This morning I finished reading Gretchen Rubin’s best-selling book The Happiness Project recently recommended by a new friend, Cathline Marshall. I thoroughly enjoyed it, nodding at the pieces I have already undertaken, jotting down some new ones to test-drive.
At the end of her book, Gretchen offers an Afterword that includes a link to a one-minute Internet movie she created. I went right to my computer and plugged in the address: www.theyearsareshort.com. It’s a great reminder that the things we slog through today are actually the joyful memories of tomorrow. Who isn’t already bragging about making it through last week’s storm and exaggerating the number of days you went without Internet connections, heat and electricity? Ten miles to school in the snow barefoot, anyone?
Gretchen’s thesis is that the days are long, but the years are short. Every client I have, myself included, feels that what she’s trying too accomplish is taking forever, or at least too long. And just as easily admits, looking back a year or two later, that it all happened pretty quickly.
Watch this short film to underscore the reality of your life, be it personal or professional.
On that note, I want to share that the little boy I was diapering only 30-something years ago successfully completed the NY Half Marathon on Sunday in under two hours. Rob’s the one on the right in red shorts. The days are long, but the years are short. Enjoy today–every minute of it. This is the ride.
I totally agree and this affirmed my decision to block out Fridays to watch my grandson. I might only get this one and I am missing so much! Thank you for all of your thought provoking messages.
Thanks Jane……I needed that video!
Wendy
So true! The days are long (30 plus years ago while diapering Rob I bet that was on your mind!) but the years are short!
Remember the book “Be Here Now” By Ram Dass? That’s my mantra these days…
Hi Jane, I just started reading this book and am enjoying it. It does put happiness on the radar screen front and center and gets you to be more aware of how the choices we make day to day bring us closer to or further from our happiness. Janet
@Pamela, Janet and Vickie
Thanks for your thoughts on how precious time is and what you’re doing to treasure each minute.
Thanks for this very inspirational newsletter–all of the posts were a wonderful way to start my day–I feel positive and pumped and ready to go. And–wow–congrats to your son!
@Robin
Thanks for the feedback and how the newsletter effected you. Positive and Pumped could be the title of a book!