A key -- perhaps the key -- to a happy life is self-knowledge, because as the Fifth Splendid Truth holds, "I can build a happy life only on the foundation of my own nature." In my own case, I've found that the more my life reflects my real interests, values, and temperament, the happier I become.
But it's very hard to know ourselves; it's easy to be distracted by the way we wish we were, or think we ought to be, or what others think we should be, until we lose sight of what is actually true.
As Christopher Alexander observed: "It is hard, so terribly hard, to please yourself. Far from being the easy thing that it sounds like, it is almost the hardest thing in the world, because we are not always comfortable with that true self that lies deep within us."
Here is a list of questions meant to help you think about yourself, your daily habits, your nature, and your interests. There are no right or wrong answers; they're fodder for reflection.
- If something is forbidden, do you want it less or more?
And here's another question for you. What questions would you add to this list, to help other people know themselves better? It's so important, and so elusive.
Would you like to launch or join a Happiness Project group in your area? Here is the information to get you started. Email me if you'd like the starter kit for starting a group.
For more by Gretchen Rubin, click here.
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