The Happy Life Checklist: 654 Simple Ways to Find Your Bliss

by Amy Spencer

Overview

From the author of Bright Side Up, an upbeat guide to the little things we can do—for free and in five minutes or less—to feel happier and more fulfilled.

This can-do guide brings together little things readers can do that will positively impact their daily life and overall happiness. The book's short, empowering entries include:

Put your feet in the water

Wave at firefighters

Brush your teeth with your other hand

Hug two seconds longer

Close your eyes and just listen

Simple yet powerful, this upbeat and engaging book will help readers jumpstart their day—and life—for the better.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780399165566
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	02/04/2014
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.17(w) x 8.01(h) x 0.63(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Amy Spencer is the author of Bright Side Up and Meeting Your Half-Orange, as well as a magazine journalist who has written for Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, New York magazine, CNN.com, Redbook, Health and others. Prior to writing full-time, she was an editor at Maxim, Glamour and Star magazines. She was a radio host on Sirius XM radio and has appeared on NBC, CBS, VH1 and the E! channel and more.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

What Is a Happy Life? xi

Seeing Life Through Kid-Colored Lenses xii

How to Build a Happy Life Checklist xv

The Elements of Bliss xviii

Be Happy, Now xxii

1 Vitality 1

Bringing out your healthiest self in the big, bright world

2 Wonder 23

Savoring the present moment, mindful of the beautiful now

3 Comfort 41

Creating a cozy, beautiful life; at home, wherever you are

4 Delight 61

Dazzling your days with silly, fun things that make you smile

5 Thriving 81

Being productive with all that you create, build, and become

6 Love 103

Bonding in your relationships, with truly deep connections

7 Effervescence 123

Relishing your social life, among friends, family, and in your community

8 Tranquility 141

Finding peace and calm; relaxing in your balanced life

9 Confidence 161

Being your very best self, flourishing in mind and heart

10 Grace 185

Giving the generous best of yourself for a life that has meaning

Epilogue: Invite the Good Stuff In 203

Acknowledgments 207

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Really good read. Just say no to the winter blues with Amy Spencer's can-do guide. She outlines hundreds of simple, no-cost bliss boosters that will turn your frown upside down in five minutes or less."
—Fitness magazine
 
“I try to be kind and gracious, but we all have those days that leave us feeling sapped. That's where this book by Amy Spencer comes in: Each entry offers one simple way to spread a little joy and encouragement in 5 minutes or less. And I can always find a few minutes for things like extra-long hugs!” 
—First For Women Magazine
 
 “The Happy Life Checklist is chock full of ideas to brighten your life. It builds on her previous one (that I loved) called Bright Side Up. Check out this book.”
—Kristen Kemp, Mom Must Read on Parents.com
 
"Why, when we are children, do we experience longer summers, lasting holidays, and intense euphoria for what now seems like routine? Those answers, and many more, are available to us in Amy Spencer's terrific new book, The Happy Life Checklist. Read it, and you will regain an appreciation for what it means to seize the moment."
—David Mezzapelle, bestselling author of Contagious Optimism
 
“In this upbeat guide to discovering moments of pleasure in everyday life, Spencer (Bright Side Up) shows readers how to reclaim the child within. It takes only a few minutes a day to nourish one's spirit, asserts Spencer, and a willingness to try new ideas, such as giving a hula hoop a whirl or singing out loud in the car. The author's 654 ideas are divided into ten thematic chapters with titles such as "Vitality," "Comfort," "Confidence," and "Tranquility." VERDICT: These suggestions are bound to generate liberating and enjoyable inspirations for readers.” 
—Library Journal, April 1, 2014

Editorial Reviews

"Really good read. Just say no to the winter blues with Amy Spencer's can-do guide. She outlines hundreds of simple, no-cost bliss boosters that will turn your frown upside down in five minutes or less."
—Fitness magazine
 
“I try to be kind and gracious, but we all have those days that leave us feeling sapped. That's where this book by Amy Spencer comes in: Each entry offers one simple way to spread a little joy and encouragement in 5 minutes or less. And I can always find a few minutes for things like extra-long hugs!” 
—First For Women Magazine
 
 “The Happy Life Checklist is chock full of ideas to brighten your life. It builds on her previous one (that I loved) called Bright Side Up. Check out this book.”
—Kristen Kemp, Mom Must Read on Parents.com
 
"Why, when we are children, do we experience longer summers, lasting holidays, and intense euphoria for what now seems like routine? Those answers, and many more, are available to us in Amy Spencer's terrific new book, The Happy Life Checklist. Read it, and you will regain an appreciation for what it means to seize the moment."
—David Mezzapelle, bestselling author of Contagious Optimism
 
“In this upbeat guide to discovering moments of pleasure in everyday life, Spencer (Bright Side Up) shows readers how to reclaim the child within. It takes only a few minutes a day to nourish one's spirit, asserts Spencer, and a willingness to try new ideas, such as giving a hula hoop a whirl or singing out loud in the car. The author's 654 ideas are divided into ten thematic chapters with titles such as "Vitality," "Comfort," "Confidence," and "Tranquility." VERDICT: These suggestions are bound to generate liberating and enjoyable inspirations for readers.” 
—Library Journal, April 1, 2014

From the Publisher