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Bright Side Up: 100 Ways to Be Happier Right Now
You don't need to reinvent your whole life to be happier-you just need to turn it bright side up!
We all have those days when life could use a lift. Enter Bright Side Up, a clever and comforting compendium to help you shift your perspective and appreciate what's right in front of you. With the warmth and wisdom of a dear friend, this deceptively simple guide offers emergency optimism when you need it with fresh tips that can be put to use on the spot, including:
Thank the lemons
Rally in the rain delay
Steer life like a motorcycle
Ask your one-hundred-year-old self
Plan your party story
We all have those days when life could use a lift. Enter Bright Side Up, a clever and comforting compendium to help you shift your perspective and appreciate what's right in front of you. With the warmth and wisdom of a dear friend, this deceptively simple guide offers emergency optimism when you need it with fresh tips that can be put to use on the spot, including:
Thank the lemons
Rally in the rain delay
Steer life like a motorcycle
Ask your one-hundred-year-old self
Plan your party story
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2012
17 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 23, 2012
I think this book is awesome. But then, I did write it. Seriously though, I'm truly proud of this book, and I hope it helps change the way you look at the life you have in a happier, more hopeful way.
May 15, 2012
This is a friendly, helpful book, centered around this key: "you don't have to change your life to be happier - you just need to change how you see your life to be happier."
Easier said than done, true, but doable with practice. I'm certain that I'm better at it now than I used to be, and this book offers accessible tips - tips you may already know, but none of us know them so well that we don't need regular reminders. That's what self-help books and church are for. The problem, as with most self-help books, is that the people who most need the advice may not be able to read it.
For those of us who have come to a place where we're only marginally unhappy, and understand the value of being reminded to think positively, Bright Side is a good addition to our shelves. It's organized by sections: When Life's Little Annoyances Happen..., When Your Social Life Goes a Little Awry..., When Your Relationships Could Use a Reboot...
It's a dipping book, in other words, not something that you'd read from cover to cover in one sitting - and then be done with. Amy Spencer writes with a comfortable, embracing voice, and each dip is a good one.
Or you can do the trick my brother showed me this morning. Put a pen or pencil sideways in your mouth, so that it's kind of like a stick in a dog's mouth. Now talk. The pen forces a smile, and the ancient part of our brain that controls us a lot more than we'd like to think evidently reacts with a slight buzz of happiness. Smiling = happiness. Either that or it's just so silly that it brings on some glee.
Thanks to first reads for a chance to read Bright Side.
Easier said than done, true, but doable with practice. I'm certain that I'm better at it now than I used to be, and this book offers accessible tips - tips you may already know, but none of us know them so well that we don't need regular reminders. That's what self-help books and church are for. The problem, as with most self-help books, is that the people who most need the advice may not be able to read it.
For those of us who have come to a place where we're only marginally unhappy, and understand the value of being reminded to think positively, Bright Side is a good addition to our shelves. It's organized by sections: When Life's Little Annoyances Happen..., When Your Social Life Goes a Little Awry..., When Your Relationships Could Use a Reboot...
It's a dipping book, in other words, not something that you'd read from cover to cover in one sitting - and then be done with. Amy Spencer writes with a comfortable, embracing voice, and each dip is a good one.
Or you can do the trick my brother showed me this morning. Put a pen or pencil sideways in your mouth, so that it's kind of like a stick in a dog's mouth. Now talk. The pen forces a smile, and the ancient part of our brain that controls us a lot more than we'd like to think evidently reacts with a slight buzz of happiness. Smiling = happiness. Either that or it's just so silly that it brings on some glee.
Thanks to first reads for a chance to read Bright Side.
June 6, 2013
I liked a lot of this book, but also felt that, at many points through it, the author was way out of touch with reality. For example, praising her friend who overslept and missed his flight and had to pay $1000 extra dollars to get a different flight b/c he had a good attitude about it. For me, I don't have, or have access to an extra $1000, so I can't just say oh well. I just wouldn't be able to go and would lose out on the flight I missed. Or telling folks to treat themselves after a hard day or doing something they didn't want to do. Sounds good, but the examples she gives are often pretty pricey. I think a lot of people who are feeling like they need an uplift are probably feeling that way because of financial woes. Encouraging them t spend more money may not be the best solution.... But, if you are well to-do and feeling pessimistic, than this book is probably for you!
March 11, 2012
I was born a pessimist, a cynic, a realist. I can't say that this book has changed that about myself, but it DID really help me see how I can at least try to reprogram the part of my brain that immediately hits the Eeyore button when things go wrong in my life. It's a good read and not preachy at all. Loved it and will reread when I'm feeling like the universe is against me!
January 20, 2024
This is one of those books that should sit in your home library so you can pick it up and remind yourself that life is actually pretty good. You don't even have to read the whole thing. Pick any page and read. There actually are 100 pieces of advice for how to look at a situation differently in order to increase your happiness. Sometimes, we need to be reminded. There are no great discoveries here, but there is an optimism about circumstances that, if adopted into a thinking pattern, can make any situation seem less dire.
Now, I must admit, this is easier for me than many. I tend to be an optimist anyway. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. I look at both sides of an argument, at least for a little while. And those who don't are going to see this book as a Pollyanna approach to life. It is. But that doesn't make it wrong.
I'd advise giving yourself a gift, and allow yourself to see things "bright side up," as well.
Now, I must admit, this is easier for me than many. I tend to be an optimist anyway. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. I look at both sides of an argument, at least for a little while. And those who don't are going to see this book as a Pollyanna approach to life. It is. But that doesn't make it wrong.
I'd advise giving yourself a gift, and allow yourself to see things "bright side up," as well.
April 3, 2024
Picked this out randomly at the library and really loved this book!! A big take away is how to look at different situation in a positive way and be happy, grateful, and optimistic for all the things in life. Definitely took away a handful for great lessons and tips. I also signed up for her weekly emails and followed her on social media. Would recommend to anyone looking for a self help book, ways to be positive, or in a tough situation. I also really liked the advice about technology!
August 13, 2018
I read this in ebook form and when I was only partway in it I knew I would be buying a paper copy. There are so many gems in here that I want to read, reread, highlight and remember. This is a very practical book.
December 25, 2020
I really like it. A few suggestions really struck me and I think will change my life in profound and happy ways.
April 13, 2022
Read this book 3 years ago. Its still my favorite book tbh
June 4, 2012
Bright Side Up: 100 Ways to be Happier Right Now by Amy Spencer
★ ★ ★
The point of this book is pretty much: You don't have to completely change your life to be happier – you just need to change how you see life to be happier. And with practice, it will become easier.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway and went into this with an open mind since self-help books are not normally my cup of tea. And while I didn't find anything life-altering in this book, I did find it fun and uplifting. It was an easy book to pick up. One can either just peruse through the contents to find what best fits them or one can just as easily sit down and read the whole thing. I like how the author uses real-life experiences (usually her own or a friend's) to prove her points. I also like that the main points are put into bold throughout her book. Making it easy to just find the quick point when you need it.
Some of the tips are fairly obvious but something many people forget anyway. Because when one is miserable, they often forget the simple things in life that can make them happy. And when I did need cheering up, reading some of these helpful ideas did make a difference in my mood.
★ ★ ★
The point of this book is pretty much: You don't have to completely change your life to be happier – you just need to change how you see life to be happier. And with practice, it will become easier.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway and went into this with an open mind since self-help books are not normally my cup of tea. And while I didn't find anything life-altering in this book, I did find it fun and uplifting. It was an easy book to pick up. One can either just peruse through the contents to find what best fits them or one can just as easily sit down and read the whole thing. I like how the author uses real-life experiences (usually her own or a friend's) to prove her points. I also like that the main points are put into bold throughout her book. Making it easy to just find the quick point when you need it.
Some of the tips are fairly obvious but something many people forget anyway. Because when one is miserable, they often forget the simple things in life that can make them happy. And when I did need cheering up, reading some of these helpful ideas did make a difference in my mood.
March 17, 2016
Bright Side Up is a book filled with 100 ways to become more happy and positive in any situation. It could be a problem at work, in a relationship, or an ordinary mistake that happens all the time. This book has the answer.
Reading this book was definitely worth it. I tried some of the tips and tricks while reading it and they actually work! The book is also filled with many heartwarming statements. For example, “You are-and I know this to be true-a profoundly complex, interesting, wonderful, beautiful human being despite or perhaps because of all of all of the small things that make you differently.” After reading this, I felt so good about myself, and this book is full of them. They are very uplifting. She also gives real scenarios and scientific data to support her claims.
Bright Side up is very well written with no weaknesses in the writing that I saw. I would recommend this book to anybody. If you are sad, read it. If you are happy, read it. No matter what you are feeling, read it. It is a very helpful and heartwarming book.
Reading this book was definitely worth it. I tried some of the tips and tricks while reading it and they actually work! The book is also filled with many heartwarming statements. For example, “You are-and I know this to be true-a profoundly complex, interesting, wonderful, beautiful human being despite or perhaps because of all of all of the small things that make you differently.” After reading this, I felt so good about myself, and this book is full of them. They are very uplifting. She also gives real scenarios and scientific data to support her claims.
Bright Side up is very well written with no weaknesses in the writing that I saw. I would recommend this book to anybody. If you are sad, read it. If you are happy, read it. No matter what you are feeling, read it. It is a very helpful and heartwarming book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2015
Not my normal choice of book, I was asked to review its usefulness for the school library.
This is a book filled with common sense ideas on how to turn your day sunny side up, how to see the good despite bad, how to approach life more positively.
I heartily embrace all those ideas and more.
I have to agree with some other reviewers though that some of her solutions are pricey, many are unobtainable for the average person or are just pushing things hard.
It's great to see a positive in every situation, but not every solution works for every person. I do see she is just providing suggestions but I preferred her ones that involved going for a walk or sitting still.
I also have to say that many of her solutions just don't work if you have kids! Yeah just take a nap or a power walk whenever you want to!!
This is a book filled with common sense ideas on how to turn your day sunny side up, how to see the good despite bad, how to approach life more positively.
I heartily embrace all those ideas and more.
I have to agree with some other reviewers though that some of her solutions are pricey, many are unobtainable for the average person or are just pushing things hard.
It's great to see a positive in every situation, but not every solution works for every person. I do see she is just providing suggestions but I preferred her ones that involved going for a walk or sitting still.
I also have to say that many of her solutions just don't work if you have kids! Yeah just take a nap or a power walk whenever you want to!!
March 5, 2013
Amy Spencer is the best friend you've never met. The way she dishes out advice makes you seem like you've known her forever. So in turn, you trust and believe everything she's saying to you. If you find yourself in the gloom of winter (much like I did the month of February), pick up this book. You can read all at once, or by various chapters.
And since Amy is such a great friend, she's even bolded key statements from each chapter ensuring you hear her message. Much like your current BFF would.
And since Amy is such a great friend, she's even bolded key statements from each chapter ensuring you hear her message. Much like your current BFF would.
May 15, 2012
First Read Win
This book was very interesting. I loved how it gave you ways to be happier. I feel this book was helpful and many people would love to read it. Also that it could help so many. In my opinion this book is one that you read each section at different times not all in one reading.
This book was very interesting. I loved how it gave you ways to be happier. I feel this book was helpful and many people would love to read it. Also that it could help so many. In my opinion this book is one that you read each section at different times not all in one reading.
September 19, 2012
This is a happy book, for sure. Great, practical advice about getting happy dealing with the daily frustrations we all face. If everyone read this book and used these tips, what a happy world we'd all live in.
July 3, 2015
This book is a guide of sorts: 100 ways to be happier right now. I usually stay away from optimistic self-help books, but this was a good one with some useful tips. Plus, it was a genuinely interesting read! Tells you not to change your life, but how you look at it- refreshing!
January 16, 2014
This book is packed with several ideas on how to change your thinking, thereby making you happier.
There's a lot of good suggestions. Unfortunately, I didn't find them helpful. They're were 4 that I could use in my life.
There's a lot of good suggestions. Unfortunately, I didn't find them helpful. They're were 4 that I could use in my life.
June 3, 2012
Loved it, erg inspirerend.
July 29, 2012
A good reminder in ways we can find joy each day through simple things in life.
February 11, 2013
Simple inspiring stuff! I went to Amazon and bought it!
February 13, 2013
Great book. Easy to read. Highlighted almost everything. Its not about the circumstances in our lives, its about how we decide to look at them.
July 17, 2013
A truly motivating and inspirational read which taught methods and ways of looking at life in the bright side! :D
April 9, 2014
Took 6-7 pages of notes! GREat read!!!
October 7, 2013
A good book to pick up and read in short spurts when you're pissed off at the world and all the dummies that you encounter out there in the world. :)
May 11, 2013
I love this book! I come back to it all the time. Definitley a good read and a good pick-me-up book!
June 22, 2013
Very up beat and feel good type of book!
April 26, 2016
Great positive advice to see the bright side and be happier.
June 1, 2012
a great guide in how to look at the brighter side of life which leads to one's happiness
December 29, 2012
Worth keeping on the shelf and reading sections again to keep the thought fresh in your mind.
Read
October 13, 2017Even better on second reading
This is such an upbeat book. I read it several years ago and still loved it the second time around.
This is such an upbeat book. I read it several years ago and still loved it the second time around.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews