Why Am I So DAMN Unhappy?: And what to do about it [Paperback]

James Downton Jr. Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008

Why am I so Damn Unhappy? is written by a fictional character named "Dr. Bob." He's a former stand-up comedian who became a happiness coach. Using humor and honesty, Bob wakes people up to what's making them unhappy and shows them what to do about it. For example, he helps them understand how to counterattack when the "punies" have them on the run, how to quit taking guilt trips, and how to untie the knots of fear in their minds. This book is set off from other self-help books about happiness by the nature of the issues it covers, its story approach, dialog format, and humor. It also has a lively sense of imagination as famous people show up to teach. These guest coaches add an element of surprise to keep the book interesting. Creative Sidetracks in the book give readers helpful insights to increase their happiness. Coaching tips appear at the end of each chapter to reinforce the key teachings.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

An author, award-winning teacher, and artist. Jim Downton created "The Life Gardening Project" to help people increase their happiness and creativity. His life revolves around the issues of wisdom and creativity, which are ways of cultivating peace of mind, happiness, and an easier way of living. To learn more about Jim's work, visit his website, lifegardening.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Robert Reed Publishers (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934759023
• ISBN-13: 978-1934759028
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 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: #2,136,237 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks, Dr. Bob, March 27, 2008

By 

Doety Lawrence (Denver CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Am I So DAMN Unhappy?: And what to do about it (Paperback)

When I first started Chapter One, I thought "Oh, this insight is perfect for my husband." He happens to be a great guy, but he lets his "inner critic" bring him down. As I read more, questions started to come up: how do I try to prove myself to others? How do I make them prove themselves to me? Finally, I decided it would work better to read the book for myself instead of my husband. What's all that got to do with happiness? Dr. Bob, with his curly white hair and his amazing insight, says we can choose how happy we want to be. And it's not ha-ha happiness (although it can be), but mostly it's that feeling that you're not too small or too large, but just right in your world and that if you need to change, you can. The book is full of freeing thoughts like that; the biggest one is that we have options. The book is structured to be little sessions with Dr. Bob's clients who have problems; we learn along with them. Characters (Humphrey Bogart, Lao-tzu and more!) drop by to illustrate some points. I was glad to be reminded that we make up stories about ourselves and our lives and then we believe them. Instead of that, we can work on our own happiness --in fact,that's our job. I like that the book is small, with challenging messages to chew on. Dr. Bob has something to teach us all.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars About humor and positive thinking, March 13, 2008

By 

Bill Ellis "Author & writing coach" (Longmont, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Why Am I So DAMN Unhappy?: And what to do about it (Paperback)

Jim Downton's book is hilarious, just the opposite of unhappiness. It is easy to read and use. In this one little book is a world of wisdom summed up in his final chapter with ten commitments. It is honest, especially when Dr. Bob realizes he may not always be following his own prescription for living a happy life. We are not perfect and to see an expert examine his own weaknesses while giving advice is a terrific lesson in humility and professionalism. I found myself in every chapter, sometimes realizing a hurdle I'd overcome, other times recognizing I had a distance to go yet; always learning along the journey.

Propective readers should know that Jim Downton/Dr. Bob is dedicated to helping people find happiness in his real life. The royalties from the sale of his book are donated to organizations serving the needs of children.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative, Humorous, and Insightful High-quality Coaching, February 21, 2008

By 

Richard R. Blake (Bridgman, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Why Am I So DAMN Unhappy?: And what to do about it (Paperback)

James Downton, a.k.a. Dr. Bob the Happiness Coach provides entertaining and humorous stories in dialog form in his new book "Why Am I So Damn Unhappy?" He uses imaginary characters to tell about people he has coached, people he has helped increase their happiness, creativity, and the wisdom to apply the principles talked about in the book. These principles deal with developing wholeness and creativity, cultivating wisdom, inner peace, and happiness.

Each chapter consists of a story, dialog and valuable coaching tips. The chapters show the reader how to discover their own inner critic, how to practice self acceptance, and the power of creating new choices. Downton put emphasis on the importance of developing the gift of inventing positive stories and creating positive thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Dr. Bob offers ideas on learning to laugh at yourself, on evaluating fear, reducing guilt, ways to elevate happiness, and to change your thinking patterns from "poor me" to "lucky me." He shows the reader how to handle anger and lying, creating balance, developing a life purpose, learning how to handle resistance to what we cannot change. I was personally challenged by the results revealed about myself when I took the "Vampire Test." Downton's analogy of the four chambers of a generous heart became especially meaningful to me.

I also enjoyed the feature "Creative Side Tracts." These summary statements offered help in shaping thoughts, enabling the reader the benefit of creating hope, adapting pointers on living with the romance of unhealthy foods. Downton provided a consumer truth test, which helps the readers learn to like themselves, and how to appreciate being alive.

Jim Downton instills inspiration, encourages imagination, and spontaneity in his new book "Why Am I So Damn Unhappy?" This is life coaching at a new level and will help the reader increase their awareness while unlocking a bold and free spirit within. James inspires creativity and transforms attitudes. His writing is humorous, entertaining, and life changing.