Oh Happy Day!

This new book by Stephanie Harrison is billed as "the definitive guide to happiness." The author draws on extensive research and her work in positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania to offer a guide to finding happiness in various aspects of life.  

The older I get, the more drawn I am to this topic:

1. What makes us truly happy?
2. How does that change over time and with age?
3. What have we taught our kids about the pursuit of happiness?
4. How does that impact their school, work, and relationships with others -- including their siblings with special needs?

All these questions build off true self-awareness, so understanding who we are and what matters to us is key to figuring out what makes us happy. Same for our kids, including those with disabilities:

My favorite part of New Happy are the last two sections about uncovering your gifts and serving the world, which feel like timely topics given the current state of things.  As the author reminds us in her final chapter (World, We're Waiting for You), this work is vital to as individuals, to our families, and to the communities in which we live.

This is the kind of work I undertake with with my private coaching clients, and the results are really powerful. So are the many thought-provoking visuals this book contains. Here are a few that I love:

As one of my favorite authors, Dr. Edith Eger, writes: "Stephanie Harrison has given the word 'happiness' what it has been in dire need of -- a redefinition.  She has made happiness a worthwhile goal, one based in powerful choices that lead you to a life of purpose and self-love...and ultimately -- the new happy."

Happy reading!