Learn to Be an Optimist: A Practical Guide to Achieving Happiness

by Lucy MacDonald

Book Overview

Research has revealed that an optimistic approach to life leads to concrete mental, emotional, and physical results, including a longer lifespan, reduced stress, and a better chance of recovering from serious illness. Learn to Be an Optimist, the latest title in our popular mind, body, and spirit series, explores the benefits of a good attitude. Author Lucy MacDonald teaches readers to develop the confidence, resilience, and peace of mind that unlock...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811841693
• ISBN13: 9780811841696
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Reviews by Nan Kilar and Bobby Miller

This is a clear and well-written self-help book. If you have any doubts or misgivings about your strengths, abilities, self-esteem or happiness, you're sure to find valuable information here. Ms. MacDonald discusses the theory of optimism, how to acquire it, how it benefits your physical and mental health, and how to use and share your optimism skills at work and at home. She encourages you early in the book to start a journal to record your strengths, weaknesses, and fears and to keep this journal going indefinitely--it's the heart of your commitment. She offers practical advice and exercises as well. However, she doesn't expect perfectionism. Even optimistic people hit hurdles now and then. But the foundation for being optimistic--the sense of control over your life--is what helps these people get through the tough times in fine shape. And when you're optimistic, you have the ability to approach a situation as a challenge rather than a problem. If you want to enrich your own life, your kids' lives and your family life, this is the book for you. After all, your optimism is your gift to the world.

Warm and friendly like a comfort food

As an avid reader and lover of books, I consider the discovery of a good book to be one of life's most delicious pleasures. Learn to Be an Optimist, by Lucy MacDonald was one such discovery. The first item to strike the eye is the beautiful presentation of the book. Its softly-coloured illustrations and helpful sidebars offering additional tips and information relating to the subject of discussion make it a very enjoyable read. Backed by solid research, the book covers a broad range of issues including the benefits of optimism, how to manage health, overcoming depression, aging with attitude, stress management, how to use visualization and healing techniques, the benefits of laughter, and how to develop optimistic relationships.With a writing style that is clear and accessible, you will acquire techniques and approaches that will serve you well for the rest of your life, and perhaps maybe even pass on to your children and grandchildren. Although I was familiar with most of its concepts, reading it was like taking a refresher course in all that is good, and positive and worthwhile in life. What a wonderful gift idea! Pauline Edward, author of Astrological Crosses in Relationships

Warm and friendly like a comfort food!

Warm and friendly, like a comfort food!As an avid reader and lover of books, I consider the discovery of a good book to be one of life's most delicious pleasures. Learn to Be an Optimist, by Lucy MacDonald was one such discovery. The first item to strike the eye is the beautiful presentation of the book. Its softly-coloured illustrations and helpful sidebars offering additional tips and information relating to the subject of discussion make it a very enjoyable read. Backed by solid research, the book covers a broad range of issues including the benefits of optimism, how to manage health, overcoming depression, aging with attitude, stress management, how to use visualization and healing techniques, the benefits of laughter, and how to develop optimistic relationships.With a writing style that is clear and accessible, you will acquire techniques and approaches that will serve you well for the rest of your life, and perhaps maybe even pass on to your children and grandchildren. Although I was familiar with most of its concepts, reading it was like taking a refresher course in all that is good, and positive and worthwhile in life. What a wonderful gift idea!