As
you all know, I’m a huge Gretchen Rubin fan. I say her books have changed my
life – and while that sounds super dramatic and like I’m ready to be on an
episode of Dr. Phil, I really mean it. She’s taught me to think about happiness
and habits in a completely different way. I was reviewing old Happier podcasts
and blog posts on Gretchen Rubin’s website, because all of her Happiness and
Habits books have such great information and tips, but I find unless I review
them once in a while I forget about some really great ones.
This
was a cool thought that I remember reading about in The Happiness Project, and
then was intrigued by it again in a Happier podcast last fall. Gretchen talks about Buddhism’s 8 AuspiciousSymbols: Parasol, Golden Fish, Treasure Vase, Lotus, Conch Shell, Endless Knot,
Victory Banner, and the Wheel of Dharma.
Gretchen
challenges readers and listeners to figure out their 8 Auspicious symbols, and
it’s kind of a fun exercise- like figuring out your 'logo'. A bit more difficult that I thought it would be. I listed mine below…what are yours?
My mother bought this giant sunflower for me in Lawrence when I was in college.
Sunflower – Kansas connection; positivity; idea of facing the sun;
Turtle- A favorite animal; always stop to pick them up off roads; wisdom, diligence, patience;
These lucky turtles have always sat at my desk.
Notebook – Journalism degree; writer; always taking notes
Pineapple- I love visiting tropical locations; pineapples traditionally symbolize happiness and welcome; Summer symbol; (I love Pina Coladas, too!)

Pumpkin- October birthday; favorite season/holiday; love of fall harvest;
Ruby Red Slippers – Kansas connection; one of my favorite movies; the idea of ‘No Place Like Home’ (I’m a big homebody!)
Champagne bottle- My family always says ‘every day is the Fourth of July with Sasha’ meaning I like to celebrate and do things up big. And, it's true, I love Champagne, but more symbolically l love to celebrate – especially the little things in life!
Wheat – My Kansas roots; grew up in a farm family; Kansas Jayhawk that loves to ‘wave the wheat’
My mother bought this giant sunflower for me in Lawrence when I was in college.
Sunflower – Kansas connection; positivity; idea of facing the sun;
Turtle- A favorite animal; always stop to pick them up off roads; wisdom, diligence, patience;
These lucky turtles have always sat at my desk.
Notebook – Journalism degree; writer; always taking notes
Pineapple- I love visiting tropical locations; pineapples traditionally symbolize happiness and welcome; Summer symbol; (I love Pina Coladas, too!)
Pumpkin- October birthday; favorite season/holiday; love of fall harvest;
Ruby Red Slippers – Kansas connection; one of my favorite movies; the idea of ‘No Place Like Home’ (I’m a big homebody!)
Champagne bottle- My family always says ‘every day is the Fourth of July with Sasha’ meaning I like to celebrate and do things up big. And, it's true, I love Champagne, but more symbolically l love to celebrate – especially the little things in life!
Found this huge, vintage bottle of Moet in the West Bottoms of KC with my friend, Sara.
I knew I had to have it! Unfortunately, it was empty.
Wheat – My Kansas roots; grew up in a farm family; Kansas Jayhawk that loves to ‘wave the wheat’