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From Hurt to Happiness
Do you struggle in your relationships?
Do your relationships have more hurt than happiness, and you’re not sure why?
Do you want to find more happiness in your life as a whole?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, From Hurt to Happiness is for you. When you meet author Mike Van today, you would never imagine the pain he experienced in his past. From fleeing a war ravaged country as a boy, to years of being bullied and finding himself on the brink of suicide at nineteen, to overcoming the lingering depression that plagued him from childhood.
With heart-wrenching candor, Van shares his many challenges and the path he found to ultimately overcome them. He takes us inside his personal road to rebuilding his inner strength, his identity, and his life. These are trials we all may have experienced in one way or another.
Through relaying his personal strife, Van shares the many pitfalls of relationships and the secrets to their success. In From Hurt to Happiness, he lays out the twenty-five secrets he’s learned about connecting with people, how to get others to willingly comply to our needs, and why it can be a struggle being understood and accepted. Van gives readers the secrets that help replace the hurt in our lives and relationships so that happiness and joy can flourish.
In From Hurt to Happiness, walks through Mike Van’s path to transformation and joy, and gives readers the opportunity to find answers to improving their own relationships – and their life.
Mike Van lives in Sydney, Australia. He hopes to see personal development such as conflict resolution, taught in schools and to young adults - equipping our children and future leaders with the necessary tools to make positive differences for generations to come.
www.fromhurttohappiness.com
Do your relationships have more hurt than happiness, and you’re not sure why?
Do you want to find more happiness in your life as a whole?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, From Hurt to Happiness is for you. When you meet author Mike Van today, you would never imagine the pain he experienced in his past. From fleeing a war ravaged country as a boy, to years of being bullied and finding himself on the brink of suicide at nineteen, to overcoming the lingering depression that plagued him from childhood.
With heart-wrenching candor, Van shares his many challenges and the path he found to ultimately overcome them. He takes us inside his personal road to rebuilding his inner strength, his identity, and his life. These are trials we all may have experienced in one way or another.
Through relaying his personal strife, Van shares the many pitfalls of relationships and the secrets to their success. In From Hurt to Happiness, he lays out the twenty-five secrets he’s learned about connecting with people, how to get others to willingly comply to our needs, and why it can be a struggle being understood and accepted. Van gives readers the secrets that help replace the hurt in our lives and relationships so that happiness and joy can flourish.
In From Hurt to Happiness, walks through Mike Van’s path to transformation and joy, and gives readers the opportunity to find answers to improving their own relationships – and their life.
Mike Van lives in Sydney, Australia. He hopes to see personal development such as conflict resolution, taught in schools and to young adults - equipping our children and future leaders with the necessary tools to make positive differences for generations to come.
www.fromhurttohappiness.com
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2013
26 people are currently reading
1532 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 21, 2013
From Hurt to Happiness is a fantastic book and I would like to recommend it to every of you currently in a relationship or who are frustrated and disappointed of relationships . When I started to read it, I couldn't stop to reading, cover to cover. This book start with a thrilling story of the author Mr. Van who immigrated from a poverty family in Vietnam. In the book, Mr. Van not just simply open his heart to depict his life story and reveal pain, but in another view to understand the difficulties he were suffered. Differ with some people who complained and hold enmity to those who caused pain, In the book. Mr. Van telling readers to understand their limitations replacing anger with love compassion. I learned many life lesson from the book. I was totally touched by reading this book. So much love is unspoken, the father of Mr. Van's father is a person who never showing love outside. But It isn't mean his father does not love him.Vulnerability is a choice. Apologizing isn't weakness. how the misunderstand generate among people... I learned from each chapter. It is really a good book helping people to deal with relationship and improve your interpersonal skills.
June 18, 2013
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
What a brilliant book!!
Anyone, and I mean ANYONE, starting a new relationship, currently in one, or still trying to work out why one didn't work, needs to read this book ASAP!
Following the life of the author. We see through his eyes, a story of being a small child migrating from the only place he has ever know in Vietnam, to Australia.
"So much love is unspoken. "
There are so many life lessons throughout this book, I feel it would be wonderful high school/ uni Literature.
"When I was growing up, I had an overwhelming urge to prove how independent I was."
Didn't we all?? I loved this chapter!!
Learning to love yourself is something that we have always been told, but do we actually do it??
I felt a special connection to chapter 9: FREEDOM TO BREATHE.
As mothers, we care for our children, our husband, our home, but when do we take the time out to rest? To relax? To recoup?
What this man has been through brought me to tears, can you imagine having your father, a drunken man at times, your strength, your protecter, pour gasoline around your home so you will all burn in your sleep??
Think about that for a while. Would you be able to forgive this man, your 'protecter'? If you answered NO, you need to read this book NOW!
" He was just struggling with his own fears and dark past. "
It is truly an amazing journey of self discovery, self love and the ability to see deeper into a person then what is at the surface
My favourite chapters, are to many to list, however rest assured that I will indeed be re-reading them
All.
Well done on a wonderful book!!
What a brilliant book!!
Anyone, and I mean ANYONE, starting a new relationship, currently in one, or still trying to work out why one didn't work, needs to read this book ASAP!
Following the life of the author. We see through his eyes, a story of being a small child migrating from the only place he has ever know in Vietnam, to Australia.
"So much love is unspoken. "
There are so many life lessons throughout this book, I feel it would be wonderful high school/ uni Literature.
"When I was growing up, I had an overwhelming urge to prove how independent I was."
Didn't we all?? I loved this chapter!!
Learning to love yourself is something that we have always been told, but do we actually do it??
I felt a special connection to chapter 9: FREEDOM TO BREATHE.
As mothers, we care for our children, our husband, our home, but when do we take the time out to rest? To relax? To recoup?
What this man has been through brought me to tears, can you imagine having your father, a drunken man at times, your strength, your protecter, pour gasoline around your home so you will all burn in your sleep??
Think about that for a while. Would you be able to forgive this man, your 'protecter'? If you answered NO, you need to read this book NOW!
" He was just struggling with his own fears and dark past. "
It is truly an amazing journey of self discovery, self love and the ability to see deeper into a person then what is at the surface
My favourite chapters, are to many to list, however rest assured that I will indeed be re-reading them
All.
Well done on a wonderful book!!
July 4, 2013
I was given this book. (Happy to support a new Goodreads author).
Mike Van did a good job with the subject --- however ---I think this book would best be read by younger adults (single's who are still trying to figure out relationship-tip skills).
I've been married for 34 years: I'm 61 years old ---(have a wonderful life partner) ---
I know about active listening - I could teach relationship workshops ---
I know about being responsible for having my relationships work in life --etc.
....I'm hosting an event today at my own house....(I have 900+ people on my own website) ---As my husband & I host community gatherings 'often') ---
We participate in community ---We care about well-being: health/love/happiness and full-self-expression. I've been a walking 'life-coach' to my friends -family-and community for years. ---
My husband & I both give support to others often ---
AND know when to step back and take care of our personal needs (sickness/ etc.), sometimes we ask others for support also!
We do our best to LIVE by "The Four Agreements" in life: (the small wisdom book by Don Miguel Ruiz). ---
Most people do the best they can in life (with the skills they have at the moment).
Life is forever changing ---(We keep learning -growing -adding new tools to our 'well-being toolbox') -- We have the opportunity to complete our lives as we grow!
I wish Mike good health-happiness lots of love -and many fun adventures!
Mike Van did a good job with the subject --- however ---I think this book would best be read by younger adults (single's who are still trying to figure out relationship-tip skills).
I've been married for 34 years: I'm 61 years old ---(have a wonderful life partner) ---
I know about active listening - I could teach relationship workshops ---
I know about being responsible for having my relationships work in life --etc.
....I'm hosting an event today at my own house....(I have 900+ people on my own website) ---As my husband & I host community gatherings 'often') ---
We participate in community ---We care about well-being: health/love/happiness and full-self-expression. I've been a walking 'life-coach' to my friends -family-and community for years. ---
My husband & I both give support to others often ---
AND know when to step back and take care of our personal needs (sickness/ etc.), sometimes we ask others for support also!
We do our best to LIVE by "The Four Agreements" in life: (the small wisdom book by Don Miguel Ruiz). ---
Most people do the best they can in life (with the skills they have at the moment).
Life is forever changing ---(We keep learning -growing -adding new tools to our 'well-being toolbox') -- We have the opportunity to complete our lives as we grow!
I wish Mike good health-happiness lots of love -and many fun adventures!
November 6, 2013
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads First Reads. I found this book to be very repetitive. Every chapter was basically about the same fundamental thing which made it a little uninteresting. I enjoyed reading about the authors experiences and how he recovered.
July 10, 2013
Such a touching account of a life story covered with twists and turns in a very artistic way possible.Good one Van
December 16, 2013
This book is a great read for someone who is battling with themselves and feeling unloved or like they are unable to love. Those however are not the only elements covered in this book. The author covers topics such as:
The inability to love oneself
The inability to feel loved by others
Stressors that can cause your partner to feel unloved
Bad communication
Differences in communication
And much much more.
I was actual taken during the periods that the author utilized his life experiences in order to relay his message. I felt for him when he spoke of:
Being bullied
His parents and their interpretation of love
Of having been a Vietnam refugee newly arrived to Australia
The stressors of bad communication between he and his family and how they impacted his potential relationships
I found that there were many great points to this book. Things that could be useful to many people. Not only the ones struggling with these things, but those of us who need a little reminder. Sometimes we have the ability to express ourselves and demonstrate proper love for our partners, but he/she doesn't and cannot. So this would be a great book to read with your partner.
The authors was very clear in his explanation of how a traumatic past can inhibit a persons ability to demonstrate their emotions and how this can easily form a cycle. He also did a great job of showing the reader how not to be insistent and how to try and learn your partners form of expression and their love language.
There were a few things that I thought could have improved the book. There were increments in which the author seemed a little preachy and there was quite a bit of repetition. I think that if some of the repetition was minimized (most of if was apparent more towards the end) and the author incorporated more of his life experiences, this may have made the book a little more personable. Like a one on one lesson with the reader, as opposed to seeming preachy and finger pointing.
Other than that, this a a self-help book that may just help someone. I recommend it.
The inability to love oneself
The inability to feel loved by others
Stressors that can cause your partner to feel unloved
Bad communication
Differences in communication
And much much more.
I was actual taken during the periods that the author utilized his life experiences in order to relay his message. I felt for him when he spoke of:
Being bullied
His parents and their interpretation of love
Of having been a Vietnam refugee newly arrived to Australia
The stressors of bad communication between he and his family and how they impacted his potential relationships
I found that there were many great points to this book. Things that could be useful to many people. Not only the ones struggling with these things, but those of us who need a little reminder. Sometimes we have the ability to express ourselves and demonstrate proper love for our partners, but he/she doesn't and cannot. So this would be a great book to read with your partner.
The authors was very clear in his explanation of how a traumatic past can inhibit a persons ability to demonstrate their emotions and how this can easily form a cycle. He also did a great job of showing the reader how not to be insistent and how to try and learn your partners form of expression and their love language.
There were a few things that I thought could have improved the book. There were increments in which the author seemed a little preachy and there was quite a bit of repetition. I think that if some of the repetition was minimized (most of if was apparent more towards the end) and the author incorporated more of his life experiences, this may have made the book a little more personable. Like a one on one lesson with the reader, as opposed to seeming preachy and finger pointing.
Other than that, this a a self-help book that may just help someone. I recommend it.
December 16, 2013
Extended review can be found on The Review Board.
When I first delved into this book, I believed it was the story about a man who had battled his own emotional demons and was sharing his experiences of triumph. I was drawn in during the periods of time where the author spoke about being a Vietnam refugee who moved to Australia, the dysfunctional in his family dynamic and being bullied. I really appreciated that beginning emotional component and believed that would be the main fuel throughout this read.
However, it soon adapted and became the classic formula for a self-help book on romantic relationships, and I confess to being slightly disappointed. I understood the repetition at the beginning of chapters and again at the end of chapters, yet there were moments in quite a few chapters where the gist of the narrative was constantly repeated. I yearned for the personal feel that was presented at the very beginning of this work. The message would have been even more impactful if that was utilized more.
Overall, this is a book that could be of great service to people struggling with lack of communication and how to communicate effectively as well as adaptation of love for self and others. Because of the underlying messages, I do recommend this work.
When I first delved into this book, I believed it was the story about a man who had battled his own emotional demons and was sharing his experiences of triumph. I was drawn in during the periods of time where the author spoke about being a Vietnam refugee who moved to Australia, the dysfunctional in his family dynamic and being bullied. I really appreciated that beginning emotional component and believed that would be the main fuel throughout this read.
However, it soon adapted and became the classic formula for a self-help book on romantic relationships, and I confess to being slightly disappointed. I understood the repetition at the beginning of chapters and again at the end of chapters, yet there were moments in quite a few chapters where the gist of the narrative was constantly repeated. I yearned for the personal feel that was presented at the very beginning of this work. The message would have been even more impactful if that was utilized more.
Overall, this is a book that could be of great service to people struggling with lack of communication and how to communicate effectively as well as adaptation of love for self and others. Because of the underlying messages, I do recommend this work.
August 10, 2013
I received an email from Amazon.com telling me that if I enjoyed the book "Five Love Languages" I might enjoy "From Hurt to Happiness." I'm amazed at the power this book has. It's going to take me about 3-4 readings before I get all there is to get. This is an absolutely wonderful book talking about love, getting in tune with others, and so many many other points he brings up. I have a lot to learn and a whole lot to put into practice. I have a family member that is really struggling right now and I asked him if I could get a copy for him and he said he's not emotionally capable at the moment. I feel it could help all of us in some way or another. Recommend.
August 18, 2013
Do you struggle in your relationships? YES!
Do your relationships have more hurt than happiness, and you're not sure why? YESSS!!!
Do you want to find more happiness in your life as a whole? YESSSSS!!!
If you did not answer yes to any of these questions, you're not human!!
After reading this I found $100 on the ground, won $5000 in the lottery and got a promotion!
This book changed my life :) I recommend this to anyone with personality disorders, or is just struggling with their life!
Received in a goodreads givaway
Do your relationships have more hurt than happiness, and you're not sure why? YESSS!!!
Do you want to find more happiness in your life as a whole? YESSSSS!!!
If you did not answer yes to any of these questions, you're not human!!
After reading this I found $100 on the ground, won $5000 in the lottery and got a promotion!
This book changed my life :) I recommend this to anyone with personality disorders, or is just struggling with their life!
Received in a goodreads givaway
June 30, 2015
Mike, I'm glad you recommended your new book to me! I think this would be very valuable in the hands of young adults before they get bad habits too ingrained into their being. It would also be helpful for families that aren't as close as they could be, or for those people who see relationships as hopeless. This book read like sitting at a coffee shop with a knowledgeable, and talkative, friend giving relationship advice. I really like how you shared your personal experiences. While there may be some room for editing, the book was really loaded with great nuggets of wisdom.
July 10, 2013
I read this book over the course of a couple of days. Don't do that.
It doesn't give you enough time to let everything sink in and perhaps I really just wasn't able to fully absorb a lot of the content.
The author shared about his personal experiences and you could tell that there was a lot of love and care put into the writing of this book.
This is the type of book that I will probably review in the future - much more slowly ;)
It doesn't give you enough time to let everything sink in and perhaps I really just wasn't able to fully absorb a lot of the content.
The author shared about his personal experiences and you could tell that there was a lot of love and care put into the writing of this book.
This is the type of book that I will probably review in the future - much more slowly ;)
January 29, 2014
I just couldn't quite get into this book. Enjoyed the first one-third of it but skimmed through the rest. It's focused is on romantic relationships, not evident from the title. If you are in a relationship, having problems with a relationship, frustrated or dissappointed of a relationship, this book would be relevant. If you are searching for a book with a psychological angle to emotions, this is not quite it.
July 22, 2013
I've quickly skimmed through 60% of the book. It's focused on romantic relationships, which is fine but the title didn't suggest that. The book is about a prsonal journey, which can be enlightening for some.
June 19, 2013
Love the book. The author really shared himself and there was so many insights inside, I was amazed!
Eli
Eli
October 12, 2014
I enjoyed this book very much and Mike Van's insights on hurt and how to turn that hurt into something more useful - happiness.
July 5, 2013
This is a very good book with very clear and helpful information on navigating relationships!
Everyone should read it!
Everyone should read it!
July 9, 2013
A thoughtful coming of age story full of insights and good advice. It is articulated clearly and is a pleasure to read. And kudos for a rich list of bibliographical references.
July 21, 2013
Very good and informative. Teaches what may be wrong in your relationship with loved ones and how to deal with it. Would tell anyone struggling to read this book.
February 2, 2017
Hurt and Happiness run us in a vicious cycle
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews