I collect axioms, paradoxes, maxims, teaching stories, proverbs, and aphorisms of all sorts, because I love to see complex ideas distilled into a few words. – Gretchen Rubin
In the scope of a happy life, a messy desk or an overstuffed coat closet is a trivial thing, yet I find – and I hear from other people that they agree – that getting rid of clutter gives a disproportionate boost to happiness. – Gretchen Rubin
I love cunning containers as much as anyone, but I’ve found that if I get rid of everything I don’t need, I often don’t need a container at all. – Gretchen Rubin
It’s so easy to use tired, shopworn figures of speech. I love using long, fancy words but have learned – mostly from writing my biography of Winston Churchill – that short, strong words work better. I am ever-vigilant against the passive and against jargon, both of which are so insidious. – Gretchen Rubin
Negative emotions like loneliness, envy, and guilt have an important role to play in a happy life; they’re big, flashing signs that something needs to change. – Gretchen Rubin
Whenever I’m trying to decide how to spend my precious time, energy, or money, I ask myself a series of questions. ‘Will this broaden or deepen my relationships?’ ‘Will this contribute to an atmosphere of growth in my life?’ ‘Is this a way to ‘Be Gretchen?’ and ‘Will this help connect me to my past?’ – Gretchen Rubin
It was my interest in happiness that led me to the subject of habits, and of course, the study of habits is really the study of happiness. Habits are the invisible architecture of everyday life, and a significant element of happiness. – Gretchen Rubin
You can love someone but not want to keep a gift from that person. It’s okay to pass an item along to someone who will appreciate it more. – Gretchen Rubin
Habit allows us to go from ‘before’ to ‘after,’ to make life easier and better. Habit is notorious – and rightly so – for its ability to direct our actions, even against our will; but by mindfully shaping our habits, we can harness the power of mindlessness as a sweeping force for serenity, energy, and growth. – Gretchen Rubin
One thing I wish I could tell my younger self: take photos of everyday life, not special occasions; later, that’s what will be interesting to you. – Gretchen Rubin
Do I need fifty finger-painted pictures by my toddler, or is one enough to capture this time of life? Mementos work best when they’re carefully chosen – and when they don’t take up much room! – Gretchen Rubin