
Something Making Us More Happier
- Elizabeth: Planning a trip to Hawaii…without planning to take a trip to Hawaii. We mention the Happier in Hollywood podcast.
- Gretchen: The GloFX Flow Ring is an excellent “kinetic bracelet.” I like this toy as much as the Rainbow Twirler Spinner. Inexpensive, well-made, lots of fun.

I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You
I told Elizabeth about how thrilled I was to create order out of my messy-looking scent collection.
I mention my book Outer Order, Inner Calm.

Spotlight on a Tool
The podcast is now on YouTube! With captions! If you’ve ever wondered what Elizabeth and I look like, now you can take a look. Check it out and subscribe.
Elizabeth’s question: How do you avoid having a ring light reflecting in your glasses?
Unforeseen Consequences
Elizabeth told me that these days, she keeps having to wash her robe, because it gets muddy every morning when Nacho jumps on her. Nevertheless, she has realized – to her surprise – that she’s a real dog person.

Quotation
Grownups! Everyone remembers them. How strange and even sad it is that we never become what they were: beings noble, infallible, and free. We never become them. One of the things we discover as we live is that we never become anything different from what we are. We are no less ourselves at forty than we were at four, and because of this we know grownups as Grownups only once in life: during our own childhood. We never meet them in our lives again, and we miss them always.
Elizabeth Enright, Doublefields, “The Walnut Shell” (Amazon)
As I mention, Elizabeth Enright has written so many excellent, outstanding novels for children. I’ve read them dozens of times. The Saturdays (Amazon, Bookshop), The Four-Story Mistake (Amazon, Bookshop), Gone-Away Lake (Amazon, Bookshop), and more. So, so, so good.
LATEST EPISODES
When relaxing feels like wasting time, you can trick yourself into enjoying it anyway. Plus, 16 things to try for happier, calmer parenting.
Episode highlights:
Something Making Us Happier: Gretchen shares Chuck’s tip for an ultra-quiet desk fan, plus more things we didn’t know [00:00]
I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You: We don’t personally like tattoos, but what would we get?[00:00]
Spotlight on a Tool—Gretchen’s article on 16 things to try instead of yelling, just in time for back-to-school [00:00]
I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You: When rest feels like wasting time, you might have to trick yourself [00:00]
Mentioned in this episode:
Rowenta Ultra Quiet Desk Fan:https://amzn.to/3TEZgEZ
“How to Be a Happier, Calmer Parent: 16 Things to Try Instead of Yelling”: happiercast.com/parenting
Burning the Days by James Salter
Connect with us:
Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Website: gretchenrubin.com
Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft
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