UPDATE
In episode 385, a listener asked for ways to deal with a husband who constantly interrupts her. We received two more suggestions for how to respond when someone interrupts:
- say, “Hold that thought, I was right in the middle of saying something.”
- pause, let that person say what they want, then resume what you’re saying without responding
Also, in the discussion of a listener’s use of a bullseye metaphor, in response to episode 386, we mention Happier in Hollywood episode 271, about using a bullseye metaphor to evaluate a creative idea.
Try This at Home
Revive a dormant activity. Return to an activity you once pursued, but for some reason, you’ve dropped. You might:
- Brush up on a language you once spoke
- Practice a musical instrument or singing or reading music
- Pick up paints, clay, markers, a writing project
- Play a video game you used to love
- Go fishing, skiing, bike-riding, etc.
- Play a sport
Elizabeth plans to revive her regular mahjong game. We talk about how the atmosphere of growth is an aspect of a happy life. I mention using the tools in the Happier app to help you revive a dormant activity.
Happiness Hack
Share a specific podcast episode with a friend or family member. It’s always great to let people know you’re thinking of them.
Know Yourself Better
What kind of collector are you?
Collectors are basically of two kinds; those who aim at completing a series, and those who long to possess things that have bewitched them. The former, of whom stamp and coin collectors are the obvious examples, enjoy the pleasures of a limited aim, and its comforting certainties. The latter may suffer ups and downs, changes of heart and deceptions, but they have several great advantages. They never know when some new love will inflame them; they learn a great deal more about themselves from their possessions; and in the end they are surrounded by old friends, with long love stories which they must try hard not to tell their friends.
— Kenneth Clark, Another Part of the Wood (Amazon)
Elizabeth mentions the terrific TV show Hacks.
Listener Question
A listener asks for creative ways to celebrate her 50th birthday by reflecting back and looking forward. We mention:
- Know Yourself Better Journal
- Know Yourself Better: Embracing Change — available now for pre-order. For 15% off at checkout, enter promo code HAPPIERCHANGE15
- Memento Keepsake Journal
- One-Sentence Journal
- Make a list of “50 for 50” — a list of 50 things to do for the fiftieth year
- Create a Timeline book, as discussed in episode 188
- Create a Facts of Life book, as discussed in episode 185
- Deep-clean your house — for ideas about clutter-clearing, check out my book Outer Order, Inner Calm
- If you’d like to see the Calendar of Catalysts, get it here
We talk about “How to Practice,” Ann Patchett’s essay about possessions from the New Yorker.
Demerits & Gold Stars
- Elizabeth’s Demerit: She was reading a book that she didn’t love, but she finished it anyway.
- Gretchen’s Gold Star: I gave a gold star to myself, for testing my long-held assumption that I get carsick if I read in the car. I finally gave it another try, and I realized I can read in the car.
- Bonus! A listener gives a well-deserved gold star to our executive producer Chuck Reed, for our excellent sound quality.
Resources
- The Happier app is on Twitter! Follow @thehappierapp for Know Yourself Better questions, ideas for aims, and more. And if you’re using the app, be sure to tag us in your Tweets — we’d love to hear what you’re working on and how you’re using the app.
- For 30% off select items from the Happiness Project collection, use code HAPPIERSUMMER30 at checkout. You’ll get 30% off on purchases of t-shirts, travels mugs, water bottles, and pouches.