By Gretchen Rubin

Happiness interview: Brené Brown.

I was very happy to hear that I'm going to be on a panel with Brené Brown at the BlogHer conference this August. She's a researcher who studies authenticity, shame, empathy, vulnerability, courage, and compassion -- all subjects that touch very much on the subject of happiness. I've heard a lot about Brené's TED talk, and I've read her book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are (a subtitle that reminds me of my personal commandment to Be Gretchen), so I'm really looking forward to meeting her in person next month.

In the meantime, I was eager to ask her for her thoughts on happiness.

Gretchen: What’s a simple activity that consistently makes you happier?
Brené: Photography.... More...