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The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change without Losing Your Joy
"Karen Walrond shines her light so we can find our own." --Brené Brown Many of us have strong convictions. We want to advocate for causes we care about--but which ones? We want to work for change--but will the emotional toll lead to burn out? Leadership coach, lawyer, photographer, and activist Karen Walrond knows that when you care deeply about the world, light can seem hard to find. But when your activism grows out of your joy--and vice versa--you begin to see light everywhere. In The Lightmaker's Manifesto , Walrond helps us name the skills, values, and actions that bring us joy; identify the causes that spark our empathy and concern; and then put it all together to change the world. Creative and practical exercises, including journaling, daily intention-setting, and mindful self-compassion, are complemented by lively conversations with activists and thought leaders such as Valarie Kaur, Brené Brown, Tarana Burke, and Zuri Adele. With stories from around the world and wisdom from those leading movements for change, Walrond beckons readers toward lives of integrity, advocacy, conviction, and joy. By unearthing our passions and gifts, we learn how to joyfully advocate for justice, peace, and liberation. We learn how to become makers of light.
234 pages, Hardcover
Published November 2, 2021
268 people are currently reading
4843 people want to read
About the author
Karen Walrond
7 books188 followersKaren Walrond is the author of Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy & Raise a Little Hell, an investigation in how we can resist ageism and live a light-filled life along the way. She is also the author of The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy, which beckons readers towards lives of integrity, advocacy, conviction and joy. A leadership coach, activist and attorney, Walrond's writing and coaching have helped thousands of people around the world find meaning and purpose in their lives. By exploring the ways in which our assumptions might be made on false premises, Walrond shows us how we can tap into the lessons of past successes to create futures full of light.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
September 28, 2021
An invigorating and positive read on how to become a force for good. Includes worksheets and lovely inspiring stories. Karen has been my friend for half of my life and she's just as amazing and supportive in these pages as she is in real life.
September 7, 2021
I was only a few pages into Karen Walrond's "The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy" when I began to realize that my reading posture had changed.
There are books that you read as a casual extra to a busy day.
There are books that help you fall to sleep. There are books with which you unwind after a busy day or a stressful week. There are books that engage. There are books that entertain. There are books that inspire. There are books that challenge.
Then, there are those rare literary experiences where you find your entire being shifting as you read. These are the books where we put away our distractions and give ourselves to the author's world in a way that demands the full presence of heart, mind, body, and soul.
These are the books that take our soul and rattle it around in all the best ways.
Okay, maybe not ALL the best ways. Sometimes, there's a little uncomfortable squirming in there.
These are the books that change our lives in both tangible and intangible ways.
Oh, and of course, I'm building to the simple fact that Walrond's "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is, at least for me, such a soul-shifting, soul-rattling, squirm-inducing, light-manifesting literary beacon of sorts.
I was only a few pages into "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" when I realized I'd set aside my distractions and contorted my body into some weird shape that immersed me in Walrond's inspirational meets perspirational universe.
After all, we're not really "inspired" unless we're called to action. "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is a call to action.
I should explain a little bit about my own universe. It may very well help explain why "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" speaks to me with the vibrancy of a church organ as if I were sitting right next to it.
I'm a paraplegic/double amputee with spina bifida who's managed to survive 50+ years past my life expectancy. I'm also a longtime activist whose primary method of activism, affectionately known as "The Tenderness Tour," ended in late 2019 after 30 years not because I felt done with it and not because I'd somehow ended violence in the lives of children but because the physical strain of having wheeled over 6,000 miles by wheelchair had finally become physically too demanding to continue in a way I could convince myself was healthy.
I'd always promised I'd quit if it became abusive to me. I'd reached that point.
While I'm far from done as an activist, the truth is my soul has been restless as there was nothing quite like my Tenderness Tour and I've struggled to adapt to life without it.
"What's next?" is what I keep asking myself.
I've struggled to answer the question.
Into this scenario arrives "The Lightmaker's Manifesto," a work by Walrond - a leadership coach, lawyer, photographer, and activist - that serves as a reminder that joy is an essential part of activism. They are quilted together like a finely woven tapestry. It is arguable, I suppose, that my "burn-out" wasn't so much emotional as physical. However, it was no less profound. This burn-out wasn't so much the fault of anyone or anything including myself. It was the result of 30 years of a wondrous journey that most would say transcended what should have been my physical abilities.
In fact, it was this physical journey that took me from someone living on disability and turned me into an independent living college graduate in the workforce and living in a home I own and doing a myriad of things most would have considered impossible.
Simple things. Meaningful things.
How do I find that light again now that my body has changed and demanded self-care?
"The Lightmaker's Manifesto" has helped illuminate this activist's heart moving forward.
Instead of merely reading "The Lightmaker's Manifesto," I found that I began dialoguing with it. I found that I was stopping, taking notes, writing down ideas, and even following exercises that technically didn't come until book's end but that I was fully absorbing even as Walrond's storytelling continued.
"The Lightmaker's Manifesto" became an experiential book for me as almost immediately I found myself putting these ideas into actions and began reimagining what my activism could look like in a way that is both meaningful and filled with the joy I experienced traveling the roads by wheelchair and meeting people 1:1.
I began to tangibly realize the skills, actions, and values that bring me joy and to get back in touch with the causes that pique my curiosity. I embraced the words of Walrond's fellow activists including several whose works I've read including, most recently, Valarie Kaur.
I began to realize that many of the ingredients that led to my years of activism - integrity, joy, relationship, and interdependence - could be successfully reimagined and nurtured toward new manifestations of my passions and curiosities.
Oh, and that was really the thing here. Instead of withdrawing into my grief and resignation, I began to feel that curiosity rising again.
I stopped feeling sorry for myself without translating that into an absence of self-care. I accepted, I suppose, that this end was necessary physically but it wasn't the end of my activism - simply the end, perhaps, of one expression of it.
Oh my.
"The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is a weaving together of Walrond's personal and professional experiences along with the relationships and star circles she's grown along the way. It's a call to action not for the sake of action but for the sake of humanity and joy.
"The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is, for me, a lighted path toward more meaningful activism and toward a personal joy that allows activism to be sustained. It's a manifesto of light that calls us not just into being activists but also into being advocates for ourselves and our fellow activists.
Perhaps, more than anything, "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is for me a reminder that showing up with joy is in itself activism and that some of our greatest activists, Audre Lord being a tremendous example, are our most vulnerable and transparent activists.
For me, "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is a celebration of the tapestry of activism and its many diverse expressions. It's a reminder that, for me, even as my physical being changes my activism can be expressed in a myriad of ways when I do what brings me joy and explore the gifts, skills, beliefs, and relationships that have long guided my activism.
Quite simply, "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is my not so gentle reminder that it's time to get back to work.
There are books that you read as a casual extra to a busy day.
There are books that help you fall to sleep. There are books with which you unwind after a busy day or a stressful week. There are books that engage. There are books that entertain. There are books that inspire. There are books that challenge.
Then, there are those rare literary experiences where you find your entire being shifting as you read. These are the books where we put away our distractions and give ourselves to the author's world in a way that demands the full presence of heart, mind, body, and soul.
These are the books that take our soul and rattle it around in all the best ways.
Okay, maybe not ALL the best ways. Sometimes, there's a little uncomfortable squirming in there.
These are the books that change our lives in both tangible and intangible ways.
Oh, and of course, I'm building to the simple fact that Walrond's "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is, at least for me, such a soul-shifting, soul-rattling, squirm-inducing, light-manifesting literary beacon of sorts.
I was only a few pages into "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" when I realized I'd set aside my distractions and contorted my body into some weird shape that immersed me in Walrond's inspirational meets perspirational universe.
After all, we're not really "inspired" unless we're called to action. "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is a call to action.
I should explain a little bit about my own universe. It may very well help explain why "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" speaks to me with the vibrancy of a church organ as if I were sitting right next to it.
I'm a paraplegic/double amputee with spina bifida who's managed to survive 50+ years past my life expectancy. I'm also a longtime activist whose primary method of activism, affectionately known as "The Tenderness Tour," ended in late 2019 after 30 years not because I felt done with it and not because I'd somehow ended violence in the lives of children but because the physical strain of having wheeled over 6,000 miles by wheelchair had finally become physically too demanding to continue in a way I could convince myself was healthy.
I'd always promised I'd quit if it became abusive to me. I'd reached that point.
While I'm far from done as an activist, the truth is my soul has been restless as there was nothing quite like my Tenderness Tour and I've struggled to adapt to life without it.
"What's next?" is what I keep asking myself.
I've struggled to answer the question.
Into this scenario arrives "The Lightmaker's Manifesto," a work by Walrond - a leadership coach, lawyer, photographer, and activist - that serves as a reminder that joy is an essential part of activism. They are quilted together like a finely woven tapestry. It is arguable, I suppose, that my "burn-out" wasn't so much emotional as physical. However, it was no less profound. This burn-out wasn't so much the fault of anyone or anything including myself. It was the result of 30 years of a wondrous journey that most would say transcended what should have been my physical abilities.
In fact, it was this physical journey that took me from someone living on disability and turned me into an independent living college graduate in the workforce and living in a home I own and doing a myriad of things most would have considered impossible.
Simple things. Meaningful things.
How do I find that light again now that my body has changed and demanded self-care?
"The Lightmaker's Manifesto" has helped illuminate this activist's heart moving forward.
Instead of merely reading "The Lightmaker's Manifesto," I found that I began dialoguing with it. I found that I was stopping, taking notes, writing down ideas, and even following exercises that technically didn't come until book's end but that I was fully absorbing even as Walrond's storytelling continued.
"The Lightmaker's Manifesto" became an experiential book for me as almost immediately I found myself putting these ideas into actions and began reimagining what my activism could look like in a way that is both meaningful and filled with the joy I experienced traveling the roads by wheelchair and meeting people 1:1.
I began to tangibly realize the skills, actions, and values that bring me joy and to get back in touch with the causes that pique my curiosity. I embraced the words of Walrond's fellow activists including several whose works I've read including, most recently, Valarie Kaur.
I began to realize that many of the ingredients that led to my years of activism - integrity, joy, relationship, and interdependence - could be successfully reimagined and nurtured toward new manifestations of my passions and curiosities.
Oh, and that was really the thing here. Instead of withdrawing into my grief and resignation, I began to feel that curiosity rising again.
I stopped feeling sorry for myself without translating that into an absence of self-care. I accepted, I suppose, that this end was necessary physically but it wasn't the end of my activism - simply the end, perhaps, of one expression of it.
Oh my.
"The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is a weaving together of Walrond's personal and professional experiences along with the relationships and star circles she's grown along the way. It's a call to action not for the sake of action but for the sake of humanity and joy.
"The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is, for me, a lighted path toward more meaningful activism and toward a personal joy that allows activism to be sustained. It's a manifesto of light that calls us not just into being activists but also into being advocates for ourselves and our fellow activists.
Perhaps, more than anything, "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is for me a reminder that showing up with joy is in itself activism and that some of our greatest activists, Audre Lord being a tremendous example, are our most vulnerable and transparent activists.
For me, "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is a celebration of the tapestry of activism and its many diverse expressions. It's a reminder that, for me, even as my physical being changes my activism can be expressed in a myriad of ways when I do what brings me joy and explore the gifts, skills, beliefs, and relationships that have long guided my activism.
Quite simply, "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" is my not so gentle reminder that it's time to get back to work.
February 8, 2022
I really like the premise of this book, which is similar to the premise of adrienne maree brown’s Pleasure Activism. But if the two, I find amb’s text much more inspiring and nuanced. I do appreciate the concrete activities at the back of the book but found the stories to be a who’s who. The name dropping was really tiring to me. Amb has tons of connections too, which is why her text is an anthology. She calls in those voices to write on the topic. Reading the dialogued conversations between Walrond and her friends felt tedious.
February 18, 2022
An important read for humans, let alone activists, about the relationship between joy and activism, between truth and caring, between light and that which it emanates from. Highly recommend. Karen has always been a voice of truthful light through her writing and photography (light writing). So glad to see this gift in the form of a book.
October 24, 2021
This book shines a light that is desperately needed in a time when persistent crises threaten our hope and joy. Karen Walrond illuminates through stories (both her own and those of other well-known activists such as Tarana Burke, Valarie Kaur, and Brené Brown) the necessity of holding onto joy while working for change. The Lightmaker’s Manifesto provides thoughtful and practical exercises on listening for the whispers that motivate and inspire us, finding our light words, and creating a spark statement to guide our actions, keeping our light shining and avoid burning out.
After reading it, I am newly inspired to continue the work I feel called to do, motivated by self-awareness of my values and mission, and energized by practices that will keep me seeking light and joy along the way.
After reading it, I am newly inspired to continue the work I feel called to do, motivated by self-awareness of my values and mission, and energized by practices that will keep me seeking light and joy along the way.
February 14, 2022
Decent content but as a reader of the author's blog and a listener of her podcast (Make Light) the material and stories were recycled and therefore dragged on. Additionally, the majority of the examples of people in the book are people you have definitely heard of and know about which made the book feel a bit name-droppy, and slightly less accessible.
I think this book would work better as a stand alone workbook/journal with prompts without all the scattered stories. There is good material in there for anyone interested in activism but it does get a bit lost.
I think this book would work better as a stand alone workbook/journal with prompts without all the scattered stories. There is good material in there for anyone interested in activism but it does get a bit lost.
May 4, 2023
This book is really good for those who want to build a solid foundation for their activism. It reminds us to take care of ourselves personally so we can be better enighbours and friends, to make the actions we do the joy instead of the end result, and to bring people close. It also reminds us that small steps rather than large ones are how we get anywhere. The book needs the manual at the end to synthesize the discussion throughout, so I was a little lost with the audiobook.
February 8, 2022
I really, really wanted to like this book, but something sat wrong for me. I even feel bad writing this because the author (and many of the people being mentioned in the book) seem to be great people.
The reason why I could not connect was that most people in here are artists in one way or the other. There is nothing wrong with it but it made it very unrelatable for me.
The other thing is that the people in here are so successful. One of the author‘s friends is Brene Brown. I would have loved to read about more middle of the road people in here.
If you want something inspirational, this could be in your venue.
The reason why I could not connect was that most people in here are artists in one way or the other. There is nothing wrong with it but it made it very unrelatable for me.
The other thing is that the people in here are so successful. One of the author‘s friends is Brene Brown. I would have loved to read about more middle of the road people in here.
If you want something inspirational, this could be in your venue.
January 10, 2022
2.5 ⭐️ When I initially started this book, I found it thought-provoking and inspiring in a lot of ways, making me think about what’s important to me and how I can be an advocate/activist. However, it very quickly became repetitive and even boring at times. The chapters seemed all over the place, but the author eventually got back to her point. There is some important information to hang onto here, but despite the shorter length of the book, it could’ve been even shorter. I did find value in this book, mainly in the first half.
September 11, 2022
I think this book could be really good for folks who would otherwise never read anything that challenged the way they look at work and life and the effects of colonization and capitalism. Feels very much like a continuation of Brene Brown. What I’m finding is that I would be better off reading the works of Lorde and hooks and Freire and those who are willing to critique these systems and find healing from those systems. Idk. Again. I just loved Radical Healership and I think that’s what I needed during this chapter of my life.
November 25, 2021
This was much better than I expected it to be. In part, because it talks about things I already do—daily journaling, tracking certain activities—and explains why their helpful. It was also a helpful reminder to keep my focus on my activities and process, rather than get bogged down in how much there is to do.
December 23, 2021
I don’t think I would have liked this book as much if I hadn’t listened to her two-part interview with Brene Brown where you really hear her voice and passion for the book. However the prompts/ideas/questions are really motivating and I think will be incredibly useful.
March 9, 2022
I've been following Karen Walrond's work, in particular her blog Chookooloonks, for years now. I tend to see the darker side of things and her work as a Lightmaker has already had a positive impact on me. This book is a wonderful resource for those of us wanting to make "good trouble" and while we understand the importance of also cultivating and experiencing joy, we may not be so good at it. This book is good as a single read, and the inclusion of the "Lightmaker's Manual" at the back of the book makes it a resource I will return to, again and again.
December 22, 2023
Look, this is literally my own fault. I thought this was about now you can bring more light and joy into your personal life.
I didn’t realize it’s about activism and that’s on me.
So why 3 stars? Because I didn’t connect to Karen’s anecdotes or methodology as I’m not a journaling person.
I might attempt to do parts of the manifesto but ultimately I don’t believe I’ll be keeping this book and will probably be unhauling jt.
*Side note, Karen has a lovely voice if you choose to do the audiobook
I didn’t realize it’s about activism and that’s on me.
So why 3 stars? Because I didn’t connect to Karen’s anecdotes or methodology as I’m not a journaling person.
I might attempt to do parts of the manifesto but ultimately I don’t believe I’ll be keeping this book and will probably be unhauling jt.
*Side note, Karen has a lovely voice if you choose to do the audiobook
January 7, 2026
I listened to this on audiobook. There is so much valuable wisdom here, but a lot of it felt cliche and repetitive. I also felt like the book was kind of disorganized.
Some of the pieces of wisdom are to do morning pages (before you turn on computer/phone), use your journal like a scratch pad, use mind maps, create a spark statement, highlight the good and center joy.
Some of the pieces of wisdom are to do morning pages (before you turn on computer/phone), use your journal like a scratch pad, use mind maps, create a spark statement, highlight the good and center joy.
October 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this and it gave me lots of additional/supportive resources. You should check it out!
July 17, 2022
I simply loved this.
October 12, 2021
This book is a joyful spark to action.
I'll be honest with you: These days I hesitate to call myself an activist.
I generally despise labels and constraints, plus there has been so much anger and suffering lately — add a pinch of self-imposed guilt for not doing “enough” (is it ever enough?) and I wasn’t sure I was the right reader for this book. Boy, was I wrong.
Karen and the unexpected activists she shares with us in the pages of The Lightmaker’s Manifesto have a way of gently shaking those doubts out of you and reminding you that you deserve to get to know yourself — it is the best way to know what you are capable of and that action without joy is exhausting.
You don’t have to call yourself anything. You can just act. But how?
Even if you don’t know what lights you up this book will teach you how to discover what those things are for yourself. Yes, it’s not just one thing!
The guidance in getting to know yourself alone is worth the price of the book.
The framework for this work is around joyful activism, but what this book is really about is discovering your soul’s purpose and putting it into action.
What is activism if not doing what lights you up so that your light may light the way for others?
The Lightmaker’s Manifesto is exactly as long as it needs to be and not a word longer. Karen is an engineer by training and she balances the soulful and the practical masterfully — the last third of the book is a simple and direct guide to exploring the deep mysteries inside of you.
The time you spend with the people in this book will inspire you to lead profound change — whether internally and/or externally is up to you.
I'll be honest with you: These days I hesitate to call myself an activist.
I generally despise labels and constraints, plus there has been so much anger and suffering lately — add a pinch of self-imposed guilt for not doing “enough” (is it ever enough?) and I wasn’t sure I was the right reader for this book. Boy, was I wrong.
Karen and the unexpected activists she shares with us in the pages of The Lightmaker’s Manifesto have a way of gently shaking those doubts out of you and reminding you that you deserve to get to know yourself — it is the best way to know what you are capable of and that action without joy is exhausting.
You don’t have to call yourself anything. You can just act. But how?
Even if you don’t know what lights you up this book will teach you how to discover what those things are for yourself. Yes, it’s not just one thing!
The guidance in getting to know yourself alone is worth the price of the book.
The framework for this work is around joyful activism, but what this book is really about is discovering your soul’s purpose and putting it into action.
What is activism if not doing what lights you up so that your light may light the way for others?
The Lightmaker’s Manifesto is exactly as long as it needs to be and not a word longer. Karen is an engineer by training and she balances the soulful and the practical masterfully — the last third of the book is a simple and direct guide to exploring the deep mysteries inside of you.
The time you spend with the people in this book will inspire you to lead profound change — whether internally and/or externally is up to you.
November 2, 2021
The Lightmaker's Manifesto isn't a self-help book, it is a finding-your-passion book. It is, and isn't, an easy read. Its a book that requires two, TWO, bookmarks. One for the chapters and another for the exercises in the back of the book. It is a book that could change your life for the better, if you let it.
Karen Walrond's book, The Lightmaker's Manifesto is a compelling story of a woman trying to find her way to claiming the title activist. She shares parts of her journey with the reality of their curves and lifts up the profound meaning those curves have given her. Her writing style allows her journey to walk with you through the book. The writing shows the positive psychology she talks about. You can tell she tries to practice what she is writing. The exercises are simple but lead to real depth. I read this book at a time in my life when big changes were causing me to lose some of my sense of light. We are so often tossed by the changes and chances of this world like leaves in a breeze, but remembering our passions, our motivations, our light, allows us to enjoy the ride. I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling listless or confused about the ways they are acting in public or feeling overwhelmed by the immensity of issues facing our global village. While many of us believe that we can make a difference, no matter how small, we still get caught up in choosing one cause, not getting overwhelmed, or simply not knowing how to make the most of our time. This book helps you focus on your cause, your passion, your light, so that you can make a difference and enjoy the journey.
This book will help you find the motivation to change the world.
Karen Walrond's book, The Lightmaker's Manifesto is a compelling story of a woman trying to find her way to claiming the title activist. She shares parts of her journey with the reality of their curves and lifts up the profound meaning those curves have given her. Her writing style allows her journey to walk with you through the book. The writing shows the positive psychology she talks about. You can tell she tries to practice what she is writing. The exercises are simple but lead to real depth. I read this book at a time in my life when big changes were causing me to lose some of my sense of light. We are so often tossed by the changes and chances of this world like leaves in a breeze, but remembering our passions, our motivations, our light, allows us to enjoy the ride. I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling listless or confused about the ways they are acting in public or feeling overwhelmed by the immensity of issues facing our global village. While many of us believe that we can make a difference, no matter how small, we still get caught up in choosing one cause, not getting overwhelmed, or simply not knowing how to make the most of our time. This book helps you focus on your cause, your passion, your light, so that you can make a difference and enjoy the journey.
This book will help you find the motivation to change the world.
September 26, 2021
2020 and 2021 have been tough years by all accounts. There's so much going on in the world and it's easy to feel frozen to inaction by all of it. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or dejected or even numb to all of it.
And yet.
Karen Walrond's book is a light that shines your way to joy and possibility. Walrond is a coach, lawyer, photographer, and activist. She's also a wonderful storyteller. Regardless of where you are in your journey to activism, there's something in this book for you. There are inspiring stories, motivational examples, clear action and next steps and a full workbook for you to design your own personal journey.
There are varied examples of people taking action and practicing activism in a wide range of ways. Yet what they have in common is that they understand what deeply motivates them to do the work that they show up for. They know how to take breaks and they know how to add joy into their day to day so they can keep showing up and make this world a better place for all of us.
This is one of the most inspiring books I've read all year.
I've taken online classes by Walrond before and some of the exercises in the book are ones I've done in the past and yet I can't wait to sit and do them all over again. I feel motivated, hopeful and joyful all at once and I cannot recommend this book enough.
with gratitude to Broadleaf Books and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
And yet.
Karen Walrond's book is a light that shines your way to joy and possibility. Walrond is a coach, lawyer, photographer, and activist. She's also a wonderful storyteller. Regardless of where you are in your journey to activism, there's something in this book for you. There are inspiring stories, motivational examples, clear action and next steps and a full workbook for you to design your own personal journey.
There are varied examples of people taking action and practicing activism in a wide range of ways. Yet what they have in common is that they understand what deeply motivates them to do the work that they show up for. They know how to take breaks and they know how to add joy into their day to day so they can keep showing up and make this world a better place for all of us.
This is one of the most inspiring books I've read all year.
I've taken online classes by Walrond before and some of the exercises in the book are ones I've done in the past and yet I can't wait to sit and do them all over again. I feel motivated, hopeful and joyful all at once and I cannot recommend this book enough.
with gratitude to Broadleaf Books and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2021
Wonderful book. I have been familiar with Karen Walrond's work for awhile now as I took one of her journaling courses many years ago. The passion for what she does was evident in the course and now shines through in this book.
With all the upheaval in the world lately it has been difficult to find inspiration, this book provided encouragement not to give up. My personal take away from the book is that even though sometimes the change I am part of may be slow going, as long as there is joy in what I am doing it is worth it. Another bonus in this book are the exercises. I have always enjoyed Karen's journaling exercises and the exercises in this book did not disappoint.
Well worth the read and the self reflection.
With all the upheaval in the world lately it has been difficult to find inspiration, this book provided encouragement not to give up. My personal take away from the book is that even though sometimes the change I am part of may be slow going, as long as there is joy in what I am doing it is worth it. Another bonus in this book are the exercises. I have always enjoyed Karen's journaling exercises and the exercises in this book did not disappoint.
Well worth the read and the self reflection.
June 8, 2025
I loved this book so much!! I had high hopes going into it & it definitely lived up to my expectations. My supervisor recommended it to me based on conversations we had been having about the current state of the world & how we’re suppose to do what we do while maintaining our happiness & joy for the little things in life. This book was an easy read with some good messages throughout. I also was a HUGE fan of all the actionable tools mentioned throughout & then reiterated clearly in the toolkit at the end. I’m looking forward to working through some of the journal prompts & would highly recommend this read!
April 8, 2022
Wonderfully practical.
We all want to make the world a better place. This book expertly argues how to best do that in a sustainable and impactful way by not forgetting to take care of yourself along the way. Filled with plenty of great examples from Karen's own life and networks, worksheets and exercises to make it happen, providing just the right level of comfort (leaning on ideas you will already likely know and agree with) and discomfort (challenging you on ideas you may never have come across or on ones you may disagree with when you start reading).
We all want to make the world a better place. This book expertly argues how to best do that in a sustainable and impactful way by not forgetting to take care of yourself along the way. Filled with plenty of great examples from Karen's own life and networks, worksheets and exercises to make it happen, providing just the right level of comfort (leaning on ideas you will already likely know and agree with) and discomfort (challenging you on ideas you may never have come across or on ones you may disagree with when you start reading).
July 11, 2022
So inspiring! I love the way Karen explains the why and how in practical and meaningful ways. It can be so hard to find joy and hope when there are so many major issues around you. She maps out a path to figure out how to identify your values and mapping those to where you can become a change agent. She gives examples from her own journey and interviews several inspirational people who share their experiences and perspectives. I listened to the audiobook so have not sat down do the exercises on my own yet but plan to sometime soon.
July 31, 2022
I heard Walrond on a Brene Brown podcast and loved her. I read this book at a time that I really needed it. I ended up having to buy it bc my library copy had so many post it notes. Sometimes it suffers from a position of privilege ("I wasn't sure what I wanted to do so I quit my job and journaled!") but most of the time I felt encouraged and enlightened. Definitely one to re read often.
September 3, 2023
Only thing about the book I disliked was how tedious it was, but she fills it with a lot of practical advice from a lot of accomplished people who are experts at living life with purpose and joy. Ends with a step by step guide on how to be a light maker. It can probably be applicable to a lot of your goals too. A lot of beautiful things said by a lot of people I’ve admired a long time.
March 23, 2022
I so enjoyed this but was not in a good mental frame for the activities. I’m looking forward to a deep dive into creating my own manifesto—maybe some summer work.
September 17, 2022
This doesn't seem like the type of book I would read however, if you know me then you know that I try to live a life that helps others. This book helps those who want to find their purpose, who want to help others. Is it for everyone? No, but no book is for everyone, no matter what they say.
December 13, 2022
Good read that challenges self assessment and provides numerous examples of how to choose joy in virtually every situation. Easier said than done, but I appreciated Karen's perspective and advice.
September 11, 2024
This is an uplifting read for anyone who wants to make the world a better place. I highly recommend it, and hope to read it again one day.
I was reminded of Brene Brown's writings as I was reading.
I was reminded of Brene Brown's writings as I was reading.
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