If you have had more than one conversation with me, you have probably heard me reference Gretchen Rubin. A couple years ago I realized that although I loved my job, was physically fit, and had good friends, I was not sure how happy I was. As per my usual strategy when I come across any conundrum, I took my query to the internet. I figured there must be a podcast about how to be happier. That is when I discovered Happier with Gretchen Rubin, hosted with her sister Elizabeth. From the first episode I learned valuable everyday ways, both big and small, to be happier.
The sisters provide “try this at home” tips, pose “know yourself better” questions, answer relatable listener questions, and finish off with happiness “demerits and gold stars.” I am constantly proselytizing the good word of this podcast, and pull pieces of advice for myself and friends or acquaintances whenever possible. In the years since, I have read five of Gretchen’s books, listened to every podcast episode, joined the virtual book club, and have tried and implemented many of Gretchen’s happiness strategies. And I have learned how to be happier.
In 2018 the sisters started a new annual project: a list of goals to complete by the end of the year. By the time I caught up to current episodes, 2018 was halfway over, and I figured it was too late to start. However, by August 2018 I was tired of feeling left out and decided to make my 18 for 2018 list. It included career, physical, social, and other random goals (start the Harry Potter series, go on a date, open a retirement savings account). I had so much fun creating the list and felt so accomplished when I got to mark off a task.
I have come to love the ritual of creating a list, brainstorming with friends about what should go on it in order to curate the year that I want. Life goes by so quickly, and although this is not an original thought, it feels like time speeds up every year. It is so easy for time to go by without realized that I am not spending time the way I want and not accomplishing the tasks I want.
I am well under way on my 20 for 2020 list, which once again spans across many different areas of my life. I have completed four of my 20 items – starting this blog was one of them! – I am so excited for what the year has in store and am feeling particularly proud of my most recent accomplishment!
The Wildwood Trail in Portland is 30 miles long and runs the length of Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the country. Although it is a mostly gentle trail with little elevation change, there is one section of the trail that is a significant exception. That section also provides the best views.
A couple months ago I was out for a trail run on this portion, but I had to walk a lot of it. The uphill is constant and steep, about 400 feet of elevation within about a mile of trail. While trudging up the backside of the hill, I thought “here’s a goal for your list” and thus a plan was made. By the end of 2020, I wanted to run up one side, down the backside (another 400 feet down in a mile), then turn around and come back; up-down-up-down, covering four miles, two long uphill climbs, and running, non-stop.
February 14th was my third attempt. I decided a trail run was a great way to celebrate Oregon’s birthday, especially since it was a sunny morning! When discussing my plan with a fellow runner, I was advised to drink a double shot of espresso before heading out, claiming that although it does not take away pain or improve cardio stamina, it takes away the desire to quit. I normally avoid caffeine, but decided this was worth a try.
The run was no less steep on this attempt. I felt no less exhausted. My muscles begged for a break and I have never breathed heavier. But I did it, putting one foot in front of the other on repeat. It could have been the caffeine, it could have been placebo effect, it could have been my desire to tell people I did it, or the thrill of checking an item off a to-do list, but it was probably a combination of all those factors that got me up those hills. When I run I often give myself pep-talks. As I was approaching the top of my final climb, my pep-talk went something like this “I am so proud of you! Keep going! You’re almost there!” I was so proud; proud enough to write this blog post.
I am bragging and also sneaking in some praise for Gretchen Rubin. It is hard to imagine that I would have ever done that run without a goal list, which I never would have crafted without the Happier Podcast. I am happy because I pushed myself to a limit, completed a goal, breathed fresh air, and as anyone who as seen Legally Blonde would know, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”
I will never be able to check “be happy” off a goal list, but I plan to spend every day working on happiness.