Are You Happy Now? 10 Ways to Live a Happy Life by Barbara Berger

This is a book to read more than once. I could go on and on about the value and wisdom of this book. But I'll start here, with a profound statement I heard years back: Sometimes the questions matter more to us than the answers. Though author, Barbara Berger, presents us with beneficial answers and information to consider and integrate, she also presents us with valuable questions (and all-important solutions), such as: Is the past controlling your present? Are you a people-pleaser with an aversion to conflict? Do the opinions of others influence or manipulate you? Do you have healthy boundaries? Do you fear your emotions? Do you know what the collective lie is that affects nearly all of us? What is the difference between consciousness and mind? Who are you beyond your thoughts that arise? What kind of life might you have if you stopped allowing other people to mind your business and if you stopped minding theirs? How many ways do you make or keep yourself unhappy, without realizing you're doing this? How can you communicate honestly and clearly with others if you aren't honest and clear with yourself? How can you have a fulfilling life if you're afraid of making mistakes or fear others believing your choices are mistakes? How can you become mindful, especially when emotionally upset or afraid? These (and others she covers in the book) are questions many of us contend with but may not address, as this book does and does so well.

The ten chapter titles give a preview of what's to come in the book, whether they build enthusiasm and eagerness to delve into them or, perhaps, make you quake a bit. It all depends on how ready you are to live a more authentic and fulfilling life. The titles are as follows: Accept what is; Want what you have; Be honest with yourself; Investigate your stories; Mind your own business; Follow your passion and accept the consequences; Do the right thing and accept the consequences; Deal with what is in front of you and forget the rest; Know what is what; and Learn to see beyond impermanence. There are worksheets at the back that help you address each chapter concept, as well as an Epilogue titled "Don't Believe What You Think." You're either ready to see what the author has to offer about each of these or you're telling yourself there's laundry to fold or grass to cut (i.e., avoidance).

This is a book written by someone who who's been through a lot, was facing a lot, including moving forward in years-and asked herself an important question: "... what do you need to remember to live a happy life? If you would sum it all up, what would it be? What do you need to know to get you through the rest of your life in a better way?" This is a question (what do you need to remember to live a happy life?) many of us contemplate, but likely do so in passing rather than addressing it head-on as the author did. Berger states in the Introduction that she recognized how much of her life she'd "spent worrying about stuff or being nervous and insecure about stuff or not really enjoying the fullness and richness of" her life. This is more of a common complaint than, I believe, most of us would like to admit, and one we truly desire to resolve. (I love the mountain example in Chapter 8, and find it highly beneficial!)

In her candid, straightforward manner, Berger discusses how we resist what-is, whatever the what-is is in a moment (weather, an event, pain, health, relationships, finances, etc.), and how we tend to fight the reality of what-is nearly all the time, as well as how this resistance affects not only us but how we experience life. However, she makes a keen point that accepting what-is is not saying "yes" to everything and doing nothing; that it is not about passivity, but the opposite. There were certainly additional brilliant points made beside these two I'm about to share, but I love these: We more often than not don't live our lives, but live our interpretations of our lives; we're dancing with illusions. And, we let other people manipulate us with their uninvestigated codes of behavior.

Berger proposes that all of us can lead happy lives regardless of our situation, and then demonstrates how to accomplish this throughout the book. She asks how well we know ourselves, or if we're afraid to do this, asks why; discusses our responsibility to ourselves and our right to exist; and how we can deal with the fear of criticism and choice with integrity. She shares that we can remember the wonder of our own existence; discusses common worries and stories we tell ourselves and how to transform them; and shares what she discovered real happiness and success is, and how clear and simple it actually is.

5 Reasons Why Hardcover Books Are Still Popular

Reading is, for many people, a fundamental part of their lives. They have all different options these days for selecting their literary material. Various types of books exist, and you can also purchase a novel for an electronic reader. However, one form of book still holds its high-ranking place in society over the rest. What exactly is it about hardcover books that make them stand out from the rest?

More Durable
Some people do borrow books from the library, but you might be a person who likes to own the stories you read. Starting up a formidable library in your own home may very well be a goal of yours. In general, hardcover books are more durable than other times. A paperback book could become ruined if it gets a little sprinkle of rain on it, or the cover might tear off. These hardcover books are with you for the long haul. While they do need to be taken care of, they are just not as fragile as others.

For Students and Youngsters
Purchasing hardcover books is particularly important for the younger generation, and this tip is an especially valuable one in schools. When teachers hand out paperback books to students for loaners, they are taking a risk that the works will not be returned in the same condition. Hardcover books last longer at home, but they are also better able to withstand lockers, book bags and desks piled high with learning materials.

Compared to Electronic Books
Certainly, electronic books have their benefits. They are convenient to bring with you, and they are better for the environment. However, reading a hardcover has some special qualities that just cannot be channeled with an electronic book. Holding a hardcover book in your hands may give you a better chance of truly connecting with the characters or remembering why you fell in love with the art of literature in the first place. Many are fighting to keep old-fashioned books alive, and a love for hardcover books makes you a part of that cause.

Serving as Literature and Decor
While reading your books is certainly your favorite part about them, you also like to use these novels and collections of poetry as centerpieces for your coffee table. Hardcover books are generally more attractive than other types, and they can add an air of sophistication to the room. Whether you have a pile of recipe books on a shelf in the kitchen or some of the most classic novels of all time on the living room coffee table, these items can certainly add an extra taste of class to your home space.

Taking Notes
Part of reading a book for a class involves taking notes in it. Even when you're past the school days, you may still take notes in a book to jog your memory, point out important features or prepare a lesson for your own class that you are teaching. Whatever the case may be, hardcover books are more likely to withstand your note-taking skills than paperback ones. They also are not as floppy, so you don't have to battle with holding down the book as you are trying to write in it. For the person who loves both absorbing and creating literature, a hardcover book is the right answer for you.

Choosing from among the stack of different books is certainly a task that you love as you get to browse all of the intriguing titles. However, now you also want to consider the form in which the book is presented and all of the reasons why picking a hardcover book is the smart choice.