Being Happy!

I love this book! It is cheerful and has a great message. The advice the author shares is common-sense advice that we all know we should be following, but often we get off-track and too negative. Each chapter is short and to-the-point, with lots of cartoon illustrations. I have underlined almost the entire book, because each page offers more great advice. For instance, the first page I flipped to says this: "A person embarking on a day's march would be foolish to carry enough provisions for a lifetime. Is it not strange, then, that many people carry around all their worries for the next 20 years and wonder why life is so difficult?" The author has several other books out there, but this is his best.

I am greatful that a co-worker recommended this book to me when she did. I was at a very low point in my life, and was probably close to making a rash decision that I would regret later. This book has taught me that I am not defective, and that I have more control over me and the events in my life than I thought. To some this book may be a rude awakening, but it is an awakening well worth it. I would recommend it to everyone, not just those at a low-point in their lives. I know this is a book I will be reading again and again, and each time I will take something else away with me as a lesson learned.

I can't believe how low the price is! It's definitely a good buy at the $$.$$ list price. This delightful and upbeat book is one of my favourites. Concepts are simple but not unrealistic. They make good sense. Short chapters come in handy when free time is a premium cost. When life becomes discouraging, I read a few pages of this book and can smile again.

I first wrote my thoughts on Being Happy in Sept 98 on this website (Angelfire_26). I can't quite remember whether that was when I first bought Being Happy or not. But 2 yrs later it has been flipped through, highlighted, lent to friends, mailed back to me, read again and again and again. This book has become an integral part of my belief system, not because it preaches or drums thoughts into your mind... but because it is all COMMON SENSE and POSTIVE THINKING. You will say 'My Gosh that's RIGHT' throughout the whole book and you will make a concerted effort to remember everything you've read because it is all so clever! I would read and then forget all about the book until a situation came up where suddenly I would quote Andrew Matthews to a friend having a hard time.. or I would give myself this pep talk when I was nervous or stressed, courtesy of Andrew Matthews. Whether you think so or not at first - you do remember the concepts in this book and you draw upon them as you need to. I was always on the lookout for personal development books in an effort to 'improve' myself and become more aware of myself. I have not found one which compares.In lower times of my life I go back to this book and after flipping though I say 'oh that's right', and I feel like I'm on track again. This is a very talented writer who isn't out to preach or dictate. He is out to help us all reach a level of happiness that is SO achievable once we realise the small things that get in our way. And it's only US that get in our way. I cannot say enough to let people know how fabulous all 3 of these books are. Recently I was thinking 'I wonder when Andrew Matthews will bring out another book? - I wish he would!' And then i thought 'What on earth could he cover now? What hasn't he already covered?'.. I'm satisifed! : )I defy anyone to read this book and/or the 2 others and tell me they got nothing from the experience. It's impossible - and yes I'm that confident.

The first time i read it was some 9 years back. It had a tremondous impact on my life as in total. Things around me started to change after reading this book. I was more confident, more compatible with others & yes, became more compassionate too.At that time i didn't own this book,suddenly i had this urge to own the book and tried all over India but couldn't find one. Then some 4 years later my brother when he had been to the US bought it for me. Even now i often go through the contents after having read it umpteen times. Basically the contents are the same things which we have known all our lives, but in our busy schedule seem to have forgotten 'em. This book is a wonderful rejuvinator of THE evasive knowledge within us. A MUST read for all those who have a confidence deficiency.