21 Ways of Being Happy

by Shama Patel

Happiness is a state of mind. Yes, it is. It is not a condition or situation that is presented to some and kept away from others. It is in our own hands to overcome guilt, self pity, regret and anxiety to lead a fulfilling, happy life. Shama Patel, a professional psychologist, enlists the ways and tricks to stay happy, forever.

21 Ways of Being Happy is written with the aim of bringing you closer to yourself. It is a book that will help you charter the course of your life, your own way.

234 pages, Paperback

First published December 26, 2014

About the author

Shama Patel is a Post-Graduate in Counselling Psychology from Bangalore University. As a Psychologist, she has immense experience dealing with the problems faced by mature adults, confused teenagers, married couples, senior citizens, alcoholics, drug addicts, chain smokers, victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking. She has also been associated with many corporate companies as a consulting Counsellor, assisting in the mental and emotional well-being of the employees. She consults clients on prior appointment basis at The Family Doctor clinic and Medcliniq Diagnostic Center (Pune).
She has authored a book titled ‘21 Ways of Being Happy’, which is available at Crossword Outlets, online at Amazon, Flipkart, Landmark and other leading bookstores across the country. Her book has been regarded as a must read by The Pune Times, The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Golden Sparrow, Sakal Times, Citadel, Femina and popular radio channels like Radio Mirchi, Radio One and Fever 104FM. In her book, Shama conveys the message that one is responsible for one’s own happiness. She reminds the reader that it is in one’s own hand to overcome guilt, self pity, regret, anxiety and other mental barriers that one builds around oneself that drives happiness away. According to her, happiness can be defined as the ability to be in love and peace with oneself every minute of consciousness, whatever circumstances one may experience. She believes that as human beings, we are bound to have ups and downs in life and hence, believing in the terms like ‘a state of perpetual happiness’ creates unnecessary pressure on our Being. Instead of seeking that perpetual happiness, she reinstates the art of embracing one’s self, even at the times when happiness seems long lost. Her book is written with an aim to bring people closer to themselves and make them fall in love with life.
Her second book - Alfaaz (Between love & the Beloved) is available on various online portals like Amazon, Notionpress, Infibeam, Flipkart, Googlebooks and so on.
Shama Patel has successfully executed several workshops/sessions on happiness, life management, mental & emotional well-being at various leading companies like Mahindra & Mahindra, Schindler India Pvt. Ltd., Zamil Steel (twice), Sigma Electric Manufacturing Corp. Pvt. Ltd. (twice), Pumpkin Patch school, Pumpkin Patch day care, Prescient Technologies etc and has been invited as a key note speaker at various organizations including the Aga Khan Development Network, G.N.V.S Institute of Management, Rotary Club(s), VITs PVP College of Architecture and so on.
Shama is an ardent believer in the trinity of the Body, Mind and Soul and her practice and writing strongly reflects this philosophy. Other than writing, she finds solace in reading, sketching, painting and her yoga practice.
F: www.facebook.com/AuthorShamaPatel
T: @Shama_21WOBH
L: in.linkedin.com/in/shamaarifpatel

Reviews

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like a Shama (Candle) removes darkness with its light, She entered and ignited a light into the haunted darkness (ignorance) of my life. Since last 5 years she has been supporting my spiritual enlightment, Initially through her physical presence and sharing of her experiences & now since last 1 year through her wonderful book "21 ways of being happy". I finished reading the book three times but every time I read it I come across some different aspect that takes me deeper into my spiritual journey. Reading this book is like having a conversation with my Dida (Shama Patel) herself. I may not have practiced and applied all the 21 ways but few things have really changed my Life. The best being the "Smile therapy" :) . It has done me miracles!! I never realized before this that how powerful one smile could have been. Just this simple half smile has helped me attract the best of friends and well wishers in my life this year, who are helping me further with my spiritual evolution. Having this book by my side is as good as having my dida beside :) I could have never imagined myself all alone during my mom's 3 months long hospitalization if I did not have the best companion along "21WOBH" :). This book made me realize how all this years I was trapped in self pity and blame game that too Self Blame. This book has taught me how to relish Nature. Before this I only liked natural beauty but being with nature, to connect with it, to actually feel its light has changed my life forever and ever. This is more of a feeling difficult to type but wonderful to feel.... the real happiness :) I was very rigid to not experience my own breath, this book helped me dissolve that rigidity and connect with my inner self. Gratitude game has helped me not only change my attitude towards life but also it helps me ease the people around me who are depressed. I am yet to practice and implement a lot from this book but I am taking my own time and pace but the journey is much more interesting and inspiring with this book along. P.S. My Guardian angel (Shama) has regenerated the spark within me to Live to the fullest... :). All my Gratitude and love to you Dida for sharing your beautiful journey through this book. May this book reach thousands and crores of souls.... Keep enlightening beautiful souls "SHAMA"... You Rock!!! I Love You :*

[Book Reviews & Promotion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read many books in past similar to it. But this book is compilation of all
The interesting thing about it that author has included cartoon like
Illustrations which are funny for readers & included stories in all the chapters to make the book more gripping
Every chapter has a thought

Every chapter starts with a quote & i loved the font & the style
The author has included notes ,points to remember, important facts,ACTIVITIES,
Answer to some important questions concerned with happines & our day to day life
Author has well researched & well presented the work.

For all the age groups
I would recommend this book for all the readers.Looking forward to read more from the author
Overall I am very happy to read this book & impressed by the author way of presenting the book .
Hats off

Rating : 4/5 stars
A must read

[Jigar Parikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful read!

Shama has described these 21 ways in very simple language and to the point without stretching it too long.

Happy to read it!

P.S. I am not much of a self-help books fan but this is an exception ;)

[Niranjan Navalgund · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book runs on the lines of connecting you to your higher self. The author’s approach is practical and more inclined towards ‘showing’ the way than ‘telling’.

Cover : Full marks to the wonderful design and the cover image. The word ‘Happy’ in yellow fits the theme well.

Content : The content can be easily understood, I have often found it hard to explain the most simple concepts of life to a pal. The author does it effortlessly. I loved the quotes connected to each chapters.

Over the years, I have found out that the definition of happiness differs from person to person. Realizing this, your truly has refrained from wishing ‘Happy Birthday’ and resorted to ‘Cheerful Birthday’ or ‘Frolicsome Birthday’

Why? Here is the answer : Chogyam Trungpa always had everyone sing “Cheerful Birthday,” not “Happy Birthday,” saying that Happiness was a state of mind that had Sadness or Unhappiness on its flip side. Cheerfulness, he said, better described a fundamental way or attitude of being. Either way is great, as long as you consider that you’re not wishing a temporary state of being based on circumstances—but rather that the you may truly continue to become friends with oneself.

The 21 ways touch upon this aspect of being the best ‘you’. The novel and easy to implement ideas in this book are powerful tools to elevate and connect to your true-self.

I could easily relate to a quote by Denis Waitley : ‘It is not in the pursuit of happiness that we find fulfillment, it is in the happiness of pursuit’ while going through the book.

The summary at the end of the chapter in a text-book style do not fail to impress. Those are points that could easily make place in your journal.

Plus points : The author’s personal experiences, examples and certain instances clarify
a)essence of the idea/way
b)challenges involved in implementing idea
c)false notions about happiness

The corresponding art-work after the chapters are lovely!

Favorite Chapters :

Art of Letting Go : Terming it as an ‘Art’, I was impressed by the clarity with which the author conveyed the process of letting go
Nothing makes you Happy Unless ‘Nothing Makes you Happy’ -Fresh and the message of the hour!

Be Wise, Nature Wise : Another favorite of mine. Being a curious learner, I have tested this ‘way’ myself. I’m a nature lover and strongly believe that Nature has a lot to offer.

Power of Mindfulness/Power of Now – This Zen idea will open doors to wonders!

Conclusion : 21 Ways of Being Happy – at an affordable price is a source of valuable ideas and lessons that will stay with you forever.

Stars : 4.5/5

Hard-wiring happiness is made easy to us. Come, lets do it! :)

- www.niriwrites.wordpress.com

[Kritikal Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted to my blog So many books, so little time "

This book is an answer to all the questions that doubt the relevance of self-help books. When it comes to this particular genre, I am myself highly skeptic and selective. Keeping that in mind, I loved reading this book and would definitely recommend it to others as well, which a great praise to say.
Down to the nitty-gritty: as is evident from the title, this book expounds on the ways you can keep yourself happy.
Now why I liked this book is because
a) This book, unlike other self-help books, hasn't been written in the patronizing or sermonizing manner, you know, the kind of books where the author glorifies himself/herself much to the readers' misery. This book is such a good respite from those pseudo-self-help books, for the author takes it upon herself to be the example. Now, the whole point of such books is to make the reader feel better by telling her that she is not alone, and that the person who is helping her recuperate has experienced the same things, and made some mistakes, but has learnt from them nevertheless. For a reader who is suffering from a loss of hope as she picks the book, this book nails it.
b) This book is empowering. Just like Eat, Pray, Love, the philosophy of this book is not to spread universal brotherhood or any lessons from the class of those not-so-easily-achievable ideals, but rather to love our own self, and I really really do believe that loving one's own self is the most liberating thing to do, especially when the society tells us otherwise. Granted, there is a thin line between what is vain pride and what is loving one's own self.
c) At times when you are felling low, you might want to pick up a book that answers all questions for you, and elevate your spirits, This book beautifully serves that purpose.

In addition to the content, the book has also been organised very well into 21 short chapters, which begin with anecdotes, proceed with the lessons learnt and end with a "how-to" list on bringing positive change in life.

If there has been any turn-off in the book for me, it has to be this: the book explains definitions from wikipedia at a point, which in my opinion is a very odd and unprofessional thing to do.

[Nancy Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog - https://thequintessentialbibliophile....

I don’t usually read self-help books but when Shama Patel asked me to review it, keeping in mind the wonderful cover, I couldn’t say No. Starting with the cover – it’s beautifully designed and the colors show positivity. Before moving forward, I should tell you about the author so you don’t feel like ‘Woah! Who is she telling us how to be happy?’

Shama Patel holds a Post Graduate degree in Marriage and Family Counselling. As a Psychologist, she has worked with mature adults, confused teenagers, senior citizens, alcohol and drug addicts, survivors of abuse and human trafficking, and has been associated with various NGOs working for underprivileged children.

In the book, she gives you 21 ways of being a happy person. The book is divided into 21 chapters in which she shares the stories of her patients and her personal experience when she was depressed and how she dealt with it. The author has included points to remember and important facts too. The book aims to bring you closer to yourself, to know your importance, to love yourself, to enjoy your company and stop self pitying and self-blaming. It aims at making you a happy person with a positive attitude. It teaches you that there is power in positivity.

I liked this book because it has a realistic outlook. Hearing the stories of her patients, you will realize that everyone is suffering from something. In our bad times, we might think that the other person’s life is perfect but it isn’t. You’d be able to relate to them. The language is very easy to read. It also has cartoons to keep the reader interested and to make reading more fun. I loved the book. I would definitely recommend it.

[Biswanath Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have been the relevance of Darwin’s theory have been felt so strongly as in the context of today’s world. This is not only the era of LPG- this is not only the era of technology-but it is literally the age of uncertainty. Uncertainty at workplace uncertainty at home- life is suffering through crisis of existence that has never felt so strongly. Everything is fragile- be its relation, be it success and man is in a mad race for reaching a target.
Unfortunately, the human soul does not know what the target is.
Struggle for existence is the mantra of civilized human- civil if you can call it. Stress and strain of the modern world is eating up the human from within.
In this context ‘21 Ways of being Happy’ is a timely contribution by Shama Patel which is a pious attempt by the writer to present an answer to the stress, strain ,conflict and uncertainty ridden society of today. Well, I will not say that it will present you with an alternate lifestyle that will make your life ‘content’; but yes of course it will try to rediscover a new you in the mirror if you sincerely follow the trails of the book.
What is happiness? No doubt, it is the trickiest of questions and a relative one too. Relative, because it is not the same for two individuals. For a drunken poet living fully for the present moment of your life constitutes happiness. And for a spiritual leader happiness should come deep within....

See full review at
https://jayasreesown.wordpress.com/20...

[Azhar Lakhani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is worth your time !!
21 WOBH is one book i wud recommend to every1...even wen u r not too much into books like me. Its a small book that can be easily finished in couple of days..bt i wud suggest to go slow.
Happiness is one enigma dat has ironically troubled us all. Trying to copy life what we define as happy ppl, we always end up in misery. 21 WOBH starts with clearing our misconceptions abt happiness and by the time i finished the book i realised that happiness is al internal.Its the state of mind rather than our surrounding. Beautifully put in 21 simple and concise chapters, this book wil definitely make u smile as u read along.
The best things abt this book are
- Simple text which is very easy to understand and practice...way easy than other similar self help books.
- Exercises given at the end of most of the chapters which really makes u practice rather than just preach.
- Authors personal and professional experience which i cud easily relate to my own life.
- Catchy one liners which stays with u for a much longer period.
- Funny graphics to keep the mood light- Not mentally draining.
- Concise, realistic and to the point.

Best chapters for me were
Chapter 19- Power of Mindfulness- Living in the present is one thing dat al of us shud learn and practice.
Chapter 20- Looking inside through Meditation- Loved the way how she has redefined meditation and how it can be practiced with every breath.

Thank u shama patel for this beautiful book :)
For those who r still pondering, this book is worth both money and time...go ahead and experience it.

[Jeynel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, I don't like self-help books. I think it is more like someone telling me how to live my life and can get very annoying. But this book, oh boy! coming from someone who is a psychologist and has always been interested in bringing smiles on the miles, is just off the hook.

The reason why this self-help one has really moved me is because this seems to be coming from someone who gives you a realistic outlook towards things that you can relate to.

A psychologist, a confidant, and someone who has gone through tragic moments, that's how deep the book can take you to. Some solutions really seem to have shaken my roots and brought me back to the realms of life.

The way it's written- easy, simple, not complicated, and to-the-point. Who writes such books these days with such simplicity making it all the more interesting.

If you're expecting some suspense, drama, etc. from the book, then surely this is not your thing!! The whole and sole reason of the book is it makes you feel light. No, it won't make you happy the very next day, and that's what she has said too. No one can make you completely happy but yourself. And this realization is a must, which is very well depicted in the book.

A quick, fun and unnerving book. Will touch miles.

Good-one, Shama. Nicely done.

[Scottshak Scottshak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the conversational tone of the book. The author writes quite lucidly. She knows what she is talking about, and most of the things pop out right from her personal experience baggage. Her stories make the book fun to read. Also, they relate to us profusely.

Her 21 ways are all proven methods, so you will find in a lot of self-help books penned in a similar genre. But what makes "21 Ways of Being Happy" different than the rest is its effortless flair to make you comprehend what ways to follow to get there.

For me, extraordinary quotes by Rumi and Thich Nhat Hanh were quite frankly enough. They sent me spiraling into a whirlwind of thoughts. I loved finding out the author to be a powerhouse of knowledge. She is very practical in her insight, measures every single habit by tacking it against time. She knows why do we feel a certain way, explains it by unspooling our upbringing which I think is the primal cause of most of the problems in our lives. Reading her makes me want to meet her in person, and get consulted myself.

I can't thank the author enough to have written something so beautiful and helpful. Would love to work on some of the easy methods mentioned in the book. After all happy is what I seek.

[Simran Kaur​ · Rating 5 out of 5]

21 Ways of Being Happy by Shama Patel is a sensitive approach towards comprehending human nature, better understanding towards life and some effective ways of being happy in wherever you are and whatever you are - you are here with a purpose. So, focus on that. The cover page is breathtakingly beautiful. The author has shared her real life experiences and clear examples which makes reading all more interesting. The book where deals with various problems that we encounter in everyday life and some of us for many many long years such as anger, grudges, shame, self pity, helplessness, ego, etc. also suggests some valuable tips to sort them out with continuous practice based on inner quest to cope with them. It also share some beautiful life mantras like, to live in a moment, appreciate little things in life and importance of gratitude. My favorite chapters are: Be a miracle for someone else, Take a stand... And Stick To it! and Power of Mindfulness. I had a wonderful time reading this happy go book and it's a book I would love to gift my friends.

[Namrata Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it... If someone want to love themselves , if someone is having depression or had it in past or if you have problem in"How to love yourself?" like I had then this is worth a read and it will be helping to you in many ways ..
I didnt know the author when i bought this book , I randomly picked it up due to its title as I was not able to be happy on my own .. I loved this book from my core even I thanked the author also and guess what she replied me back :) how generous of her.

This book has helped in many ways and its still in my shelf .. I do read some of its chapters if I have same problem or if I find myself not worthy enough.. It helps me sometimes.

[Akbar Ajani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally don't read the book which try to give me gyan but this book is different.
It's like summaries of all these books in a bullet points
Language used is easy to understand and hindi words in between add that crunch while reading it.
Examples used are very realistic and I was able to relate myself to it. It's very brave and commendable that author has used her own examples
Cartoons in between pages breaks the monotony of the subject
I would say it's small book with very high power

[Manoj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the book yesterday.
It is a wonderful read.
Especially the last bit on “Awareness” - meanwhile, I have put the following reminder on my cell phone – that appears twice a day, 10 am and 3 pm, daily :
"Be Aware. Awareness Is Light. Awareness is Intuitive, it has tremendous power."

[Dhir Kothari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Beutiful piece of writing.It inspired me a lot.21 ways to be happy gives reasons to smile and cherish the world as it seems to be.

[Aditya Vaibhav Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is authors own experience. Author focuses on more on living life fully. Forgiving ourselves for all the knowing and unknowing impressions that we have created upon us. It has some practical tips and to do lists for us to keep ourselves feel the gratefulness that we have around us and to let go off the drift that is happening to us. As the book progresses she introduce the inward looking approach and finally culminating into a state of meditation. Meditation that is full of mindfulness actions, thoughts .
It is very practical book. I too can relate many of the practises she introduced me to in the book.

[Ananya Agarwal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: 21 Ways of Being Happy
Rating: ★★★☆☆

21 Ways of Being Happy is a thoughtful attempt at exploring various perspectives on happiness and how we can embrace positivity in our daily lives. The book delves into scenarios and principles that encourage a more fulfilling and optimistic outlook, which, at times, resonated with me deeply.

However, while some chapters offered valuable insights and moments of reflection, others felt less impactful and failed to connect on a personal level. The advice, though well-intentioned, occasionally leaned towards generalizations, making it less engaging in parts.

Overall, this book is a decent one-time read for those looking for a light, non-fiction approach to self-improvement. While it may not offer groundbreaking revelations, it provides a gentle reminder to find happiness in small things and approach life with a positive mindset.