******
- Verified Buyer
I learned of this book at a moment when happiness seemed just out of grasp. As a world, we had just come through a year of global pandemic. I was exhausted, felt disconnected with family and friends, and as a Hospice RN, I had lost many patients that were dear to me. I was attracted by the simplicity of the title, and by the cover that showed two hands clasped in friendship, with a tree and water in the not too far distance. The image was muted, not crisp, which reflected my current state of feeling, but which promised more. I bought the book, and started reading, and little by little, I felt better. The book was the culmination of the life's work and research of the author Tim Czech, PhD., and was brought to fruition after he died by a group of his friends. In it, we can tell why his friends cared so much about him and needed to realize his work, because Tim, with simple, friendly, straightforward writing , quickly feels like he's your friend, too. His "hacks," many of which seem straightforward, are supported by research which is referenced throughout the text and in the appendix at the end, but never feels preachy or like the scholarship hits you over the head. The book starts with hacks that have general, broad effect, and then progress to more specific suggestions. Each hack is a small, discrete chapter, easy to digest, and gives you a morsel to ponder, a tip to implement, before moving on. The structure of the book made it easy to read--from the image on cover that invited you in, to the texture of the cover and the feel of the book in your hands, to the bright paper and the large, clear type which made it easy on the eyes and brain (I never had to put on my "cheaters" to read this book, which in itself gave me great joy). Now I have finished the book, and I feel so much better than the day I placed the order and crossed my fingers that something would help. I have implemented many small and concrete things: Reconnected with family and friends, increased the intensity of my workouts with some interval training, spent time in nature, improved my sleep. I am done reading the book, but I don't think I am DONE with it. It is the kind of thing that will stay close at hand, a reference for future rainy days, with 110 tips of things I can do RIGHT NOW to feel better and enjoy life a little more.
