Book Review: You Can be Happy No Matter What: Five Principles for Keeping Life in Perspective by Richard Carlson

Happiness – “It is our natural state,” says, Richard Carlson, Ph.D.  But, if so, then why are many of us far from “happy?”

Dr. Richard Carlson’s book, You Can Be Happy: Five Principles for Keeping Life in Perspective, explains exactly how to be in a state of happiness and demonstrates why we
usually are not thriving with abundant joy.

Dr. Carlson breaks the book down into two sections. Part one explains the principles behind true happiness such as thought, mood, separate realities, feelings, and the present moment. In part two of this book, he explains how to apply these principles in our relationships, stressful situations, in solving our problems, in addictions, and more. Even though I have learned that my happiness is always my choice, Richard Carlson’s book explained to me how my thoughts and consequent feelings have a huge impact on my happiness every moment.

You Can Be Happy: Five Principles for Keeping Life in Perspective by Richard Carlson is a pleasant and easy read; the material presented is very practical and solid with real-life advice. Dr. Carlson even includes a “Checklist for your Life” at the end of the book to help identify what is keeping us from truly thriving in abundant happiness.

I recommend this book to anyone who might be wondering why happiness seems to be elusive or for anyone seeking simple solutions to improve the joy in their lives.

A bit about the author, Richard Carlson, Ph.D.:

Dr. Richard Carlson is considered one of the world’s leading experts on happiness and stress reduction.

He is the author of thirty popular books including Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and was a psychotherapist and speaker. Dr. Carlson was also a great television and radio personality, appearing on The Oprah Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and The View. He died in 2006.

To learn more about Dr. Richard Carlson, visit Wikipedia on Richard Carlson. To purchase You Can Be Happy: Five Principles for Keeping Life in Perspective, visit Barnes & Noble.