Happy for No Reason by Marci Shimoff

In Happy for No Reason, Ms. Shimoff provides seven steps to being happy. These seven steps help build your “Happiness Home” (gag…you must be kidding!) All steps focus internally; not on what you can acquire to be happy, or what others can do for you. There are exercises and quizzes (can you say, “meditation”?) and stories from people Ms. Shimoff considers to be her Happy 100 who have overcome all manner of things and are happy with their lives and themselves.

So, here I am, at the airport with all flights cancelled because of bad storms in Dallas. I decided it was a great time to finish the book so I could move on to my trash novels (my favorite kind of reading, which makes me happy) while waiting for resolution to this adventure. I’m even practicing some happy steps -- smiling at the gate attendant, trying to be accommodating instead of being more of the problem, looking for the fun in all of this, deciding what I can eat next to waste another few minutes.

I then went on Amazon to read what others thought of the book, especially the negative reviews. So now I’m ready to tell you what I think. I like the book. I found it an easy read and the stories interesting. I enjoyed that she included research and other “experts” and that I had actually read some of those books (in a weak moment). Do I think the book changed my life? Probably not.

Many of the principles are those that I have been practicing for a while – forgiveness, smiling even when the events around me aren’t all that pleasant (poor gate attendants), gratitude. But then again, I have tons of reasons to be happy – Happy for Good Reason! I have a loving husband, a great family, near and far, wonderful friends all over, and a comfortable living.

Would I recommend the book to others? Yes. In fact, I have. I think it’s good to be reminded of these overall happiness principles, whether you consider yourself happy or not. The negative reviews I read tended to come from people who have a different belief system that comforts them, which is fine, or from people who liked a different book better. Some books click with some people and some don’t. I understand that. But, the good news is that this book might help you to be happier than you currently are right now. Or it might lead you to a different book. Ms. Shimoff includes suggested resources that might help you with your happiness quotient. In the end, as long as the world becomes a happier, healthier place, the result is good.