Balanced Life -- 7 Ways I Violate Some Standard Happiness Advice.

Every Wednesday is Tip Day, or List Day.

This Wednesday: 7 ways I violate some standard happiness advice.

I read a lot about happiness, and I often put into practice what I read. However, in some areas, I just can't follow the advice that I see, no matter how often I hear it, and how well-reasoned the suggestion. For instance:

1. We have a TV in our bedroom. And last week, it just got a lot bigger.

2. I used to let my older daughter watch TV while she ate breakfast, though once my younger daughter was born, I did put a stop to that.

3. I make the girls' beds in the morning instead of insisting that they do it.

4. I never ask my family questions like, "Tell me three good things that happened during your day."

5. I don't have date nights with my husband.

6. Whenever possible, I read while I eat.

7. I abandoned my gratitude journal.

Everyone's happiness project is different, and a challenge for all of us is to decide what suggestions resonate in our own lives -- and what don't resonate. I understand exactly why we're not supposed to have a TV in our bedroom, but in my circumstances, that TV is staying.

Is there any happiness advice that you've heard -- but don't act on, for some reason? Do you think you'd be happier if you followed the advice, or not?

* I read about the site Truehome in Sam Gosling's Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You. I'm intrigued, though I haven't done any of the exercises yet.

* YAY! I just this minute heard that The Happiness Project hit the New York Times bestseller list again this week.

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