Frequently Happy: 52 Mindful Moments to Bring Hope and Joy

by David Larbi

A beautiful book combining poetry, topics of self-reflection and journalling prompts to help readers find joy all around them.

I always pay attention
When a small joy grabs me
Some say easily pleased
I say, frequently happy!

Life can often be stressful. Each day might seem like a struggle to get through. You may find yourself desperate to get to the weekend, or wishing time would pass more quickly.
David Larbi is here to show you how to see beauty in the everyday and build pockets of joy, inspiration and calm into your life. Combining poetry with weekly reflections, this book is designed to help you explore your emotions, seize opportunities to grow, and find happiness all year round.

With journalling and activity prompts for every season, Frequently Happy creates space for deep self-reflection and brings motivation and gratitude to the forefront.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Audiobook, Health, Summer

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[♡ abbie ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting! I’m a poetry girly to my core so I looooved the inclusion of poems as well as David’s thoughts. Having the journal spaces was a fab idea too, as every mindful moment contains at least one very relatable thought or feeling, so being able to add something of my own was lovely. David is an exceptional writer (and, I must say, a fantastic friend too) so I always knew I was going to love this book, but it’s made me see so many things in my life differently and for that I’m truly grateful ❤️

[audge :-)]

very sweet and uplifting!! david larbi has a way of rewiring my brain unlike any other content creator. i love his vids online and was very impressed with this book. his advice feels very relevant to my life right now. thx maren for this book <33

"I always pay attention
When a small joy grabs me
Some say easily pleased
I say, frequently happy!"

YEAHHHH THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN ABOUT!!!!

[eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars rounded up)

sooo just to preface this review by stating that i first came across david larbi on tiktok, where he posts short videos reciting his optimistic poems and stories recounting the joys and sometimes challenges of his day. he has a very contagious chirpy spirit and when i saw he was writing and releasing his own book, i knew i wanted to read it and see what it was like.

in the main, i felt like the general idea for this book was great, and the formula of it all did work really well. i love the concept of 52 ‘once a week’ chapters that follow seasons of the year; each presenting a poem, a few reassuring mindful paragraphs, and a self-reflective journal prompt. david larbi should be very proud of this book and the good that he continues to set out to achieve and inspire.

i particularly enjoyed some of the more insightful, psychological aspects throughout. one of the chapters within ‘spring’ about the illusion of frequency (baader-meinhof) and how this can be applied to happiness was really interesting and stuck out to me as being very memorable. particularly for the fact it attached a formal label to a concept i’d noticed before and just not known it existed officially.

however, my little gripe with this book is that a lot of the ‘advice’ or words of wisdom felt slightly generic or … kind of obvious to me? perhaps this is coming from somebody who’s just been fortunate enough to have had a great upbringing with a network of supportive and encouraging people around me - so oftentimes, what was posed as ‘never heard before’ perspective-altering mental health advice and reassurance, actually ended up being just something that my dad has always taught me or what friends of mine say all the time.
i don’t for a second think it felt patronising or anything, but certain chapters’ content and wording did almost feel like a children’s tv show host teaching children lessons on how to navigate growing up, rather than adult-to-adult advice on how to juggle and manage hectic everyday life?

overall though, i still think it’s certainly worth a read. even if you only take one or two gems from the book, it’s worthwhile for how quick and easy a read it is. i’m also thinking this book will come in handy to me later on for referring back to certain poems or journal prompts. it would be lovely to use this as your self reflection diary for the year; set one day each week as ‘journal night’ and work through the seasons this way <3

[Zoë · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know why, but I couldn’t finish this book. At first, I liked it, but after a while, it all felt like little happy stories I couldn’t resonate with. Though I love David and his way of writing, especially his poetry.
Maybe this just isn’t the time for me to read this.
I will definitely try again one day.

[Aisling · Rating 5 out of 5]

David just fills my heart with joy 😭😭

[Jaguar Tiririca]

This is such a nice little book. I will not give it a star rating, it should live on its own and touch each of us differently each time and with each chapter. It’s a nice reminder to cherish the small moments and appreciate good things. It’s also a nice comfort for the other days.

Underthink!
If you have a good idea
Act on it before the fear
Instincts are formed over time
Yours, I promise, work just fine
If it’s something you can see
Then it’s something that can be
Pull yourself back from the brink
Sometimes you should underthink!

[Diana Oreamuno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book is like hug.

[Jo-Ann Bonapart · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAA ik schreeuwde letterlijk nee toen ik besefte dat ik op de laatste pagina was 3 dit boek was echt alles en meer en nu kan ik het nooit meer voor het eerst lezen
new forever fave denk ik

[Olivia McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite simply a beautifully written book. Larbi makes a convincing case for finding happiness in even the smallest joys as his poetry guides the reader through the seasons of life. The poems and prose are personal yet relatable and Larbi's personality shines brightly through his writing. It's a carefully crafted debut brimming with contagious positivity.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've absolutely inhaled this one I loved it so much. It's a really quick easy read. The basic layout of this book is that there are 52 "moments" and each moment has a poem, extract and a journal prompt. I really liked this structure because I love poetry when I can understand it so having an extract to explain it works well for me and then the journal prompt means you can relate it back to your own life and personal meaning which means you are getting a lot out of this book.

Sometimes I read a self help and then I don't always know straight away how to apply what I've learnt to my actual life but with this one you are forced to reflect after each part which I think is really helpful.

The book is split into 4 sections as well winter, spring, summer and autumn so you could read this going through the year as a tool book or straight through like I did. It's definitely one I think I'll pick up again at different points even just to reflect back on in times I need a little guidance. I think it's lovely. 💖

[Freya Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book. I liked the journal prompts at the end of each chapter they really helped me to reflect

[Ghislaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a warm hug <3

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wat een mooi boek! Ik kende Larbi van zijn gedichten op Instagram. Toen ik dit boek las, voelde het alsof hij het aan mij voorlas. 4 seizoenen, 52 thema's met een gedicht, een uiteenzetting en een journal prompt. Ik denk dat het een erg fijn boek is voor zelfreflectie en om je op te beuren. Geen 5 sterren, omdat ik de uiteenzettingen wat kort vond en het idee had dat dit uitgebreider had gekund en het zo nog meer diepgang had kunnen hebben. Maar zeker een aanrader!

[Clara MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

such a cute book! very wholesome. sometimes a little repetitive. but a nice chill read to pick up on lunch breaks or out and about. I would recommend not reading this in the traditional sense (cover to cover) and instead read during the relevant seasons and fill out the journal prompts then. that would be the most fulfilling way of enjoying this book. i will re-read next year and follow the prompts.

[Léana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a ray of a sunshine was put onto paper.

[Elina Lukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want this book to end. It felt like a really deep, meaningful conversation with your favourite friend over delicious hot tea. It radiates warmth and is my first 5 stars of 2026.

[Kejda · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Larbi takes simple elements of everyday life, dresses them with a beautiful nuance of rhyme and transforms them into verses full of meaning that make you think about life or motivate you to simply pay a little more attention to the world and to yourself. Each poem is a reasonable dose of magical optimism that cannot help but put a smile on your face, even when the theme being addressed is not the easiest one.

[Asia Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frequently Happy: 52 Mindful Moments to Bring Hope and Joy, is exactly the kind of book the world needs right now. David Larbi has created a beautiful blend of poetry, reflection, and mindful journaling prompts that gently remind us to slow down and notice the joy tucked into everyday life. Each of the 52 mindful moments feels like a small gift, whether it’s appreciating a simple pleasure, setting healthy boundaries, or finding courage in challenging times. What I loved most is how accessible and uplifting this book is. It genuinely felt like a breath of fresh air to pick this book up and slow down, and reflect. You don’t need to carve out hours of time either, just a few minutes with one of these reflections can completely shift your perspective and brighten your day. His words are warm, encouraging, and deeply human, making this not just a book to read once, but one to return to again and again throughout the year. In fact, I can’t wait for this book to release so I can gift my mom a copy, as she loves these types of books and even maybe one for myself to read again at a later date. This is more than a collection of mindful practices like a typical self help type of book, it’s a companion for cultivating gratitude, hope, and joy in every season of life…Literally, as this book is separated into well curated seasons, with poetry and subjects relevant in those seasons, yet still timeless so you can still partake anytime of year. I’ll be recommending Frequently Happy to friends, family, and anyone looking for a little more light and reflection in their days. Thank you David Larbi, SOURCEBOOKS (non-fiction), and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Boekjesverslinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book unites poetry, reflection, and invitation into a year-long journey of presence. It beckons us to slow down, to listen deeply, and to notice the magic within the mundane. It blends musings with thoughtful prompts in a way that reminds us that joy is not something to chase, but something to cultivate.

The book's entries touch on self-growth, gratitude, and the work of tending one's inner world like a garden. It encourages us to stay close to ourselves, to meet each day with curiosity and care.

What I find most wonderful is the way David honors the natural rhythm of being human by likening our inner lives to the turning of the seasons. Just as the Earth cycles through light and shadow, warmth and cold, so do we. There’s no expectation for perpetual sunshine or endless bloom. Instead, this perspective gives us permission to embrace our winters as much as our springs. It makes us understand that moments of stillness, grief, or rest are not signs of failure, but part of a living cycle.

We can let go, just like trees that shed their leaves to conserve energy. We can pause and gather strength invisibly, just like seeds that lie dormant beneath frozen ground. I find this seasonal view of life freeing because it reminds us that growth is not linear.

This book was a lovely read.

[Rachel Hood · Rating 4 out of 5]

These 52 mindful moments to bring hope and joy were simple yet meaningful. I was excited to read this book, after hearing David Larbi’s poems on Instagram and his debut book did not disappoint. It was fast paced and upbeat whilst acknowledging that, though it focuses on optimism and positivity, there are still tough moments to get through and things out of our control. This book strives to turn things in our control into something more positive, encouraging the reader to have confidence in themselves and become a happier person. The layout was particularly effective, with each chapter having a poem and essay followed by a journal prompt to help the reader implement the chapter’s focus in their own lives. The book was split into four sections – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn which helped divide the book into different moods for different times of year and feelings. This is a book which I would return to when I need help finding positivity in my life and it is a book that everyone could benefit from reading. 3.75 stars.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Sourcebooks Nonfiction for my #gifted ARC. My thoughts are my own.

What a lovely, lovely book! I thoroughly enjoyed working through the 52 mindful moments themed and grouped according to spring, summer, winter, and fall. Each has a poem by Larbi followed by a thought developed from that theme, and finally a question or two to guide the reader in reflection and/or journaling. The 52 moments are not required to be read in sequential order, but can be. They can be used to frame each of the 52 weeks of the year if the reader so chooses, but this is also quite optional. I appreciate that the book provides a framework but leaves it up to the reader on how to implement and personalize it. Throughout, the themes of joy, hope, and finding contentment are repeated, encouraging the reader to find inspiration for them in the quotidian and small we encounter all around us. This is at once a deeply personal and eminently giftable book, especially with the holidays approaching.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a title I have absolutely no criticisms of. From the very beginning, the author presents a beautifully curated poetic collection that explores the seasons throughout the year, forging connections not only with readers across generations but also with the present moment. The book is filled with many memorable moments, and its journal prompts are a distinctive feature that sets it apart within the genre. Each poem and prompt is thoughtfully crafted to help readers better understand themselves, their motivations, and their interactions with the world. There are moments of tough love, addressing difficult issues some may not feel ready to face, yet these are conveyed in a way that encourages growth, pushing beyond comfort zones while maintaining self-respect and respect for others. Ultimately, this is a wonderful collection that, like David's social media profiles, excels at spreading love, peace, and hope for brighter days.

[Neha · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Larbi’s poetic Instagram shorts always leave me smiling. His first ever published book, Frequently Happy, is a collection of poetry, remaining very true to his voice, commenting on the unique and mundane aspects of our lives, rooted in the ideals of positive outlooks, hope, fulfillment, and self-care.

The book is divided into four chapters, each named after the seasons (starting with Winter). Each poem includes a personal reflection, breaking down each poem’s meaning through the lens of Larbi’s life and memories.

Although he has a long way to go in terms of his writing skills, I hope he continues his poetry and expands on his works, spreading joy with his gentle voice and inspiring all of us to embrace a sparkle of happiness in our darkest days.

Thank you to my boyfriend, Taylor, for gifting me this: a book just as sweet, optimistic, and dream-oriented as he is. You are my constant reminder to be gentle with my soul and take pride in my strength.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik ben dol op de schattige gedichten van David Larbi. Altijd als zijn video's op social media voorbijkomen, word ik helemaal vrolijk. Toen zijn eerste boek uitkwam, heb ik dan ook gelijk een preorder geplaatst en sinds januari ben ik in dit boek bezig. Dat lijkt veel te lang, maar het is opgedeeld in de vier jaargetijden, met als bedoeling dat je ze per seizoen rustig doorleest.

Er staan 52 gedichten in, met een bijbehorende anekdote op het gebied van ontwikkeling en mindfulness en wat reflectievragen voor de lezer. Dat hoefde van mij niet zo, het ging mij alleen om de gedichten, maar ik moet zeggen dat ik de verhalen erbij ook leuk vond om te lezen en er wat dingen voor mezelf uit heb gehaald.

Geen boek om te verslinden, maar juist om er af en toe even bij te pakken en rustig van te genieten. Vrolijk, lief en hartverwarmend!

[Anisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

David, David, David!!
This book is everything I hoped it would be. I’ve been following David Larbi on social media for a while now, and his poems and daily reflections never fail to lift the weight off my shoulders and bring a smile to even the weariest of faces.

This book captures all of that, alongside the emotions, experiences, and inner battles that so many of us go through in our 20s and 30s. Through a blend of poetry, personal insights, and reflective journal entries, David delivers thoughtful storytelling that feels both intimate and interactive.

It’s a truly calming, inspiring read that I know I’ll be coming back to again and again. Thank you, David, for continuing to share your light in so many beautiful ways.

[Alicia P · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I found myself thinking “yess YESS, YES!” a lot while reading this. He rlly gets it 🙂‍↕️

Although I loved the poems part, the rest didn’t feel quite as “deep,” I guess you could say, as it felt like it was trying to be if that makes sense. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but if there were more poems in it, I think I would have liked it more because those are what felt the most real and raw to me. (I did appreciate his thoughts don’t get me wrong)

But apart from that, I very much enjoyed it, I think I would read this again if I bought a copy because it’s a lot of what I already tell myself but written in a very clear way on paper. I also really liked the journal prompts. Would recommend!

[Carly Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy! I needed this so much.
I love how simple and beautiful the poetry is. The author gives little insights into his life and childhood which makes the book very relatable.
Within an hour I was pulled out of my winter funk.
Thank you for this beautiful gift.
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a boost of joy.
It contains a delightfully simple framework to help you kickstart cultivating positive emotions today.
Short and snappy practical journaling practices to help you to shift your mindset from negative self talk and a hopeless outlook on the world to finding true joy in life’s simple pleasures.

[Jemelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

no way is this a debut? i just realised when i got to the end.

i actually came across this book on my for you page on IG. i read up on it & 10 mins later i was in waterstones buying this book.

i actually loved it from the very first chapter. i love how the book is broken up into seasons. i love how each chapter per se starts with a poem and then thoughts after. the highlight for me though is definitely the journal prompts at the end of the chapters. really makes you think & appreciate being able to take time out whilst reading to think.

a phenomenal debut, will be looking out for more books by David.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming book!
I was initially disappointed that this isn't just a book full of his lovely poems I see on Instagram.
I think I would define it as "soft" self help. Lots of bite sized (2 pages) topics without getting too heavy.
I think if I'd come across this on my 20s when I was fresh into self help this would've been a game changer. But I've read a lot and there's nothing really new in here. That's not a bad thing coz it's written so well and easy to digest. I may buy myself a copy to dip in and out of.
Highly recommended!

I thought the author was British but the book had American spelling 😔

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girlfriend got me this book a couple of months ago. I am currently in the process of starting to read and wanted to read something that was not fiction.

When I got this I had no idea who David Larbi was. I started by reading one chapter before work each morning, not been a poetry guy or one for “self help” but there were some lessons in here that spoke to me. Larbi’s use of words and poems is a joy to read and anyone can take away something from this. If you’re remotely interested in an eay to read, feel good book. Pick this up and you might be surprised how good it is.