Happiness: The Group Writing Project

In the month of February 2008 I had the opportunity to interview 34 amazing people on the subject of happiness. The possibility that I created for this project, is that everyone who participates, and reads these interviews will be left inspired, empowered, and happier than they were before.

What made this project so exciting is that it taps into something that all of us, as humans can related to. From the most selfish human, to the most selfless saint, the one thing that we share in is the desire to be happy. While we realized that happiness can mean different things to different people, there are many similarities that can be captured by just about anyone.

Reading through all of these interviews I realized that much of this is common sense, or I could have thought of that, but I didn’t. Reading them inspired me to just let go, be happy, and enjoy the beautiful moments in life. I know happiness is available and possible for every one of us.

What I would love to do is to be able to share this happiness with every one of you! There are several ways in which I envision this happening. You can go ahead and read through the 34 interviews which I was fortunate enough to capture for this site. Additionally, other people took it upon themselves to answer these questions on their own sites to share their own views and opinions with all of us. All of this can be found on the main Happiness Project page and I welcome you to read them.

To take things to the next level, I would absolutely love it if you would take the questions, think about them, and answer them for yourself. If you have a blog, then answer them there, if not, feel free to answer them in the comments section below this post.

The Questions

  1. How do you define happiness?
  2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness now, versus when you were a child?
  3. What do you do on a daily basis that brings you happiness? (and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day)
  4. What things take away from your happiness? What can be done to lessen their impact or remove them from your life?
  5. What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness?

Group Writing Project Guidelines

  1. Answer the Questions. In a new post answer the questions that you see above, while being as genuine and open as possible. I might not know you very well yet, but believe me, you are awesome, and I want your readers and my readers to be able to see this extraordinary side of you.
  2. Overview and Linkback. In the introduction of your post, go ahead and give a brief overview of what the Happiness Project is and where you happened to hear about it first. This is the part where I would appreciate if you linked back to this post, in order to let people know about the guidelines, and how they can participate. While your doing that, I would love it if you also linked to the main Happiness Project page, and gave people access to the full list of interviews and participants.
  3. Tag your Blog Friends. The purpose of this project is to share it with as many people as possible and to spread the awareness about happiness all over the world. The best way you can help us do that, aside from answering the questions on your own blog, is to tag some of your blogging friends (no limit here, the more the merrier), and let them know to participate.
  4. Comment Here + I Link To You. After you’ve successfully published your Happiness Project post on your blog, and linked back to this post, go ahead and leave a comment here to let me know you participated. What I will do is add a link to your entry into the main Happiness Project page as soon as I can. Another bonus is that I’ll do periodic updates of where the Happiness Project is going, in which I’ll link to the newest group of participants. That means you get two links from a Page Rank 4 blog, and exposure to tens of thousands of people. Good deal?

Optional: Use This Banner

Happiness Project

My good friend Mark happens to be an excellent graphic designer and he was kind enough to make this banner for us to use for this project. Thank you Mark! You can use this banner to not only show off your participation in the project, but also to point people towards the rest of the interviews, and spread awareness to as many people as possible.

Instructions: Copy-paste the code below into your blog post’s ‘code’ section or into your sidebar. This code will link the banner right to the Happiness Project page.

Posted by in Happiness Project | March 1, 2008 | Digg | Del.icio.us | Stumble | Print | 107 comments

  • http://www.asksaiful.com/2008/03/01/happiness-project/ SaiF Appears In The Happiness Project | SAIF IMPROVEMENT

    [...] friend Alex is running a Happiness: The Group Writing Project which is similar to his Happiness Project where he asks 5 questions to people who include A list [...]

  • http://www.asksaiful.com SaiF

    Hey dude!

    It’s done! I’m now officially part of the Happiness Project! =)

    You reading this can go watch my video response to Alex’s Happiness Project questions and tell me what you think!

    To CANI,

    SaiF
    The World’s First Teen
    Personal Development Video Blogger

  • http://www.idea-sellers.com Daniel Sitter, Idea Seller

    It’s a pleasure to participate in your Happiness Project Alex. I have written of it on my blog and linked to you as well. http://ideaseller.typepad.com/idea_sellers/2008/03/the-happiness-f.html

  • http://livingthelawofattraction.com/loa-blog/the-happiness-project/ The Happiness Project – Happiness Is…. | Law of Attraction | The Secret | LOA

    [...] I just heard about this “Happy Party” and I absolutely needed to join in…. Alex Shalman started this “Happiness Project” over at his site – AlexShalman.com. [...]

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Daniel, thank you for your participation. I’ve added you!

  • http://www.jesieblogjourney.com jesie

    I was tagged and I’m not sure whether it is too late to tag anyone else. I have published my post and here it is happiness project. I realize that I am a happy person. Thanks.

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    It is not too late. You are right on time. I am inviting you, and all your friends to participate! =)
    Thank you for your contribution! =)

  • http://www.alexshalman.com/blog/2008/03/02/happiness-project-contest-winners-and-more-participants/ Happiness Project (Contest Winners and More Participants) | Alex Shalman . com

    [...] Alex Shalman: It is not too late. You are right on time. I am inviting you, and all your friends to participate! =)… [...]

  • http://www.websitespeopleread.com Deborah

    Alex,
    Thanks for the opportunity to take time out of the day to think about my definition of happiness. I’ve enjoyed reading the other contributions and will be sharing this project with the bloggers of Akron, a small group of bloggers who will certainly wish to contribute their thoughts.

    Have a happy day.

    Deborah

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Thank YOU for taking the time to write, and I definitely appreciate you spreading the word, that’s exactly how this project becomes successful!

  • http://www.officiallifebydesign.com Derrick Sorles – Web 2.0 Consultantant

    Hi Alex – I was researching Happiness Projects and found yours! I am posting on it today to share the info with my readers. Hopefully, we’ll see you in Chicago at SOBCon 08.

    Derrick and Michael

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Awesome, let me know when you happiness project is complete so I can add it to the list. I’ll be at SOBCon, I already bought my ticket =)

  • http://aquestionofperspective.com/the-happiness-project/ The Happiness Project | a question of perspective

    [...] I recenly found this online – The Happiness Project – and decided to take part.? If you are interested, here are The Guidelines [...]

  • http://aquestionofperspective.com Elisa DelBonis

    I’m done too! You can see it here: http://aquestionofperspective.com/the-happiness-project.
    Thanks, Alex, for a great project.

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Nice one, I added you!

  • http://www.knowtheledge.org/the-happiness-project-what-is-happiness-to-you/ The Happiness Project – What is happiness to you? | Know The Ledge

    [...] from my daily reading of John Chow.com where he was able to have a huge guest post outlining the rules and guidelines of contributing. I think this is such an intriguing idea that fits very well with what Know The [...]

  • http://www.knowtheledge.org Know The Ledge

    Alex, I really love your project, I think it’s great and I had to contribute. Here’s my contribution:

    The Happiness Project – What is Happiness To You?

    I’m excited to see all of the different visions of happiness and look forward to being a part of it. Thanks!

  • http://www.officiallifebydesign.com Derrick Sorles – Web 2.0 Consultantant

    It’s complete! See you soon. (and I tagged 3 other people).

    Derrick

  • http://www.alexshalman.com/blog/2008/03/09/sundays-speedlinking-3-09-08/ Sunday’s Speedlinking 3-09-08 | Alex Shalman . com

    [...] Four new participants this week, check them out. You can participate in the Happiness Project, get the pleasure of answering these questions, as well as 2 links back to your site. For details visit Happiness: The Group Writing Project. [...]

  • http://www.dealmoneyblog.com Mister Jester

    Alex,

    I joined the project, and posted my 5 questions in my blog. This is a neat project, and I am happy to particiapte.

    Thanks!

  • http://www.johnchow.com/killer-writing-strategies-to-make-boat-loads-of-money-online/ Killer Writing Strategies To Make Boat Loads of Money Online | John Chow dot Com

    [...] post was guest blogged by Alex Shalman, who created Happiness: The Group Writing Project which gives you 2 links back (PR 4) for your [...]

  • http://blog.butterflymedia.ro/the-happiness-project/ The Happiness Project | Butterfly Media Romania Blog – Marketing, SEO and WordPress

    [...] Shalman had a nice initiative back in February. Now hestarted a group writing project to which I have participated. Noticthe [...]

  • http://blog.butterflymedia.ro Chip

    1. Happiness is a state of mind when you fill fulfilled, warm, taken care of and having the certainty of love and financial security.
    2. I would rate it at 8.
    3. I see my girlfriend, I blog, I do programming, I work out of passion, I earn money.
    4. Two-faced people and liers. I am an easy taker of these things and I just press the ‘Ignore’ button. It’s easier like this.
    5. More work. Just work. It will bring me more money. Other than that, I have everything I want.

    I have also contributed this to my blog, in my latest article, http://blog.butterflymedia.ro/the-happiness-project/

  • http://www.puntofape.com Fabian

    Alex, it’s a pleasure to participate in your Happiness Project. I have written of it on my blog and linked to you as well. http://www.puntofape.com/haz-ejercicios-para-tener-un-mejor-blog-455/

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Addeed you!

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Fabian, you have to actually answer the questions in that post to participate. =)

  • http://www.puntofape.com Fabian

    Right Alex! I did it!

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Ok, I’m adding you to the list. Could you just fix the link in the post the reflect the link of this article? Thanks! =)

  • http://iamtoro.blogspot.com Toro

    Hi Alex!
    I have blog about the project and share my happiness.
    Pls have a look
    http://iamtoro.blogspot.com/2008/03/happiness-group-writing-project.html
    It is great to share happy~!

  • http://www.debohobo.com/2008/03/14/how-do-you-measure-happiness/   How Do You Measure Happiness? — Debo Hobo dot Com

    [...] Shalman has designed an interesting group writting project which he has designated the Happiness Project. It began with a series of interviews with thirty [...]

  • http://www.puntofape.com/haz-ejercicios-para-tener-un-mejor-blog-455/ Haz ejercicios para tener un mejor blog | Punto Fape

    [...] 13 Mar, 2008 por Fabián en En la RedComentarios Una de las recomendaciones de Alex Shallman (Happiness Project) para ganar dinero escribiendo un blog está relacionada con el estilo de vida, es realmente simple [...]

  • http://www.puntofape.com Fabian

    I’d fixed the link. :-)

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Great, thank you. I added you to the list.

  • http://debohobo.com Debo Hobo

    Hi ALex,

    This really is a great project, I enjoyed participating. Please view my post with the loads of links back to your blog at- How Do You Measure Happiness?

    I looke forward to reading more of your blog post. Have a Happy and Wonderful Day! :)

  • http://debohobo.com Debo Hobo
  • http://freedownloadblogs.com/news/?p=582 Killer Writing Strategies To Make Boat Loads of Money Online | Free Download Blogs

    [...] post was guest blogged by Alex Shalman, who created Happiness: The Group Writing Project which gives you 2 links back (PR 4) for your [...]

  • http://www.johnchow.com/creating-the-best-ideas-in-the-land-sure-way-to-make-money-online/ Creating The Best Ideas In The Land, Sure Way To Make Money Online | John Chow dot Com

    [...] post was guest blogged by Alex Shalman, who created Happiness: The Group Writing Project which gives you 2 links back (PR 4) for your [...]

  • http://www.guidanceforthemotivated.com/The_Happiness_Project.html G.Davis

    Alex,

    I’m in! :)

    Check out my reply here: http://www.guidanceforthemotivated.com/The_Happiness_Project.html

    ~Garrett

  • http://www.inruad.com/blog/i-joined-happiness-project/ I Joined Happiness Project! | myTC

    [...] looking at some valuable blog to read at John Chow dot Com, and i accidentally discover a link to Alex Shalman blog.There has a project call “Happiness: The Group Writing Project” in Alex blog which [...]

  • http://www.inruad.com myTC

    I joined!
    I hope that i would not be too late.

  • http://www.alexshalman.com/blog/2008/03/16/sundays-speedlinking-3-16-08/ Sunday’s Speedlinking 3-16-08 | Alex Shalman . com

    [...] myTC: I joined! I hope that i would not be too late. [...]

  • http://debohobo.com Debo Hobo

    Alex,
    Thank you so much for ‘Stumbling’ my Happiness post. I recieved 109 visits fro that single post, unfortunately however not a single one left a comment.

    Can you- when you have time- publish a post on how to garner more comments per posts.

  • http://createabalance.com/the-happiness-project/ The Happiness Project

    [...] You can participate in this contagious project by visiting the Happiness Project guidelines. [...]

  • http://mocove.blogspot.com Stephanie Coviak

    Alex,
    I’ve finished my post, so please visit!

  • http://createabalance.com Stacey – Create a Balance

    It’s an honor to participate in this project.
    Here is a link to my Happiness Project post:
    createabalance.com/the-happiness-project

  • http://brucisms.com/2008/03/18/the-happiness-project/ The Happiness Project | Brucisms – Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and The Pursuit of Happiness

    [...] The Happiness Project started off as a series of interviews by Alex Shalman, in which he asked people 5 questions about happiness. Alex has invited all bloggers to participate in his project by answering the same questions on their blog.  Since Brucisms is focused on the pursuit of happiness, I definitely don’t want to be left out of the fun! [...]

  • http://www.betterorganized.blogspot.com Suellen Germani

    Alex,

    I just posted my Happiness Project answers to my Better Organized blog. Thanks for this exercise in positive thinking. I’m hoping my readers will see how focusing on happiness leads to better outcomes!

    http://betterorganized.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Thanks Suellen. Added you to the list =)

  • http://megavegalicious.com Anca

    I’ve just discovered your blog by reading Chip’s butterflymedia.ro. I love the idea of the project, I’ve stumbled it, and also subscribed to your feed. I’m very interested in what you write about, so I’ll make sure and check back often.
    Tonight I will write my entry, answering the questions, linking back to the article and adding the banner.
    I will send you the link when I do

    Thanks!

  • http://jungleswife.blogspot.com JJ

    Interesting and tough questions to answer! It took me a week of pondering. I’m sure I could continue to edit, which probably wouldn’t be a bad idea.

    I also stumbled the project and subscribed. Keep up the good work

    http://jungleswife.blogspot.com/2008/03/happiness-project.html

  • http://megavegalicious.com/2008/03/19/the-happiness-project/ megavegalicious.com » Blog Archive » The Happiness Project

    [...] Alex Shalman, from alexshalman.com has started a project some while back. The idea is to? interview people, “from the most [...]

  • http://megavegalicious.com Anca

    Love your blog and here’s my post about the Project:
    http://megavegalicious.com/2008/03/19/the-happiness-project/

    I have a category called “Blogger Love” , where I wrote about the Project, and I’m also trying to spread some appreciation and nice thoughts towards fellow bloggers.

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Awesome- that’s what I like to hear! ;)

  • http://www.kacperwrzesniewski.com/happiness-project/ Happiness project. | KacperWrzesniewski.com – Success, money, entertainment.

    [...] Happiness project is a great idea run at AlexShalman.com. It started of with a series of interviews with great people: bloggers, writers, authors of books, experts on happiness and many others. The project is interactive and anybody can take a part in it and answer to 5 questions concerning happiness. I really encourage you, to do so. To get more details, read about Happiness Project. [...]

  • http://www.kacperwrzesniewski.com Kacper

    Hello,

    I have just published my post about this amazing project at my blog. It is a pleasure to take a part in such positive idea.

    Have a great time.

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Thanks for participating Kacper, I added you to the list.

  • http://www.alexshalman.com/blog/2008/03/23/sundays-speedlinking-3-23-08/ Sunday’s Speedlinking 3-23-08 | Alex Shalman . com

    [...] Seven new participants this week, check them out. You can participate in the Happiness Project, get the pleasure of answering these questions, as well as 2 links back to your site. For details visit Happiness: The Group Writing Project. [...]

  • http://www.johnchow.com/with-better-health-comes-more-money-online/ With Better Health Comes More Money Online | John Chow dot Com

    [...] post was guest blogged by Alex Shalman, who created Happiness: The Group Writing Project which gives you 2 links back (PR 4) for your participation. “Life expectancy would grow by [...]

  • http://www.aspirationsplus.com Jeanne May

    Hi Alex…

    Great idea! And a wonderful project I’m delighted to be part of!

    I’ve posted the questions and my responses on my blog… which can be found at:
    http://aspirationsplus.typepad.com/uydayg/2008/03/happiness-proje.html

    Many thanks for this opportunity to be involved.

    Jeanne

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Great, thank you for participating, I’ve added you to the list.

  • http://dailybooz.com/2008/03/24/the-happiness-project/ » Blog Archive » The Happiness Project

    [...] Here is the original project page [...]

  • http://www.dailybooz.com Mark

    Hi Alex,

    I have posted your project on my website. I thought it was a great reminder for me and motivated me to keep working towards my goal. Keep your eye on the prize, as the saying goes.

    Thanks for the opportunity.

    Mark

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    I have added you to the list!

  • http://www.changeyourtree.com Kevin @ Change Your Tree

    Alex,

    I have completed my happiness project contribution. Please add me.

    http://changeyourtree.com/blog/2008/03/24/my-contribution-to-alex-shalmans-group-writing-project-on-happiness/

  • http://yondrix.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/happiness-project/ Happiness Project « Películas, TV y Literatura

    [...] entrevistas las puedes leer en su blog oficial, y el post original sobre el proyecto lo puedes ver aquí (en inglés ambos links). Si quieres ayudar a repartir felicidad, sólo tienes que responder estas [...]

  • http://yondrix.wordpress.com yondri

    Hi Alex, nice project. I wrote a post about it in my blog. It’s written in spanish, i hope i can participate anyway.

    My blog, here.

  • http://www.back-exercise-and-pain-relief.com/index.html Liz

    Hi Alex,

    Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this fun project! I have posted my responses at:

    http://www.back-exercise-and-pain-relief.com/Overcoming-Back-Pain-blog.html

    and

    http://hubpages.com/hub/Share-Your-Happiness

    Thanks again.
    Liz

  • http://mikefolan.com/blog1/?p=155 What Does Happiness Mean to You? | mikefolan.com

    [...] with everyone. If you would like to take part in Project Happiness you can go and visit the Project Happiness Guidelines. As part of the happiness project you are asked to answer 5 questions. You have the option to answer [...]

  • http://www.fundraisingip.com Marita

    Hello everyone,
    helping others and living every day bringing something positive to this world that really means something to you (Alex, you must be a pretty happy guy:)) will keep you happy. One thing that makes me happy is raise funds, or help others raise funds for their causes. I’m working on adding a blog for my site as we speak; in the meantime, check out the fundraising how to section http://www.fundraisingip.com/articles/ if you’re planning on raising funds for anyone or a cause.

    Cheers!

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Got you!

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    I got you on hubpages but couldn’t figure out how to access single posts on your other blog.

  • http://mikefolan.com Mike

    Hi Alex.

    I have done a post on my blog about Project Happiness.

    You can visit it at mikefolan.com

    Mike

  • http://www.wideopenwallet.blogspot.com Mom @ Wide Open Wallet

    Thanks for the opportunity to do this. It was fun. Here is my post…. Right here

  • http://www.johnchow.com/two-ideas-one-cup-how-to-attract-more-money-online/ Two Ideas, One Cup – How To Attract More Money Online | John Chow dot Com

    [...] post was guest blogged by Alex Shalman, who created Happiness: The Group Writing Project. “Expect your every need to be met. Expect the answer to every problem, expect abundance on [...]

  • http://changeyourtree.com/blog/2008/03/24/my-contribution-to-alex-shalmans-group-writing-project-on-happiness/ My Contribution to Alex Shalman’s Group Writing Project on Happiness | Change Your Tree

    [...] February 2008, Alex Shalman started group writing project on happiness. He interviewed 34 people about happiness, hoping that [...]

  • http://www.abundancehighway.com/what-is-happiness/ What is Happiness? | The Abundance Highway

    [...] Happiness Project was an initiative of Alex Shalman in February this year. Reading the first 34 posts from a variety of top bloggers. Alex has made [...]

  • http://www.abundancehighway.com Suzie Cheel

    Hi Alex,
    I love this project of yours and having followed it through February, have finally joined the project. It was both a fun and thoughtful time for me.

    here is my post Happiness for Me is…..
    http://www.abundancehighway.com/what-is-happiness/

    Thanks for starting this.

    Suzie

  • http://flimjo.com Flimjo

    I finally made my contribution to the Happiness Project. Here is my post: http://flimjo.com/?p=81.

    -Robert

  • http://www.websitespeopleread.com Deborah

    Alex, I realized that I commented about my posting but didn’t include a link to my contribution – so here it is. http://websitespeopleread.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/03/how-do-you-defi.html

    Thanks again for organizing such a wonderful project.

    Deborah

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Very nice. Thank you for your contribution, I just added you!

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Got you, thanks!

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Got it Deb!

  • http://plain-talk-ordinary-wisdom.blogspot.com Pat R

    Alex – thank you for this opportunity to share in putting happiness out into the world. I’ve answered your questions in my latest post Alex Shalman’s Happiness: Group Writing Project and linked back to your site.

    Blogger didn’t like the html for the icon you provided so I added another link back to your site for directions on what to do to participate.

  • http://www.alexshalman.com/blog/2008/03/30/sundays-speedlinking-3-30-08/ Sunday’s Speedlinking 3-30-08 | Alex Shalman . com

    [...] out. If you haven’t participated yet, and would like to do so than get the instructions from Happiness: The Group Writing Project. To see the entire list of participants, which includes 34 people I interviewed on this blog and 54 [...]

  • http://www.alexshalman.com/blog/2008/04/06/sundays-speedlinking-4-6-08/ Sunday’s Speedlinking 4-6-08 | Alex Shalman . com

    [...] you haven’t participated yet, and would like to do so than get the instructions from Happiness: The Group Writing Project. To see the entire list of participants, please visit the Happiness Project [...]

  • ??

    How do you define happiness?
    I think happiness means living a life without evil things.we work together and trust each other and try our best to make tomorrow better ,instead of benefiting ourselves by sacrificing others’ .
    I think happiness also needs a special someone in your life who you love most and who love you most ,besides your parents .

    On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness now, versus when you were a child?
    maybe 3 ,I feel I’v lost too much versus my childhood .I’m suffered now .

    What do you do on a daily basis that brings you happiness? (and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day)
    I felt happy when I concentrated on my work and had my homework done that had been planned in time and so do my physical exercise in the evening .In a word ,I felt happy ,as for now ,just when I got my planned things done for that day .Occassionally I also dreamt of an expected pretty girl entering my life .

    What things take away from your happiness? What can be done to lessen their impact or remove them from your life?
    Being unable to forget my painful and shameful past .I’m trying to be a good guy now ,but the reality does not allow me to .Filthy things and people still exist everywhere ,filling every corners.Sometimes I want to tell them they’re wrong and they should learn to be a good student ,but when I thought of my past ,I lost courage .Beacuse I’m not better enough ,I haven’t done enough good and useful things .I’m still penancing .Perhaps to lessen their psychological hurt on me ,I should try to tolerant their bad behavior ,and find their good sides .So it does with the society .Honestly ,I’m still ambivalent now .I don’t know how to handle this society ,it make me sick .
    I wish you could give me some suggestions ,Alex ! Thank you !!

    What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness ?
    Working hard to be an advanced technologist ,making enough money to travel around the world with my love .

  • http://www.veranadine.com Vera Nadine

    Hi Alex!

    I am so happy for the chance to participate in this great idea of yours and to keep its momentum moving forward.

    I have just finished my article, which posts tomorrow:

    Happiness Project: What Lights You Up?

    Thanks for your wonderfully inspiring ideas, you are a rare gift!

    Blessings,

    Vera Nadine
    veranadine.com

  • http://www.alexshalman.com Alex Shalman

    Aww you’re so sweet Vera. =)

    Can’t wait to take a look at your entry.

  • http://inevergrewup.net/?p=101 inevergrewup.net » Blog Archive » Happiness: The Group Writing Project by Alex Shalman

    [...] I heard about The Happiness Project from my husband and I am excited to be a part of it and read other’s answers. Visit his page to read more about the writing project and to see other’s contributions. http://www.alexshalman.com/blog/2008/03/01/happiness-the-group-writing-project/ [...]

  • http://www.inevergrewup.net Vanessa

    Thanks for this :)

    Here is mine:
    http://inevergrewup.net/?p=101

    I linked it back to your site correctly I hope.

  • http://waytogogodot.com/happiness-project/ The Happiness Project | David Godot Answers

    [...] Now I’d like to contribute to The Happiness Project by answering these questions myself, and by encouraging you to do the same. [...]

  • http://waytogogodot.com David Godot

    Hi Alex,

    This project was a wonderful idea, and a lot of fun to participate in! I hope that my contribution invokes the same feeling of connectedness that I have felt while reading through the interviews completed by others. I found that each one showed me something about my own happiness and motivation.

    Many best wishes,
    David Godot

    http://waytogogodot.com/happiness-project/

  • http://www.moritherapy.org/article/happiness-a-group-writing-project/ happiness – a group writing project

    [...] alex shalman interviewed 34 people on the subject of happiness. following up on this, he created the happiness project, a group writing project where everyone who wishes answers questions about what happiness is for [...]

  • http://moritherapy.org isabella mori

    hi alex – just posted my post, here: http://www.moritherapy.org/article/happiness-a-group-writing-project/

    thanks for this massive project!

  • http://www.inspiredmoneymaker.com/2008/04/14/the-happiness-project/ The Happiness Project | Make Money Doing What You Love

    [...] Shalman, a fellow blogger, started a group writing project called “The Happiness Project“.? He started off by interviewing 34 people including A-List bloggers, NY Times #1 best [...]

  • http://www.InspiredMoneyMaker.com Paul

    Hi Alex, I just posted my article on my site here:

    http://www.inspiredmoneymaker.com/2008/04/14/the-happiness-project/

    I also added this page to Digg.

    Thanks!

    Paul

  • http://veranadine.com/2008/04/10/happiness-project-what-lights-you-up/ Happiness Project: What Lights You Up? – Vera Nadine

    [...] series of articles, as well as a participation contest, The Happiness Project continues on as a group writing project, which I am glad to participate in. (I just love a great, uplifting [...]

  • http://www.blogbytyna.com/2008/04/15/you-deserve-to-be-happy%e2%80%a6/ » You deserve to be Happy… blogbytyna.com: Business , photography & Others

    [...] is very uplifting like a spiritual awareness; check the guides on how you can be part of this great Happiness [...]

  • http://www.blogbytyna.com Tina Ezenma

    Hi Alex,
    I hope this is not too late just heard about it yesterday,
    I just posted my article : http://www.blogbytyna.com/2008/04/15/you-deserve-to-be-happy…/
    It was a good experience being able to participate in this project.
    tyna.

  • http://www.kelvingoh.com/happiness/happiness-project-happy-forever Happiness Project – Happy Forever | Personal Success with Kelvin Goh.COM

    [...] update from John Chow Dot Com, I noticed one of the guest blogger, Alex Shalman, has created this Happiness: The Group Writing Project. Out of curiosity, I clicked on the link to access the Happiness Project main page. After reviewed [...]

  • http://www.kelvingoh.com Kelvin Goh

    Hi Alex,

    It is wonderful to participate in this project. I have just posted my artcile:

    http://www.kelvingoh.com/happiness/happiness-project-happy-forever

    Thanks for the great idea.

    Best Wish,
    Kelvin

  • Vikki

    1. How do you define happiness?
    “Happiness” is a state of mind vs. an emotion, although at times, it can be that as well. When one defines their life, marriage, work life as “always a happy one,” that very well may be, however, it most likely is not happy 100% of the time. So in essence, happiness is a state of mind. When one is gets happy about something, such as someone giving them a gift, etc. That happiness is more on the lines of an emotion.

    2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness now, versus when you were a child?
    I can honestly say that I am much happier as an adult, than I was as a child, for various reasons, however, the reason why I am happier now is because I am able to control my happiness, attitudes, and emotions. As a child, we are too self involved to realize what emotions are, how we experience them, what makes them occur, etc. When one reaches the age to identify and control their emotions, they are more apt to do so and in the long run, incorporate those learnings in their way of life.

    3. What do you do on a daily basis that brings you happiness? (and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day)
    I would say that I am quite realistic about life, the good and the bad parts. It is what it is. That being said, I approach life with great love and happiness because I choose to do so. There is a great deal of negativity in this world, which we do need for pure balance. What I do on a daily basis is I simply view life in a positive light. I don’t have any adversities to cultures or peoples or peoples attitudes. I know that each morning when I wake, I can make a decision to be happy or not… I choose happy. Happy is good. Life is good. The consistency, which I have measured in the last week exclusively for this project, I have found has maintained through the days end. Granted, I am tired at the end of a long day, but that doesn’t mean I am not happy. I have experienced a great deal of… well, for the lack of a better word, crap in my life. Granted, I grew up in the United States of America, so it wasn’t as bad as in other countries, but I experienced a world of hurt for a very long time. I would say that I truly know the difference between happiness and sadness. Happiness is where it is at, let me tell you!!

    4. What things take away from your happiness? What can be done to lessen their impact or remove them from your life?
    The only true things that take away from my happiness are when people that I love, family members or close friends really, who I am sensitive to, are cruel to me. It happens. Not intentionally always, but it happens. When my core structures attacks me, I become angry, upset, sad, but mostly angry. Now I am certainly not going to remove my core structure of people from my life, though some have been tossed out of the party via me, and many have been changed in and out. Because my core structure of people consists of people, the variable lies within those people. Their attitudes, feelings, emotions, etc. can affect me. I have to recognize this at all times in order to maintain a balance.

    5. What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness?
    I vowed when I was a little girl, that if I made it to my 18th birthday, that everyday in my adult life, no matter what, would be happy. And it has been. At my job, I always tend to cling towards those who are also happy or seem to be, to spread the inspiration. In my personal life I tend to attract happier, optimistic people to associate with. When I experience stressed out or sad days, which happens, I immediately do something to inspire me, whether it is watching a movie, going out somewhere to experience the world we live in, shopping (retail therapy is soooooo cool!), reading a novel to transport me to someone else’s world, hang out with my dogs (my most favorite thing to do), basically divert the state of mind. In the future, I will most likely continue with what I have done, continue to learn from others regarding their happiness, and hopefully win the lottery! Just kidding.

  • http://www.blogbytyna.com/2008/05/05/be-happy%e2%80%a6/ Be happy | DREAMCATCHER

    [...] I wrote this article sometime ago before my web log crashed. I felt I should repeat. It was about an article from Alex Shalman about this Happiness project where he asked everyone to join in the writing project by answering 5 questions about happiness in your own perspective. You can try out it is very uplifting like a spiritual awareness; check the guides on how you can be part of this great project: [...]

  • http://zenlawofattraction.com/law-of-attraction-card-happiness/ zen law of attraction

    Law of Attraction Card: Happiness…

    If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

    I recently took part in a Happiness Project which posed 5 question about happiness in my life.

    Happiness for me is a feeling , feelings of joy, having a smile on my…

  • http://jungleswife.wordpress.com/2008/03/18/happiness-project/ Happiness Project « Jungle’s Wife

    [...] Happiness Project“. If you would like to participate, the guidelines are posted here – Happiness: The Group Writing Project. Basically, you answer the questions on your blog, and let him know. He links back to your post. [...]

  • http://dewdropofjupiter.blogspot.com/ Mahmudur

    This is my absolute pleasure to answer the questions of happiness project. I would like to say thank you Alex to realize ‘happiness is available and possible for every one of us’.

    http://dewdropofjupiter.blogspot.com/2008/09/let-me-answer-questions-of-happiness.html

    BR//
    http://dewdropofjupiter.blogspot.com/

  • Uma Mahesh Ganti

    How do you define happiness?
    Happiness is just your state of mind..It is being comfortable in the situation, radiating positive energy.

    On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness now, versus when you were a child?
    6

    What do you do on a daily basis that brings you happiness? (and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day).

    3. I try to stay alone or with my family or any friends who would understand you…

    What things take away from your happiness? What can be done to lessen their impact or remove them from your life?

    I hate people who feel they are more intelligent or superior to others and I’d like to stay away from them……I would ignore any of them when I find one.

    What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness?

    I’d continue to be what I am , respect others, take care of others and stay away from people who look down on others…