And THEN I'll Be Happy!: Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First [Paperback]

Kristen Houghton (Author), Dr. Janet Taylor (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 22, 2009

This book is for anyone who’s ever sacrificed her own happiness trying to make someone else happy . . . who’s assigned her happiness, one more time, to some future date “in a galaxy far, far away.” It’s no big deal, happiness can wait. And—duh—it does.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Any woman who wants to find out how she may be sabotaging her happiness needs this book!”

—Carolyn Chambers Clark, Ed.D., author of Living Well with Anxiety and Living Well with Menopause

 

“Remember Goldilocks and the Three Bears? Nothing was ever good enough for that girl! A master observer of women and relationships, Kristen Houghton uses her funny, warm, and deeply engaging style to open us up to the ways that we, as women, chronically postpone and deny our own happiness. As a clinical psychologist, I constantly see women in states of depression, low self-esteem, and body hatred. I am grateful to Kristen, who masterfully gets past our defensiveness to show us new ways to discover self-acceptance, inner peace and happiness. Thank you, Kristen, for your groundbreaking book. It’s about time someone addressed the concerns felt deeply in our hearts and showed us innovative, insightful ways to heal them! This book is a must read for any woman who puts herself last on her exhaustive ‘to do’ list.”

—Maria Rago, PhD, Clinical Director, Rago & Associates Counseling Center; psychological consultant for women’s issues

 

“Kristen Houghton is truly an inspiring writer, one whose ‘girlfriend therapy’ is the best kind of advice any woman can receive. She is candid, up-to-the minute on what today’s woman needs, and spices up her prose with a humor we can all use in our lives. Her writing is unparalleled in this arena, and her advice motivates her readers. All women need to read this book, and read it now! It is fresh, and filled with solid advice for anyone who has, as Kristen Houghton so perfectly writes, found happiness to be elusive in their lives.” 

—Diane Lang, MSW, adjunct professor of psychology, Montclair State University; therapist, Livingston Institute of Psychology; author of Baby Steps: The Path from Motherhood to Career

 

“Kristen Houghton’s writing thrives as she creates compelling articles for her nationally syndicated Relationship column. Her insight into relationship problems and their solutions is brilliant! Humorous, realistic, and right on the mark, she is the best relationship writer out there.”

—Greg Archer, San Francisco Examiner

 

“Kristen’s heartfelt perspectives are seasoned with frankness and wisdom, yet are boldly refreshing. Her advice, when heeded, will help you revive a relationship, reinvent your life, and make positive changes! This book on women and happiness is one I recommend wholeheartedly. It is an insightful, wonderful dose of reality. Great writing!”

—Bill Mitchell, the 7 Day Detective, author of The More You Know: Getting the Evidence and Support You Need to Investigate a Troubled Relationship

 

“With a sharp, witty persona, Kristen Houghton tackles relationship building with humor. Her material is at times eye-popping, getting her message and guidance across with a juicy tone that garners attention. I suspect we’ll be hearing a lot from her in 2009 as we all battle the recession, try to keep a handle on our relationships, and attempt to keep a smile on our faces.”

—Judy Martin, Emmy–award winning broadcast journalist, reporter for National Public Radio; writer/radio anchor at CNBC Radio

 

“Kristen Houghton is a brilliant writer who always writes timely and informative features. I look forward to reading her column on a daily basis—I never know what the articles are going to be about, but I know I can always expect a clever and entertaining story written by an expert in the field. Writing a book that encourages women to attain their goals and find their own happiness was the next logical step for Kristen. Her book is a definite must read!”  

—Danielle Duff, columnist, Washington Examiner

From the Author

While writing this book, I felt a tremendous link not only to the women I interviewed for it, but also to the millions of women worldwide whose lives consist of one sacrifice after another for other people. We are incredible and strong but we need to focus on our own lives as priority number one. If I can get only one message across to all these women this would be it: Stop sabotaging your happiness and put your own life first!

I have kept in touch with the women who were kind enough and brave enough to share their stories with my readers. The positive changes they made are inspiring to me. A successful life is measured not by depleting your own resources and living only for others, but by cherishing yourself as a person and living life on your own terms.

I hope that this book allows you to see that any type of positive change must begin with you alone and that putting your own goals and dreams first is not selfish.You are worthy of living the kind of life you want to live. That is being a successful woman.

All happiness always in all ways!
Kristen Houghton --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: GPP Life; First edition (December 22, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762754338
• ISBN-13: 978-0762754335
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,097,882 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kristen Houghton's new e-book, No Woman Diets Alone - There's Always a Man Behind Her Eating a Doughnut is the book to buy in 2012.

Critics say:
"A funny, irreverent romp through marital misadventures told completely tongue-in-cheek by Kristen Houghton, the best new humor writer we've read in a long time! Fresh and charmingly funny! Houghton takes relationships to a new level of hilarity. A savvy, sexy, sophisticated fun read." WRITERS REVIEW

"Fresh and fun! Houghton brings couples humor into the 21st century and we are thrilled!" Houston Chronicle

"A terrific satire on relationships! Very appealing to readers."
Kirkus Reviews

"With an endearingly lovable couple as a guide, No Woman Diets Alone is a gem of a little book that will have you laughing out-loud as you follow all the fearless adventures of modern marriage. Told in easy-reading individual stories, each chapter relates hilarious situations that, though exaggerated, have a kernel of truth in them. Kristen Houghton is a master humorist and storyteller!"
Maria Rago, Shut Up Skinny Bitches

"Kristen Houghton has written a book that takes a sassy, deliciously funny look at marriage and relationships. Brava Kristen!" The Book Press

Special price is still $.99. Give the gift of laughter and purchase one for yourself. Laughter is a healing gift!

Huffington Post blogger, Kristen Houghton is the author of the book "AND THEN I'LL BE HAPPY! Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First" which has been ranked among the top 100 books of 2010 and 2011.It has been highly recommended and praised by Dr. Janet Taylor, prominent NYC psychiatrist and NBC "TODAY Show" correspondent.

Kristen's body of work includes interviews and reviews for HBO documentaries, OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and The Style Channel. She appears regularly on TV, radio, and internet shows as a lifestyle and humor commentator. Besides writing for The Huffington Post, her portfolio includes writing for More Magazine, the innovative twodaymag.com, the San Francisco Examiner, and numerous other in print and online magazines.

Kristen Houghton is the former head writer and fiction editor of Mused Literary Magazine.

Under the name CK Houghton, Kristen writes "nice little horror stories" guaranteed to make you check your locks and look under the bed before going to sleep. She is currently finishing a collection of short stories due to be published in Summer 2012.

As a multi-linguist and respected educator Kristen taught world languages and cultures on the university level. Writing, however, has always been her first love. While she still contributes to higher education through seminars and workshops, she is happy that she can combine her love of the written word to devote herself to writing full-time.

Kristen is a philanthropist and tireless advocate for BroadwayBarks, North Shore Animal League (a no kill shelter), BroadwayCares Equity Fights Aids, and St. Jude Thanks and Giving. She is also involved as an empowerment mentor for the International Women's Health Coalition.

A California girl at heart, she and her husband, Alan reside in the New York City area which is "magical".

For more about Kristen and her books please visit www.kristenhoughton.com/

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Key to Finding Your Own Happiness, February 16, 2010

By 

M. K. LaFrance "Hartford Woman" (Hartford, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: And THEN I'll Be Happy!: Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First (Paperback)

When I received this book from Kristen I immediately began to feel like I was holding a lucky talisman in my hands that would give me the keys to finding my own happiness. It gave me the validation and the permission to begin to pursue happiness in my life on my own terms and I couldn't put it down until I'd read it completely! This book is not to be missed by any woman who wonders what she could be doing differently to make her life as fulfilling and complete as possible.

- Kate LaFrance, Publisher
Hartford Woman Online
[...]
And THEN I'll Be Happy!: Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "little Talmud" of wisdom for women--and men!, January 23, 2010

By 

Benjamin A. Kamin "Rabbi Ben Kamin" (Del Mar, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: And THEN I'll Be Happy!: Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First (Paperback)

Kristen Houghton's book is thoroughly readable, spirited, in touch with 21st century modalities--and just downright practical. It really charges women to take responsibility for their spiritual and personal well-being. But it also is reasonable about what women today face, from within and without. This is a truly worthwhile guide to living from a thoughtful and caring writer and participant in life.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read what critics are saying about "AND THEN I'LL BE HAPPY!, January 23, 2010

By 

Kristen Houghton "Kristen Houghton, author of... (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: And THEN I'll Be Happy!: Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First (Paperback)

And Then I'll Be Happy! is a book that all women need to read. Many of us spend too muchtime and precious energy focused on the complicated and frequently unfulfilling challenge of looking out for others while believing that the key to our happiness is not within our own grasp. This external focus misdirects our physical resources and can deplete our emotional reserves away from the real source of our happiness - ourselves. We have all done what the women in this book have done, put own our own personal satisfaction and happiness on hold in order to take care of other people's problems or situations. By understanding how only we have the ability to build our own happiness, we can allow ourselves to be happy.

Kristen Houghton is disarmingly honest and realistic in her writing and spot-on advice. She laces her advice with enough humor to alleviate the stress of real-life situations, but never strays far from the good solid solutions she offers in this book.In my field of Psychiatry, I have met women who are very much like the ones in this book, placing themselves last in their own lives. And Then I'll Be Happy! is a guide for women to reflect on difficult life lessons while realizing how to put themselves first. It is a must read for women of all ages, as we struggle to overcome and reclaim our authentic happy selves. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I highly recommend it to my friends as well as my patients."

Janet Taylor, MD, Psychiatrist, contributor to " The Today Show" on NBC

________________________________________________________________________________
"Every woman needs this book if she wants to find out how she may be sabotaging her own happiness! Kristen Houghton writes it well and delivers positive and usable solutions. Honest and solid keys to happiness"

Carolyn Chambers Clark, Ed. D., author of 'Living Well with Anxiety"
______________________________________________________________________________
"Remember 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'? Nothing was ever good enough for that girl! A master observer of women and relationships, Kristen Houghton uses her funny, warm and deeply engaging style to open us up to the ways that we, as women, chronically postpone and deny our own happiness. As a clinical psychologist, I
constantly see women in states of depression, low self-esteem and body hatred. I am grateful to Kristen for finding a masterful way to get past our defensiveness toshow us new ways to discover self-acceptance, inner peace and happiness. Thank you, Kristen, for your ground-breaking book. It's about time someone addresses
the concerns felt deeply in our hearts, and shows us innovative, insightful ways to heal them! This book is a must read for all women who put ourselves last on our exhaustive to do list."

Maria Rago, Ph.D.,Clinical Director Rago Counseling Center for Women's Issues

_______________________________________________________________________________
"With a sharp witty persona, Kristen Houghton tackles the unhappiness epidemic with sense of humor,getting her message and guidance across with a juicy tone which garners attention. We'll be hearing a lot about Kristen's book; this is best-seller material. I recommend it! Thank you Kristen!"

Judy Martin, Emmy-Award winning broadcast journalist,
news writer/radio anchor at CNBC Radio
________________________________________________________________________________
"Kristen's heartfelt perspectives are seasoned with frankness and wisdom yet boldly refreshing. Here's a woman whose advice, when heeded, will help you revive your goals, reinvent your life, and make positive changes! This book on women and happiness is one I recommend wholeheartedly. She's insightful and a wonderful dose of reality! Great writing!"

Bill Mitchell, P.I., author of "The More You Know"and "The 7 Day Detective."
Consultant to the "Dr. Phil Show"
________________________________________________________________________________
"Kristen Houghton is a brilliant writer! Her book made me know that there is nothing selfish about putting your own life first. It is a must! Writing a book that encourages women to attain their goals and find their own happiness was the logical step for Kristen Houghton. Her book is a definite must read!"

Danielle Duff , columnist Washington Examiner
________________________________________________________________________________
"Kristen Houghton is truly an inspiring writer who writes `girlfriend therapy,' the best kind of advice any woman can receive. She is candid, up-to-the minute on what today's woman needs, and spices it with a humor we can all use in our lives. Her writing is unparalleled in this arena and her advice motivates her readers. This
is a book that I highly recommend. All women need to read it and read it now! Fresh and filled with solid advice for anyone who has, as Kristen Houghton so perfectly writes, found happiness to be elusive in their
lives."



Diane Lang, M.S.W., Professor of Psychology, Montclair State University
author of "Baby Steps: The Path from Motherhood to Career
________________________________________________________________________________
Kristen,
"Your book has a broader appeal than you know. Men read you too! Savvy advice for all; You ARE inspirational~"

James Hamilton, Professor, Southwest International University
____________________________________________________________________________________
Kristen,
"Just a short note to say I thoroughly enjoyed your book on women and happiness! You are a wonderful
contributor to my show and have a knack of putting issues into perspective that my listeners need to hear.
Your book is an incredibly positive and healthy take on how and why women can and should put their own
lives first. I recommend your book to everyone!"


Robyn DeVal Spirtas, Ph.D., M.P.H.
The Dr. Robyn Show," WQRP-Fox