How To Choose Happiness (even when it’s difficult)

Plus, a noticing workout, journaling, micro-joys, and more.

Hi friends,

This week, I wrote articles for Be More With Less (created by my friend Courtney Carver). Working with Courtney has been delightful and inspiring. I want—and need—more joyful work projects in my life. I’m hopeful that will happen this year!

With that, here’s what sparked my creativity and curiosity recently:

1.) Read my latest article for Be More With Less: How To Choose Happiness (even when it’s difficult). This was a fun piece to write! The topic reminded me of writing my first book—You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap)—in 2010 and 2011.

2.) “The 30-Minute Noticing Workout” compliments my “Noticing Notebook” project perfectly. In short, the workout involves walking, paying attention, and taking photos. Read Austin Kleon’s article on the topic and watch Bill Keaggy’s talk:

3.) This week, I finished writing an article about the benefits of journaling. I'll let you know when it's posted. Creating the piece reminded me of this helpful post: A Brief Guide to Keeping a Commonplace Book.

4.) Jillian Hess’s latest newsletter—Contemporary Notes: Dr. Bronwen Tate—is about Dr. Tate’s note-taking process. She is a professor and a poet. I enjoyed learning about her daily writing rituals.

5.) I preordered Microjoys: Finding Hope (Especially) When Life Is Not Okay by Cyndie Spiegel. This looks like an amazing book!

6.) I loved reading Pico Iyer's new book—The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise. The book is about different versions of paradise and how we can live more mindfully.

Pair Pico’s book with these interviews:

• In Search of Paradise: Why travel writer Pico Iyer says it may be within

• From Fan to Friend: The Unlikely Friendship Between Pico Iyer and Leonard Cohen

One version of paradise: drinking hot chocolate with friends at a local coffee shop.

7.) Recently, Lulu Garcia-Navarro interviewed Logan Lane; a teenager who gave up her smartphone. Also, Lane started the “Luddite Club;” a club of “teenagers who reject technology and its creeping hold on all our lives.” I’m inspired by Logan Lane and her friends!

The conversation made me miss my former phone; a bright green LG Rumor. The phone was unbreakable! For instance, I dropped the phone down stairs (multiple times). It also fell off my bike, countertops, and other surfaces. I’m sad the phone has been discontinued.

8.) The Logan Lane interview reminded me of this article: The Hottest Gen Z Gadget Is a 20-Year-Old Digital Camera. It’s cool that young people are opting for point-and-shoot cameras, and that they are sharing imperfect photos.

Ursula the Cat has been watching squirrels. She noticed this guy hiding nuts near our plants. She wasn't happy about it.

9.) Here's why you should make a habit of having more fun.

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Thanks for reading!

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With gratitude,

Tammy Strobel

I hope you have a restful weekend. Naps are the best!