Happiness, The Art of Living With Peace, Confidence and Joy written by Douglas A. Smith, published by White Pine Mountain, 2014.
Let me start by saying, I LOVE THIS BOOK! I read it on a plane last weekend in less than three hours. I think I wore out my highlighter on all the inspiration found on its pages!
I bought the book in November after hearing the author speak at a Ross Leadership Institute event. I was inspired by Doug’s journey and his positive energy in sharing it with us. He spoke for an hour but I could easily have listened for several more. I also thought it was great that all profits from the book go to cancer research. Yes, ironically, cancer is what led Doug on a journey of understanding joyful and meaningful living.
Doug Smith was a successful business executive serving as CEO of Kraft General Foods Canada, Chairman/CEO of Borden Foods Corp., and Chairman/CEO of Best Brands Corp. After being diagnosed with Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia in 2004, his life’s work took on a completely new direction as he studied happiness and the skills that happy people consistently practice. Doug learned that they:
- remember the past with peace,
- anticipate the future with confidence and
- live in the present with joy and exuberance.
For the last seven years he has taught a popular winter course at DePauw University: The Skills of Happiness. He is also a sought after public speaker, requesting no personal compensation but requiring a meaningful contribution to cancer research instead.
The core of the book is the thirteen skills of happiness. There is forgiveness and gratitude for the past; faith, optimism, flexibility and openness for the future; and living joyfully in the present through seven other skills. Contentment and well-being are found by those who consistently practice the thirteen skills.
Doug artfully weaves in personal anecdotes to help us see real life application and opportunities to employ the skills. We learn through his business experience, his cancer journey, his marriage and parenting two sons, one of which has special needs due to developmental challenges. With great humility and compassion, Doug’s storytelling draws the reader in to learn the wisdom of his experience.
I cannot overemphasize the benefits of reading this book. It is definitely one that I will keep close at hand and refer to often. It is meaningful, inspiring, and joyful. You will find yourself on a journey of wonderful discovery. Happiness.
Click here to buy “Happiness” on Amazon.com. Enjoy!
