welcome to join but please link back to http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/ in your Top Ten Tuesday post.
This week we are discussing our favourite books of 2020. I’m not sure if this specifically includes books that were published in 2020, or just our general favourite books in 2020. I unfortunately, didn’t read any books that were published in 2020, but here is my list of the favourite books I have read this year.
I started making even more time for reading in March. I have always been a reader, but I was able to make more time for reading with the whole lockdown.
Educated
This book was such an inspiration because it shows how determined people are to go after their dreams. It’s an easy reminder of how fortunate we are to have access to an education, because there a lot of people in the world who don’t have access to an education.
2. White Oleander
I finally got around to reading this book. Although to be fair, when it first came out I was only five years old. Despite that this book was heartbreaking, I think Janet Fitch is an amazing writer, it’s almost like a long poem, it was so beautifully written. It is also sad that some people live like that.
3. No One’s Home
This was the perfect thriller. I loved every moment of it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves thriller and mystery.
4. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
I reread my Harry Potter series (again!). To me, these books never get old. I read them at the start of the pandemic, because these books have the ability to always calm me down. I always enjoy reading them again. I also watched the movies after I finished the books. It was a fun marathon. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is my favourite Harry Potter book.
5. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
I wasn’t planning on reading this book, because I was waiting to watch the play first. I’m normally a read it first kind of gal, but I really wanted to watch the play not knowing much of the play. I was supposed to watch the play in October of this year, but the whole pandemic postponed the show. I hope I’ll be able to see it soon. I read it this summer because I was already doing a reread of the series, so I figured it seemed fitting. I am focusing on reading the other books on my bookshelves. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was nice knowing what happened to the majority of the main characters.
6. Gone Girl
I have seen this movie twice, and I have finally gotten around to reading the book. It was still fun reading the book, despite already watched the movie. It’s a scandalous mystery, thriller. It makes me want to read her other books.
7. Cuckoo’s Calling
This was my first time reading these books, I had a lot of fun reading them. This series was written by J.K. Rowling I think the reason why these books weren’t as popular as Harry Potter series were was because when these books were released no one knew J.K. Rowling wrote these books, and when they found it was her, they tried comparing these books to Harry Potter. These books are nothing like Harry Potter, but nonetheless, still enjoyable. This series is about a private detective, Cormoran Strike, and him solving cases with his assistant Robin.
8. The Couple Next Door
I love reading mystery books, and this was an amazing read. I borrowed it off of my Grandma, I’m so glad I did. I enjoyed the ending, and thought it was well done.
9. The Happiness Project
I have always enjoyed reading this book. I have been reading this book on and off for the past six years. I finally confident enough in myself to make my own Happiness Project. I am super excited for that.
10. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
I enjoyed reading this series, although I was looking forward to watching the series, but with Warner Bros. Production have requested Johnny Depp to resign, I don’t think I can support Warner Bros. after their decision. But the books are really amazing!
This is a post where I talk all about books by answering the following questions…
What have I finished reading?
What am I currently reading?
What will I be reading next?
I had a great week for reading. I was able to finish a lot of books. I was able to finish three books.
What have I finished reading?
I really enjoyed reading this book, I have never read any of her books before. This book was amazing. It had a fast paced plot, which I really liked. All I kept on thinking about was the theme song from Pretty Little Liars. It is the perfect book for Spooktober.
My rating: 3.75 stars out of 5
And
This book is split up into 12 chapters, one for each month. I read a chapter on the first of every month. I have read this book for the past five years or so. Although I have been reading this book more cautiously this year. It’s about Gretchen’s research on happiness, how to find it, and monthly resolutions that help us find happiness. I really enjoyed this book.
My rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars
And
I fell in love with this book, the moment I picked it up. I always wanted to read it years ago, because my sister tried getting into the book. She kept on putting the book down, and picking it back up, but she kept on forgetting what happened. Her solution was to watch the movie. I watched the movie, and I thought it was really well done. I saw the movie several years ago, so I vaguely remember it. I prefer the book better, although I might watch this movie this weekend. Even though my sister found the beginning to be a bit slow, which it was, but it was still well written. I can’t recall if she finished reading the book, but it is really good. I would recommend this book to anyone.
It is about the story of a teenager who gets sent to different foster cares, and each house she is, faces different challenges, and teaches her various lessons about life, and self-growth. I recommend reading the book first, then watching the movie, but that’s just me.
My rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
2. What am I currently reading?
This one is a really long book, and at the end of the day, it’s hard to find motivation to read this with my boyfriend after a long day.
I cannot wait to start reading this book. It looks like a great spooky thriller. I haven’t started it yet, just been finishing up my errands around the house. Thrillers are my favourite books to read. I feel thinking about what is going to happen next. Most thrillers have exciting twists that you didn’t see coming.
3. What will I read next?
Since one of my goals for 2021 is save up more money, this book will definitely help me. I can’t wait to read this book.
Hey everyone, I forgot to post this on Tuesday, and then I was busy yesterday, more on that later.
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
The rules are simple: Each Tuesday, Jana assigns a new topic. Create your own Top Ten list that fits that topic – putting your unique spin on it if you want.Everyone is welcome to join but please link back to The Artsy Reader Girl in your own Top Ten Tuesday post.
This week’s topic is Books I have Read Because Someone Has Recommended to me. Feel free to share who recommended it to you, and why, if you like.
10. How to Win Friends & Influence People
When I used to work at a cafe, a customer had actually recommended this book to me. He knew that at the time I was studying and going to school for accounting. I was also thinking about working towards being an accountant manager, perhaps. This customer is a owner of his own barber shop, and this was one of the books he has read, so he made the recommendation to me. Although I have gotten busy with life, and I haven’t read the whole thing, yet, but I will one day. I have taken the first step of buying this book. “Small baby steps still move forward.”
9. The Happiness Project
This book was suggested by one of my best friends at the time, unfortunately we aren’t that close anymore, but that’s okay. He suggested this book to me, because he was talking about how he was going to the library to get this book. He was explaining the concept of this book about Gretchen Rubin makes different resolution based on what theme she has assigned to each month. At the time I started reading this book, my mom and I had just moved out of my childhood house and I had lost my job a few months prior. It’s not like I wasn’t not unhappy, I was happy to a degree. I became really fascinated with the whole idea. To be honest, this book was the start of me wanting to read self help books. After buying and reading these self help books, that’s when people really started noticing me having more of a positive outlook on things. Which encouraged me to start my own blog!
8. Giving Back
I helped my other friend’s mother a few years ago. We were at the door for a conference for Mental Health, verifying people’s tickets. Afterwards, they had closed the doors, so my friend’s mom and I sat in and listened to these talks. My friend’s mom was also a speaker, so we got to seat at the speaker’s table. Linda Marshall was one of the speakers and she had mentioned her book during her talk. Her book talks about how you can find joy by giving back to others. She also talks about emotional intelligence, and the different styles of people’s leadership traits. She had brought with her copies of her book in case, people were interested in purchasing it. I was able to get this book signed by her. It was a really inspirational day. And that day gave me inspiration and a desire to help others. I would like to be a psychologist, or even as a life coach so I can help others.
7. In Search of April Raintree
My sister recommended me this book. This was one of the books she had to read in school. Because it was a story about sisters, my sister wanted me to read it. *Trigger warning* it’s about how two Ingenious sisters get separated and put into different foster homes because they’re parents are alcoholics. One of the sister is living a better life than her sister. It’s a sad and an emotional story, but nonetheless, still a good story to read.
6. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
I had received this book as a Christmas present from my boyfriend’s brother. I have read it a few times now. This book was bought because it is useful and helpful for business leaders, and other managers as well. It showed me why my previous managers at work has acted in some of the ways they have acted before. It has taught me a lot about management skills and how to effectively be a leader to others. The following Christmas I have bought this book for my uncle who is an accounting manager and I figured he would have appreciated this book.
5. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
My other friend has suggested these books to me, since they’re his favourite books to read. I placed a hold at my library, and was able to read these fairly quickly. These were really amazing and funny books. I haven’t read these books since, which was eight years old. I am really excited because I have found out that my boyfriend hasn’t read these books, so we brought them. Although we haven’t read it together, yet, but we will.
4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
When I was younger my Aunt and Uncle bought this book for my sister, and when she finished it, she told me I gotta read it, because it was amazing. I remember reading it, and really admired Hermione Granger. It’s funny because I was too obsessed with Barbies, my aunt and uncle only ever gave me Barbies, and their other accessories. So they only gave my cousin and my sister these books, and out of the three of us, I’m the only one with a complete set of the books. I have read and watched the movies countless of times. I even have Harry Potter shirts, and accessories.
3. The Couple Next Door
My Grandma got this book from the library, and she gave it to my mom to borrow because they say this is amazing book! I had saw my mom had return it to my Grandma, so I had asked if I can borrow it, too. I have had this on my To Be Read List for a few weeks now, so I cannot wait to start reading it soon.
2. Go Ask Alice
When my sister and I were packing our things for the move, she had came this book which she says was one of her friend’s favourite books. Although my sister forgot about that she had this book packed away, and ended up buying a new copy of the book, so this book is mine now. It was a heart breaking but empowering book.
Wild
My dad’s cousin’s daughter (I still have no idea what that is officially called, so I just call her my cousin), and I were talking about travel, books, relationships, and other stuff like that. I told her how much I loved Eat Pray Love, so she recommended that I read Wild.
What are some of your book recommendations? I would love to hear them. 🙂
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