It’s time for the next installment of  “Happier with Gretchen Rubin.”

Update

I mention one of my favorite children’s books, Father’s Arcane Daughter, now titled My Father’s Daughter, by E. L. Konigsberg, one of the true giants of children’s literature.

Try This at Home

Put the word “meditation” after any activity you’re finding dull. Relatedly, we talk about the value of boredom.

Happiness Stumbling Block

Being a competitive parent. I quote from Anne Lamott’s essay “Forgiveness,” from her book Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith.

Listener Answers

In Episode 50, we talked about Fiona’s question about how to organize recipes, and we got so many excellent responses — to that question, as well as some others — we wanted to share them. Many people with great ideas about this subject noted that they’re Questioners — which makes a lot of sense.

Elizabeth’s Demerit

Elizabeth is not keeping up with her night-time skin-care regimen.

Gretchen’s Gold Star

I give a gold star to Elizabeth’s diabetes doctor, who told her, “I wish I could get this monkey off your back.” I quote from one of my favorite parenting (and adulting) books, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk. Such a great book.