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Choosing Happiness: Life and Soul Essentials Paperback – January 10, 2008

by Stephanie Dowrick (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 57 ratings
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The message of this book is very simple: Right now, you can be happier!

Whatever your age or outlook, Choosing Happiness shows that real change can happen: in how you see yourself - and how you perceive and relate to other people. The most practical of Dr Stephanie Dowrick's bestsellers, this wide-ranging, deeply personal book offers succinct, compassionate guidance. It also shows clearly that while you can't always choose what happens in your life, you can choose your responses, values and behaviors. The results are literally life changing and unconditionally empowering.

Choosing Happiness offers skills and insights across all areas of life from your most intimate relationships to parenting, your friendships, work and community. It also looks at the big questions that let you value your life and your own existence in profoundly stabilizing ways. This book is like the wise, kind friend you can return to again and again - making choices that will lift your spirits, and those of everyone around you.
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  1. Print length
    512 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    TarcherPerigee
  4. Publication date
    January 10, 2008
  5. Dimensions
    5.98 x 1.32 x 8.97 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1585425826
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1585425822
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the latest from inspirational author Dowrick (Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love), she explores the seven "essentials" that can provide contentment in a world that values material success over internal fulfillment. The problem, Dowrick writes, is that people have lost track of what is genuinely rewarding: "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." Each chapter includes a series of mental exercises, self-examinations and meditations to explore and illuminate, in manageable steps, seven broad life skills which can seem overwhelming: "Trust who you are"; "Let your values and goals work for you"; "Choose your attitudes and responses; "Build self-respect"; "Consider others"; "Honor the people you love"; and "Think and act positively." Collaborator Greer interjects a series of questions based in concrete problems-balancing family and work, coping with guilt, forgiving oneself and others-that keep the proceedings grounded. Part self-affirmation series, part cognitive psychology and part meditation on the power of generosity, this is a thoughtful and sincere guide for those seeking to find happiness within.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"Stephanie Dowrick makes the hard questions simple. She makes the impossible real and possible. Her wisdom is contagious. If anyone can cause a happiness revolution, she can." Paul Wilson, author of Little Book of Calm and The Quiet

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ TarcherPerigee (January 10, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 512 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1585425826
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1585425822
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.21 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.98 x 1.32 x 8.97 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 57 ratings

About the author

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Stephanie Dowrick

Stephanie Dowrick

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Stephanie Dowrick, PhD, is the author of a number of deeply thoughtful, accessible and genuinely life-changing books. They include Choosing Happiness:Life and Soul Essentials, Everyday Kindness, Intimacy and Solitude, Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love and Seeking the Sacred, described by critic Claire Scobie as a "chalice of wisdom". She is also a leading Rilke scholar and her book on reading Rainer Maria Rilke (and understanding reading and spiritual seeking more generally), In the Company of Rilke, has been highly praised by critics and welcomed by a wide range of readers.

Stephanie Dowrick has been writing for more than two decades and prior to that worked in publishing for some years, including her time as founder and first Managing Director of the prestigious independent London publishers, The Women's Press.

Born in New Zealand, and having lived in a number of countries including the UK and Germany, she has lived in Australia since 1983 and regards herself as a global citizen. This makes her ideally placed to consider some of the most urgent social and personal issues facing us at this time.

Stephanie Dowrick blogs regularly, keeps an active public Facebook page, teaches widely on a variety of ethical and psychological issues, leads spiritual and writing retreats, and also leads a large spiritually inclusive community. Her web address is http://www.stephaniedowrick.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
57 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book full of wisdom and insightful messages. They describe it as a modern self-help bible with a classy style. The book is described as wonderful and written by a wonderful writer.

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WisdomStyle
10 customers mention "Wisdom"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and helpful. They describe it as a modern self-help bible with concise, persuasive writing. The book helps them calm inner chatter and develop an awareness of their deeper self. It is described as a positive and affirming resource that is great to read daily.

"...is about ways to "calm your inner chatter and develop your awareness of your deeper self." The chapters of the book include:..." Read more

"...Quick, easy-to-read pointers on how to live a happier and more productive life, combined with personal examples...." Read more

"...It is one of those books you can turn to any page and it will be helpful and full of wisdom." Read more

"...She has an ability to write short, persuasive sentences. Though I regard myself as a positive psychologist, this is too much for me...." Read more

5 customers mention "Style"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's style. They find the ribbon bookmark classy and praise the author as wonderful.

"This is a very good book. Love it. Told my friend about it and she bought it too. Very easy to read and very very practical and helpful...." Read more

"This is the first of her books that I have read and I think she is a wonderful writer. We are going to use this book as a moring study at my church...." Read more

"...Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love, in particular, is a beautiful, gentle book, full of wisdom delivered in the most empathic way...." Read more

"Wonderful piece of work..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • LGraham
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful resource to read daily!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is my one book that I always seem to go to when I need some happy thoughts!

    About two years ago I started to deal with depression and anxiety, and I started reading more books on self-help and positivity. I got this book at the library, and I loved it so much that I purchased my own copy. It's now my go-to book when I'm seeking ways to think and be more positive. There are just so many insightful messages that I would have never thought of if I hadn't read Stephanie Dowrick's book!

    Just last night, I was feeling low about myself for letting negative and self-destructive thoughts consume my mind, so I picked up this book, and started reading the section on choosing your attitudes and responses. For instance, Stephanie writes " Set your inner compass - Take a few moments in your day to remind yourself that you still have crucial choices about how your day will unfold. Consider your strengths, what values you may want to call on... Remind yourself that you can meet the day with confidence... You have the freedom to choose your response and reset your compass." Another beautiful message is about ways to "calm your inner chatter and develop your awareness of your deeper self."

    The chapters of the book include:
    1. Trust who you are
    2. Let your values and goals work for you
    3. Choose your attitudes and responses
    4. Build self-respect
    5. Consider others
    6. Honor the people you love
    7. Think and act positively

    I can't say enough about this book! If only I could read the entire book each day to remind myself of all the beautiful ways I can change my thoughts and become a happier person!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Sandra J. Darnell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful piece of work
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I love the format, the physical construction, and the timeless wisdom. Has the look and feel of a modern self-help bible, without unnecessary distractions. Quick, easy-to-read pointers on how to live a happier and more productive life, combined with personal examples. I bought five new copies at an unbelievably low price from an Amazon seller, and gave them away to friends and local libraries. I read books like other people eat boxed chocolate, a bit here, a bit there, and can't resist moving onto the next new thing. This book, however, is one I keep coming back to. Any page I turn to yields helpful insights, reminders, and keeps me focused on where I want to go.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Cassie Webb
    4.0 out of 5 stars Full of useful information for new readers in self-help
    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2019
    This book is full of positive thoughts, suggestions on improving your thinking, and ways to enhance your life. It is a lot to take in as one book. I listened to the full audio and it seemed too long and drawn out. There were points I just wanted to fall asleep or stop reading. I think that this is a book that may read better in print, or on kindle where you can pick and choose what you focus, skip, or meditate on. Not a book that I would listen to again or recommend to anyone in my age group; thought it may be more helpful to the younger generation or those new to self-help. It just didn’t fit my quest for new information, great inspiration, or offer any major life-changing needs.
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  • Laura
    5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL FOR LIFE
    Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Words can not describe this book! absolutely essential for life and love. It was recommended by
    one of my yoga teachers who read out a passage to my class. I related so much to what was
    written I thought the whole book would be interesting to have. It is one of those books you can
    turn to any page and it will be helpful and full of wisdom.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Dolly D
    5.0 out of 5 stars choosing happiness
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2008
    Verified Purchase
    If this book and been titled as a self help book I might have passed it by, but the title intrigued me, every one of course would choose to be happy. As I started reading I thought I know this and was reluctant to continue, but something kept me going, the more I read the more it all made sense, yes I knew most of the things that were being said, but was I practicing them. It has certainly stopped some of my bad habits and put a different point of view forward to me. I will always keep it as a reference guide, and I have given one over to a family member, and told all my friends about it. It also helped me to heal some old wounds, and truly forgive things, that I thought had been unfairly done to me.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Markku Ojanen
    3.0 out of 5 stars Positive but irritating
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of those happiness books which get five stars. They are always very positive, overly positive to my taste. American readers seem to like this kind of books. Practically nobody writes them in Europe. (I have to admit that at present similar books are being written in Europe, too.)Their history goes back to 1800's. Take just one example: "Attitudes can be changed in an instant, Feelings, behavior and responses will follow". This is not simply true. Attitudes are very difficult to change. Attitudes do not predict behavior well. Rather, the opposite is true. Change behavior and attitudes will change. Slowly. Happiness is not a choice. According to many studies it is highly genetically determined. Culture is also a major factor. If happiness is a choice, why so many do not make this choice? Why they do not read happiness books? Or if they do read, why unhappiness often persists?

    In truth, I like many of the advices given in this book. They are lovely and everybody wants them to be true and useful, but the realities are something else. She has an ability to write short, persuasive sentences. Though I regard myself as a positive psychologist, this is too much for me. This book does not have much to do with science. Perhaps this makes it so popular. I have read 20-30 similar books and I still have problems with my attitudes. Should I just believe blindly in their message?

    It is also an American tragedy that they do no believe that society can be of any help in building happiness. However, look the study published in Newsweek of August 2010. Scandinavian-type society fosters happiness. Finland was number one.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • tree
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very good book. Love it. Told my friend about it and she bought it too. Very easy to read and very very practical and helpful. I like the ribbon book mark, very classy. I've already read the whole book, but keep it by my bed and read it before I go to bed to stay positive for the next day.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • J. Klein
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing book
    Reviewed in Australia on March 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is an exceptional book, with so many nuggets of gold to make your life better. I’m going to read it again.
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  • Jill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Oh yes
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book really helped turn me around after ending a difficult marriage. No regrets just moving on and ensuring I don't make the same mistakes! I now use it as a reference book, have so many markers in it though it looks a bit like a reference book, not a bad thing, keeps me on track emotionally! A must for anyone getting their life back on track and keeping it there!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Breda O'Shea
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you want a practical non preachy book that gives you light bulb moments and easy ways to make your life easier
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    fabulous book. If you want a practical non preachy book that gives you light bulb moments and easy ways to make your life easier, this is the one for you. I bought three copies, two for other people. I loved it that much!
    Report
  • Haley HIll
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book is wonderful. I purchased a used item. Not quite the condition I was expecting.
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  • Miss K A Hodgson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect reference book for all our self-help needs in life
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 12, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best reference books for positive affirmations, comfort and inspiration when needed. A great read and the Smart Index is very useful.
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