Aggressively Happy by Joy Marie Clarkson helps readers discover how to find joy even when life is exhausting and difficult.
The title is taken from an internet troll on Twitter, reinforcing the author’s intent to not let what happens to you steal your happiness.
Her writing is whimsical and lyrical. In a world blasted with horrific headlines, the author helps to lighten the load by directing us toward the things in life that make us happy.
I loved how she personified sadness and happiness, calling them sisters.
“But sadness has her wisdom too. Those who mourn do so because they cannot accept the brokenness of the world with equanimity. Their very indignation reflects a knowledge of the deeper reality of life: that it was meant to be good, whole, and full of joy, and that it is not. Those who mourn know the full value of what has been lost and refuse to forget it. I’ve come to realize that sadness and happiness are sisters. They are both born of a tender heart that feels and responds to this world we love. Sadness tells the truth about the world that there are things so precious and beautiful in this world that deserve to be mourned when they’re lost.”
“Our response to a world falling apart is to act in the image of the God who made us. We are called to turn darkness into light.”
While I’m older than the target age group for this book, I still enjoyed her writing style and message.
In the spirit of sharing what makes me #aggresivelyhappy
- the sound of Music of the Sphere Chimes
- My Fair Lady soundtrack
- Broadway musicals
- watching the hummingbirds on my patio (does this make me old, lol)
- a strong cup of coffee
- fireplaces
- hearing my children sing in the shower
- meeting other writers
- worship
- the sound of the ocean, rivers, and streams
- being in the mountains
- Hawaii
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.