Customer Reviews

Finding Joy: 101 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance with Life

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Charlotte Davis Kasl, has hit the nail on the head! Want to change your life for the better? Want to really enjoy your days and learn to get through the rough ones? This book can help. She has thought of everything from finances, to love, to kids to your entire outlook on life. The sections are broken into 101 mini topics explained through anecdotes and therapy techniques. She uses teqhniques from many cultures and religions without pushing any religion on you. Easy to read and comprhend. Read a section a day (If you can put it down afer just one!) and you will feel the difference as you internalise the beauty of true Joy in your life. (Can you tell this is my favorite book?)

I bought this book about 7 years ago and its been my Bible
ever since! I read at least one chapter everyday. This book
is so uplifting. Its been a great guidance for me. When Im
feeling blue, I reach for this book. I simply can't live
without this book!!!!

i absolutely love this book. Kasl shares ways to reaquaint people with joy in simple ways. I always have a smile on my face and in my heart after reading a page or two.

I bought this book years ago at a drugstore, and lost the copy after years of reading and rereading it. Somehow, I had managed to find it again, despite having forgotten the author's last name for a while. Kasl is wise, human, and so comforting. You certainly can pick any page and get a dose of wisdom, or you can sit and read it cover to cover, and feel glad to have done so. She really can offer a very supportive and loving point of view. I am a therapist, and give away copies, especially useful in combatting low self-esteem. Love it!

This book, by the author of Many Roads, One Journey: Moving Beyond the 12 Steps, has been one I've frequently quoted to the Women for Sobriety group I lead and pushed (gently) on my recovery coaching clients. Not to say that it is only for women or only for people in recovery. Hell, we could all use an extra helping of joy. It's about body acceptance, looking out for others' positive intentions and taking small steps. My favorite part is entitled "If you feel like a baby, get a babysitter." A book full of kindness.

When you feel overwhelmed by life, taking five minutes to read any section in this book can help calm and center you. Each topic has great therapy presented in an easily digestible manner. She explains each suggestion--why you feel that way and why this will help you. I was surprised to find some deeper ideas presented in an easy-to-follow, non-threatening way (for example, the concept of paired associations and how to retrain yourself, which she makes very easy to understand in a couple of pages). Of course people looking for this type of life-help respond to different kinds of presentations of advice, but I think that most people would benefit from this.

There are sections on:
Discovering the Power of Joy
Loving Yourself, No Matter What
Tapping the Power of Your Mind
Lighten Up--Finding Balance in a Crazy World
Marvel at Your Amazing Body
Tips for Making Life Easier
When You're Sinking, Grab a Life Line
Loving Your Body in Spite of It All (not just eating-disorder help)
Loving Children, Discovering Ourselves
More Years, More Wisdom
Dancing with Life
Joy to the World

After reading "If the Buddha Dated", I was eager to read more of Charlotte Kasl's works. I am enjoying this book immensely. This book is about learning to love and accept yourself, and has actual activities to help you on the journey. It is as uplifting as her other book, and the short readings make it a great book to read just before I go to sleep, creating a relaxing, positive end to my day.

I read "If the Buddha Dated" and wanted more of Charlotte's writing. Very easy to understand and apply principles and ideas. "Finding Joy..." is another treasure chest of thoughts and ideas.

When "Finding Joy" came out in 1994, I was in a dark place in my life. I was working at bookstore as the buyer for the Psychology/Spirituality section when this lovely little treasure first hit the shelves. This lovely book helped me find my way back to the joy that was buried in me and breathe life back into my soul.

Many happy and wise years later, I've given it as gifts and read it when I needed a mental tune-up. I even gave my daughter the middle name of "Joy" in recognition of this beautiful energy that is alive again in my heart!

Charlotte is a beautiful writer, her books practical, accessible, kind and inspiring. She compassionately acknowledges our human struggles, doesn't paint everything with rainbows. Her other books, "If the Buddha..." have also been wonderful treats to read and helped me live a happier life. Professionally, I went on to work in publishing at a spirituality/well-being press so I have seen A LOT from this genre. Charlotte is truly gifted.

Can't wait to read "If the Buddha had Kids" which is due out in the spring of 2012. Thank you, Charlotte.

I have given this book to at least 2 dozen people. Once I hear that they are looking for joy they get a copy. I belong to a Wellness group for people with cancer and each person has raved about this once they start reading it. It has also gone to my adult children and friends. I suggest that they take 1 chapter at a time. She has taught me that joy is everywhere. We just have to look.