Nigel 
July 20th,2009Gretchen Rubin has a remarkable blog called The Happiness Project. She’s also written a book of the same name which is soon to be published. So far I’ve only read a few of the articles but I intend to read more,and I recommend the site.
A recent post includes this ad for the new Harry Potter film. I don’t know about you (maybe it depends what mood you’re in) but I find going to see a good film really does make me feel happier for a while. Of course it’s far more enjoyable if I go with someone else. Gretchen saw this film with a mixed group of people,and that’s what her post is about.
She’s called it Happiness Lesson from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,and it’s about the long-term value of cultivating friends of different ages. Made me think. Made me appreciate my friends more. They are a varied bunch –and not just in age.
Some research (such as this example) suggests there’s not a lot we can do to change our base level of happiness:if I’m basically morose then I’ll keep returning to that state of mind. In my experience this depressing suggestion doesn’t have to be true. Otherwise why write this blog? It may be a long journey,it may require dramatic shifts in how we view life and the world,but permanent change is possible.
Maybe there’s something on The Happiness Project blog that will start you on your way.
