Gretchen Rubin has a great blog called The Happiness Project. http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2007/03/a_quotation_fro_2.html#comment-64317180 She quoted Benjamin Frankin today, saying:
A quotation from Benjamin Franklin.
[Of his plan for achieving virtue, which I used as a model for my happiness project] "On the whole, though I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet as I was, by the endeavor, a better and a happier man than I otherwise should have been had I not attempted it.” –Benjamin Franklin.
[Of his plan for achieving virtue, which I used as a model for my happiness project] "On the whole, though I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet as I was, by the endeavor, a better and a happier man than I otherwise should have been had I not attempted it.” –Benjamin Franklin.
This is what I wrote back: Dear Gretchen, This is a great quote. As soon as I finish here, I’m putting it on my blog on typepad, Enchanted Self, and referencing you! I love your courage and determination to focus on happiness. My passion is also Happiness and I agree with Ben Franklin that although it hasn’t been an easy trip to develop the teachings I share with my clients and the public about how to practice Happiness, it is still a far better experience for all than to focus on the negative. Of all the techniques as a Positive Psychologist that I have developed over 14 years, women seem to respond most easily and with excitement to the Seven Gateways to Happiness. I think this is because these Gateways really to resonate to what we must all face and work on again and again if we want anything that is more than a momentary high. For example, if we don’t think we are of value than no one, including ourselves, will encourage happiness in our lives. So my first Gateway is recognizing our own value, remembering and reinventing our talents and potential.
So again, thanks for being such an advocate and anyone interested in the Seven Gateways to Happiness can receive a free white paper by going to my site, www.enchantedself.com
Posted by: Dr. barbara Becker Holstein at Mar 25, 2007 10:28:14 AM