Choosing Happiness

From an internationally best-selling author comes this very accessible and substantial take on how to achieve happiness.

Whatever our background, culture or race, what rewards us most powerfully and consistently are the most deceptively simple abilities of all: the ability to be kind, to live enthusiastically and creatively, to appreciate and understand experiences different from our own, and to sustain a sense of inner stability and trust even in unwelcome and difficult situations. These are the abilities that, bit by bit, choice by choice, create a life of happiness.

But however “simple” these abilities may be, they are frequently elusive — even with the best intentions. We need guidance and encouragement in finding our way back to these abilities, looking at them freshly, and valuing them by learning how to live them. We are also rewarded when we understand how our thoughts and attitudes drive our emotions and behaviour, and how our values and presence (not our status) affect the world around us.

Focusing on strengths and opportunities rather than problems, Choosing Happiness shows us how to enjoy life and feel in control of it, to get along with others, and to make the most of opportunities. In short, how to live life to the full.

Stephanie Dowrick is a psychotherapist, and the author of several international bestsellers on spiritual, psychological and ethical issues.