Enjoy Life! Healing with Happiness

by Lynn D. Johnson

The new field of Positive Psychology was the inspiration for this book. I wrote it because I have been giving classes and workshops on Positive Psychology. I wanted to share with students what we are learning about joy and happiness. Happiness is a new direction for shrinks. We have mostly been interested in what is wrong with people, why they get depressed, anxious, and into conflicts with people they love. We study anger and fear and try to make people better. But traditionally we have not studied hope, love, inspiration, and joy. What a shame. We want to live lives of joy and fulfillment. In fact, when we look at young children, it is clearly our natural state, a default setting to use today s computer lingo. Through research into high functioning people, we now know that people high in curiosity are much happier. And curiosity is the most natural state possible. Young children are full of curiosity, wanting to know and learn. If you want to be a happier person, all you have to do is remember that natural curiosity.

Genres: Psychology

168 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2007

Reviews

[Stephanie Schlangen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read. Some good points made and activities to try . I ended up putting it down, was kinda lost at the last 2 chapters in regards to religion and genetics.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author recommends us to have a Gratitude Diary. I like the idea. He believes it helps people become more optimistic and better connected. He suggest writing in a journal each gratitude toward friends, neighbors, coworkers, and friends at church. "When you do that, your appreciative feelings leak out!"

[Becky Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

heard his speak for a day. It was clear that he was LDS and I bought 2 of his 3 books. This was some really good positive ways to look at life, such as gifts and talents meaning different kinds of happiness.

[Joy Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Positive psychology doesn't address all psychological concerns, but it sure puts a dent in many issues brought into the therapy room. Also, this is a great book for those folks who cannot afford and/or believe in going into therapy. It would benefit people who engage in self-help materials.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written accumulation of current positive psychology theories and one good chapter, Chapter 8 on strategies.

[Brad Nowlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of positive psychology. Chock full of practical ideas on how to experience the really good life.