Choosing Happiness

January 7, 2008
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.