Start from Joy: Trade Shame, Guilt, and Fear for Lasting Change, a Lighter Spirit, and a More Fulfilling Life

Neal (JesusHacks 2.0) and Carly Samudre, husband and wife cofounders of the therapy and coaching company Enjoyco, deliver a straightforward take on the importance of joy. “Joy is not the result of change but the cause of it,” they contend, exploring how an upbeat outlook can help with mental illness, financial distress, physical well-being, and relationships. They outline seven principles to lead a more positive life, including “be curious with your emotions,” “find your joyful purpose,” and “make it fun.” To illustrate the principle “interrupt your loops,” Neal recounts how he used to avoid confronting negative emotions by distracting himself with social media, and counsels readers to disrupt such harmful behavioral patterns by exploring their underlying motivations and embracing Jesus-like humility. Carly reflects on how her tendency to push money matters out of her mind exemplifies a “money-blind” perspective that takes Jesus’s cautions about worshipping money to the extreme and produces stress by way of financial mismanagement. Instead, the authors recommend setting aside time to evaluate one’s finances and develop a budget plan. Readers will be reassured that the Samudres’ advice arises from personal experience, even if their guidance is largely familiar. The result is a sensible if standard program. (Jan.)