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Be Happy
You can be happy—solidly, genuinely happy—no matter what’s going on around you, no matter what happens to you, no matter what storm comes along to batter and bruise you. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how . . . Face it’s not always easy to feel happy. With all of the worries and trials of day-to-day life, the cares of the world can seem overwhelming. But as popular speaker and author Hank Smith demonstrates, no matter your circumstances, you can be happy—the kind of happy that illuminates you from the inside out, a joy that does not depend on what happens to you, but what you do with what happens. With his characteristic humor, Hank offers readers a fresh perspective on finding joy in the journey with a collection of tools and strategies designed to inspire genuine happiness, such Learning to develop an optimistic outlook Understanding how to deal with feelings of depression Mastering ten simple tricks to jump-start your joy each day Featuring an inspiring collection of real-life examples, enlightening doctrinal direction, and motivating goals, Be Happy is the guide you need to start living a happier life, today!
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2017
48 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Hank Smith
57 books112 followersHank Smith enjoys teaching in the Religious Education Department at BYU and is a favorite speaker for Especially for Youth, Best of Especially for Youth, and BYU Education Week.
Hank and his wife, Sara, were both born and raised in St. George, Utah. They are the parents of one daughter and four sons. Brother Smith enjoys running marathons and eating lots and lots of ice cream (which is why he runs marathons). More than anything else, he loves being at home spending all day with his wife and children.
You can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hanksmithcds
Hank and his wife, Sara, were both born and raised in St. George, Utah. They are the parents of one daughter and four sons. Brother Smith enjoys running marathons and eating lots and lots of ice cream (which is why he runs marathons). More than anything else, he loves being at home spending all day with his wife and children.
You can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hanksmithcds
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 27, 2017
Are you happy today? I sure am! I'll tell you why. I just read Hank Smith's new book which is awesome for me because I am a Hank Smith fan. He is my best long car ride friend because he has fantastic talks on CD and every time we set off on a road trip, I take him along to entertain, motivate and inspire me (and my kids by default as they are usually with me. Trapped. Just kidding- they love to listen to Hank Smith too. He always makes us laugh.) I was so happy to see he had a book coming out. This sure seems like a good idea for a guy like Hank Smith! Yay!
This book sounds just like Hank Smith. I like that. The humor and excitement I am used to in his CD's was also present in this book. It's like I could hear him talking.
I like to think that generally speaking I am a happy person but there is always, always room for improvement, right? This book is full of good ideas and information on how to find, develop, and cultivate that real and lasting happiness we are all craving. None of the ideas here shocked me or surprised me, but instead, served as a good reminder. Sometimes life has a way of dealing you crummy things- sometimes all at once. Like pouring rain. The trick is to know how to be happy from the inside out and not depend on outside events or sources to bring happiness. This book is positive and well, happy. :) You just cannot go wrong reading or listening to anything by Hank Smith.
This book is an LDS non- fiction book. There are religious references throughout.
-I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
This book sounds just like Hank Smith. I like that. The humor and excitement I am used to in his CD's was also present in this book. It's like I could hear him talking.
I like to think that generally speaking I am a happy person but there is always, always room for improvement, right? This book is full of good ideas and information on how to find, develop, and cultivate that real and lasting happiness we are all craving. None of the ideas here shocked me or surprised me, but instead, served as a good reminder. Sometimes life has a way of dealing you crummy things- sometimes all at once. Like pouring rain. The trick is to know how to be happy from the inside out and not depend on outside events or sources to bring happiness. This book is positive and well, happy. :) You just cannot go wrong reading or listening to anything by Hank Smith.
This book is an LDS non- fiction book. There are religious references throughout.
-I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 1, 2017
You can't go wrong with anything by Hank Smith. This man uses humor and facts to teach. He is so positive and his approach is fantastic. Am I gushing a bit? Yes, I would say that I am. (He was my son's seminary teacher in high school. I have nothing that isn't positive to say about him.)
How can you be happy? This world is full of turmoil and strife. Hank Smith gives solid, practical advice on how one can truly be happy. He uses scientific data to teach. Guess what? Things do not make you happy. Happiness comes from within. Money doesn't make you happy either. All of the things that we think will bring happiness is just "stuff".
I really cannot give this book a higher recommendation. Once again, I will be trying to share this one with my family. (Wish me luck.)]
Source: I received a copy from the publisher.
How can you be happy? This world is full of turmoil and strife. Hank Smith gives solid, practical advice on how one can truly be happy. He uses scientific data to teach. Guess what? Things do not make you happy. Happiness comes from within. Money doesn't make you happy either. All of the things that we think will bring happiness is just "stuff".
I really cannot give this book a higher recommendation. Once again, I will be trying to share this one with my family. (Wish me luck.)]
Source: I received a copy from the publisher.
March 2, 2017
I love the study of optimism, happiness, and the psychology of our choices vs. our body in the happiness battle. So this book was right in line with what I love to study.
When the book arrived, it promptly disappeared because my husband, the guy who loves to tease me by saying, "I read 100 books a year--100 picture books to the kids. What? Those count!"--yes, that guy, took my book and started reading it. He loved it and reached the halfway point before I told him that I needed it back so I could read it.
Then my teenage daughter found the book and she was intrigued as well. I guess this book has something magnetic about it.
Hank Smith is a popular teacher, speaker, and author. I've listened to several of his audio presentations and the man is hilarious! He teaches with wit, humor, and skill because he's able to bring important points to attention without feeling like you're being preached to.
I once had the opportunity of doing a book signing with Hank and he was just as cheerful in real life as on the page or the audio CD. In short, I'm a fan of Hank because he's real and an excellent teacher. It's so refreshing as a parent when you can find someone else to say all of those great things you need to say to your kid because, let's face it, sometimes kids hear things better from someone else. I'd like to be able to choose that someone else and Hank Smith is one of many great influencers in my home.
Be Happy is an excellent book because Hank delves into happiness in a way that most of don't think about. Happiness is in our DNA, but that's only half of the equation. Happiness is also a choice that we make every day, despite our circumstances. I love the study he referred to about people who won the lottery and people who became paraplegic. A year later, they both reported the same level of happiness! Isn't that amazing? If it does sound amazing, then you'll probably like this book. It is geared to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, or Mormons, but I truly think these gems shouldn't be missed by anyone. Happy reading!
When the book arrived, it promptly disappeared because my husband, the guy who loves to tease me by saying, "I read 100 books a year--100 picture books to the kids. What? Those count!"--yes, that guy, took my book and started reading it. He loved it and reached the halfway point before I told him that I needed it back so I could read it.
Then my teenage daughter found the book and she was intrigued as well. I guess this book has something magnetic about it.
Hank Smith is a popular teacher, speaker, and author. I've listened to several of his audio presentations and the man is hilarious! He teaches with wit, humor, and skill because he's able to bring important points to attention without feeling like you're being preached to.
I once had the opportunity of doing a book signing with Hank and he was just as cheerful in real life as on the page or the audio CD. In short, I'm a fan of Hank because he's real and an excellent teacher. It's so refreshing as a parent when you can find someone else to say all of those great things you need to say to your kid because, let's face it, sometimes kids hear things better from someone else. I'd like to be able to choose that someone else and Hank Smith is one of many great influencers in my home.
Be Happy is an excellent book because Hank delves into happiness in a way that most of don't think about. Happiness is in our DNA, but that's only half of the equation. Happiness is also a choice that we make every day, despite our circumstances. I love the study he referred to about people who won the lottery and people who became paraplegic. A year later, they both reported the same level of happiness! Isn't that amazing? If it does sound amazing, then you'll probably like this book. It is geared to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, or Mormons, but I truly think these gems shouldn't be missed by anyone. Happy reading!
March 1, 2017
First of all, this book is just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes I find myself getting down in a funk, ornery about something that happened in my day, and this book gave me so much perspective. You really can be happy, genuinely happy if you allow yourself to be. I loved how almost every page had a quote or a thought related to the chapter. One of my favorites was found on page 71.
Science has proven that if you spend two full minutes focused on a happy thought, your brain actually starts making you happier.
This is so true! Just yesterday I was feeling down about some events that had taken place the night before and my bad feelings continued into the next day. I received a phone call from a friend, and it distracted me to where I was no longer bothered and I felt happier. I am always telling my daughters to be happy and be positive, it's much harder doing it for myself. This book gave me some great tools to help myself be happier and more positive.
Received a complimentary copy, all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Science has proven that if you spend two full minutes focused on a happy thought, your brain actually starts making you happier.
This is so true! Just yesterday I was feeling down about some events that had taken place the night before and my bad feelings continued into the next day. I received a phone call from a friend, and it distracted me to where I was no longer bothered and I felt happier. I am always telling my daughters to be happy and be positive, it's much harder doing it for myself. This book gave me some great tools to help myself be happier and more positive.
Received a complimentary copy, all views and opinions expressed are my own.
March 2, 2017
Happiness. We all want happiness in our lives and Hank Smith has written an inspiring book with “secrets” of finding ways to be happy. Smith writes in a way that is easy for readers to relate to and understand, applying details from the book to their own lives. It is not always easy to be happy, especially when life is hard and tearing you down. But life is always better when you are happy. I would recommend this inspirational book to readers looking for ways to change their life and become happier.
Genre: nonfiction, Christian
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: February 1, 2017
Number of pages: 272
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this novel was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: nonfiction, Christian
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: February 1, 2017
Number of pages: 272
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this novel was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
September 13, 2020
130 pages of simple yet profound advice on happiness. Very helpful and humorous.
January 15, 2019
Most mornings I'm currently commuting to work with my 19yo son, and we've been listening to Hank Smith's Be Happy during those morning commutes. Brother Smith is amusing, and the simple happiness reminders in this book are backed by scientific research as well as supported by Book of Mormon scriptures and statements from LDS Church leaders, including Jeffrey R. Holland.
February 28, 2017
So many proven helps are given in this book with inspiring stories to illustrate the point. We can all be a little more happy, a little more patient, and a little more optimistic. This book will also help you be a little less contentious, a little less frustrated, and a little less critical.
Let this book change your outlook and change your heart.
Everyone needs to read this book!
Let this book change your outlook and change your heart.
Everyone needs to read this book!
May 10, 2020
Great insights into happiness!
Things I want to remember:
- 50% of our happiness is determined by our genetics; 40% determined by intentional living; and ONLY 10% is determined by circumstances
Ch.1
- Don't waste your pain (take what you learn from it, and serve others!)
- purpose driven life vs. pleasure driven life
Intentional ways to increase happiness:
1. Be around people who are happy
2. Spend your money to make other people happy
3. Cut down on screen time
4. Talk to people in person
5. Laugh!
6. Listen to uplifting music
7. Exercise and eat a healthy diet
8. Go outside a lot
"The happiest families go camping!"
Hotel camping is ok! It doesn't matter where you sleep. It matters how much time you spend outside.
9. Get enough sleep- "the body heals only when you are sleeping."
10. Tune in to the spiritual- "happy people are spiritual"
One way to increase spirituality is through meditation.
Ch.2
If you want one of the best educations on how to be happy- read the Book of Mormon (esp 2 Nep 5, and 4 Nep 1)
Keys to happiness from Book of Mormon:
- keep the commandments
- you can't be happy when you believe one thing and do another
- "happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony"- Ghandi
- have a family
- create safety and be prepared
Ch.3
- watch out for "if only....then I'd be happy."
- story of basement flooding and $1000s of dollars of damage. Dad says, "Kids- get your bathing suits on we're going swimming in the basement." It was going to cost the same amount of money either way. (choose to be mad, or make the most of it.)
- story of couple who shared their life together doing tours of their house for each new baby and grandchild. One final tour at end of wife's life.
"Find a place inside where there's joy and the joy will burn out the pain." - Joseph Campbell
Ch.4
- "When selfishness, impatience, or anger takes over, happiness dies a painful death."
- Story of their move, and the "blue" microwave (watch out for triggers!)
Ch. 5
If you want your kids to love each other, you need to teach them to love God first
Ch. 7
- research shows it takes 15 days for your mind and body to work at something to truly make change, or for your body/mind to know that this is permanent. Research also shows that most people give up by day 14!!
Things I want to remember:
- 50% of our happiness is determined by our genetics; 40% determined by intentional living; and ONLY 10% is determined by circumstances
Ch.1
- Don't waste your pain (take what you learn from it, and serve others!)
- purpose driven life vs. pleasure driven life
Intentional ways to increase happiness:
1. Be around people who are happy
2. Spend your money to make other people happy
3. Cut down on screen time
4. Talk to people in person
5. Laugh!
6. Listen to uplifting music
7. Exercise and eat a healthy diet
8. Go outside a lot
"The happiest families go camping!"
Hotel camping is ok! It doesn't matter where you sleep. It matters how much time you spend outside.
9. Get enough sleep- "the body heals only when you are sleeping."
10. Tune in to the spiritual- "happy people are spiritual"
One way to increase spirituality is through meditation.
Ch.2
If you want one of the best educations on how to be happy- read the Book of Mormon (esp 2 Nep 5, and 4 Nep 1)
Keys to happiness from Book of Mormon:
- keep the commandments
- you can't be happy when you believe one thing and do another
- "happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony"- Ghandi
- have a family
- create safety and be prepared
Ch.3
- watch out for "if only....then I'd be happy."
- story of basement flooding and $1000s of dollars of damage. Dad says, "Kids- get your bathing suits on we're going swimming in the basement." It was going to cost the same amount of money either way. (choose to be mad, or make the most of it.)
- story of couple who shared their life together doing tours of their house for each new baby and grandchild. One final tour at end of wife's life.
"Find a place inside where there's joy and the joy will burn out the pain." - Joseph Campbell
Ch.4
- "When selfishness, impatience, or anger takes over, happiness dies a painful death."
- Story of their move, and the "blue" microwave (watch out for triggers!)
Ch. 5
If you want your kids to love each other, you need to teach them to love God first
Ch. 7
- research shows it takes 15 days for your mind and body to work at something to truly make change, or for your body/mind to know that this is permanent. Research also shows that most people give up by day 14!!
August 6, 2018
One might think this is the typical "Being happy is simple! Here's how!" type of book. But I just didn't get that feeling. Sure he laid out different ideas for the choice to be happy but there are also examples of others and their choice to be happy (including the trials that got them there).
I'm grateful for the scripture references because I will now remember these things as I read my scriptures. Brother Smith is definitely a happy soul but don't think for a second he isn't mindful of those who may struggle a bit.
Chapter four was a really good chapter and gave me plenty of things to think about. But my most favorite part of the book is the second-to-last chapter on depression. Most "be happy" books will lightly touch that others may have a harder time "choosing" to be happy but here's how you can still choose to be happy despite mental health. Brother Smith explains depression the entire chapter. Not once does he try to overlook the real struggle that comes with depression. He explains it in such a way that really encourages you to understand exactly what depression IS so that next you tell someone to just "snap out of it," you might hold your tongue instead.
I thought it was very well written out and I related to so many things in this book. I even have some ideas of new things to try on being happier! Thanks Brother Smith!
I'm grateful for the scripture references because I will now remember these things as I read my scriptures. Brother Smith is definitely a happy soul but don't think for a second he isn't mindful of those who may struggle a bit.
Chapter four was a really good chapter and gave me plenty of things to think about. But my most favorite part of the book is the second-to-last chapter on depression. Most "be happy" books will lightly touch that others may have a harder time "choosing" to be happy but here's how you can still choose to be happy despite mental health. Brother Smith explains depression the entire chapter. Not once does he try to overlook the real struggle that comes with depression. He explains it in such a way that really encourages you to understand exactly what depression IS so that next you tell someone to just "snap out of it," you might hold your tongue instead.
I thought it was very well written out and I related to so many things in this book. I even have some ideas of new things to try on being happier! Thanks Brother Smith!
April 17, 2017
Solidly written, research-based book focused on the current science of happiness, depression, anxiety, etc. with an LDS flavor.
The author is a gifted storyteller and weaves those stories into current research and helpful tips to provide advice on living a happy life.
The author is a gifted storyteller and weaves those stories into current research and helpful tips to provide advice on living a happy life.
January 30, 2019
Short and simple. Basic principles which can be easily recalled. No long lists. No guilt.
January 13, 2022
Since my boyfriend broke up with me, it has felt like I've not had a single thing go right. It has felt like a universal pointing and laughing in my direction, and I have never been so sad in my entire life. I know Bro Smith though, and if anyone could get me to feel at least a little happy again, it would be him. Oddly enough, I am taking a class from him again this semester. Not only did this book help a lot with some of the things I'm learning in his class right now, it did also help the tiniest bit with my sadness issue.
Every night in my prayers before bed, I have asked, begged Heavenly Father, with tears streaming down my face, if my boyfriend, the only man I have ever truly loved, and who I am still quite sure is meant to be in my life, is going to come back to me, or if it's too late. While reading a couple of nights ago, I came across a sentence on page 96. "It is never too late for the Lord to bring back those that we love." I felt the spirit strike my heart and I burst into erratic tears as an amazing feeling of peace washed over me. Waiting on the Lord's timing is so rough sometimes. It's so hard to have faith that He has your best interest at heart, especially when it feels like He just betrayed you too. But Bro Smith talks a lot about patience in this book too.
I do know this, that God placed him in my path the first time around, and He will do it again when he is ready. When he is prepared to face me again. Because he really is the only one for me. It's him or nobody. And I have to live without him, and him without me for a little while, in order for us to truly appreciate each other, I can do that. I'm going to ask Bro Smith to sign my book for me in class today and thank him for providing me with a little bit of hope. 5/5 stars
Every night in my prayers before bed, I have asked, begged Heavenly Father, with tears streaming down my face, if my boyfriend, the only man I have ever truly loved, and who I am still quite sure is meant to be in my life, is going to come back to me, or if it's too late. While reading a couple of nights ago, I came across a sentence on page 96. "It is never too late for the Lord to bring back those that we love." I felt the spirit strike my heart and I burst into erratic tears as an amazing feeling of peace washed over me. Waiting on the Lord's timing is so rough sometimes. It's so hard to have faith that He has your best interest at heart, especially when it feels like He just betrayed you too. But Bro Smith talks a lot about patience in this book too.
I do know this, that God placed him in my path the first time around, and He will do it again when he is ready. When he is prepared to face me again. Because he really is the only one for me. It's him or nobody. And I have to live without him, and him without me for a little while, in order for us to truly appreciate each other, I can do that. I'm going to ask Bro Smith to sign my book for me in class today and thank him for providing me with a little bit of hope. 5/5 stars
March 4, 2017
Everyone in the world is on a quest for Happiness. We search in places far and wide, good and bad places, when we should first start in our search at home. This is something that I gained from this book from the beginning. Our happiness is right in front of us if we just open our eyes and reach out and take advantage of it. As I read the book I had my purple pen by my side and underlined so many things that were jumping out at me and telling me to take them to heart. Now my book is very purple inside. I could write my own book on things that I loved, but I'm just highlighting a few that I want to remember and incorporate in my life.
"Real happiness-the genuine lasting kind of happiness comes from within. It's a part of who you are. It doesn't depend on what happens to you." This truly made me think because let's face it, I've had some tough things happen in my life such as a divorce and a death of a child, so remembering that I can be happy despite all of the other crazy things that have happened to me...well that makes me happy!
"Happiness is contagious." Basically, we're told here to try and be around happy people because they can lift you up. Don't ignore those who may be unhappy because of life's circumstances, but try and spend as much time with happy people as you can.
"Work hard, we need work to be happy." I like this because it reminds me of my wonderful father who taught all of his children to be hard workers. My dad was always happy at his chosen profession. In the book, the author tells how work and happiness go hand in hand because the exhilaration of being creative and the boost of confidence that come along with hard work makes us happy.
I also really liked how Hank Smith addressed the issue of depression and anxiety in the book. In fact, there is a whole chapter on it and it talks about it in a clear way to help the reader see how it's not something that will go away by being "cheered" up. It's stated very clearly how depression is not sadness or grief or a bad mood but is a biological chemical problem. Bravo Hank for including this in the book!
I loved "Be Happy" and its wise words of wisdom and steps to make some changes in our lives that will lead us towards more happiness. I know that this book will be one that I will return to often and will share with family and friends."Be Happy" would also make a great gift for anyone who may need that extra lift in their life.
"Real happiness-the genuine lasting kind of happiness comes from within. It's a part of who you are. It doesn't depend on what happens to you." This truly made me think because let's face it, I've had some tough things happen in my life such as a divorce and a death of a child, so remembering that I can be happy despite all of the other crazy things that have happened to me...well that makes me happy!
"Happiness is contagious." Basically, we're told here to try and be around happy people because they can lift you up. Don't ignore those who may be unhappy because of life's circumstances, but try and spend as much time with happy people as you can.
"Work hard, we need work to be happy." I like this because it reminds me of my wonderful father who taught all of his children to be hard workers. My dad was always happy at his chosen profession. In the book, the author tells how work and happiness go hand in hand because the exhilaration of being creative and the boost of confidence that come along with hard work makes us happy.
I also really liked how Hank Smith addressed the issue of depression and anxiety in the book. In fact, there is a whole chapter on it and it talks about it in a clear way to help the reader see how it's not something that will go away by being "cheered" up. It's stated very clearly how depression is not sadness or grief or a bad mood but is a biological chemical problem. Bravo Hank for including this in the book!
I loved "Be Happy" and its wise words of wisdom and steps to make some changes in our lives that will lead us towards more happiness. I know that this book will be one that I will return to often and will share with family and friends."Be Happy" would also make a great gift for anyone who may need that extra lift in their life.
January 18, 2019
I enjoyed the concepts in this book. I love thinking about what my new normal can look like as I create it slowly. I love that he talks of mindfulness and visualizing what you will do next time a tough situation arises. And of course focusing on a happy moment from life for at least 2 min. each day. 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2018
I loved this book! Hank Smith has an amazing voice that really makes me feel like he is there talking to me. His ideas were fresh and simple and I can’t wait to start applying them in my life and in my family’s life.
April 5, 2017
Gotta give it a 5 because we love all things Hank Smith in our house.
April 12, 2017
Loved this book. Very useful tools
April 4, 2018
This book was given to me by a very kind and smart friend. Good nuggets throughout. I feel like I should go back and highlight a bunch of areas that stand out to me. EBN: Book Chosen Based on it's Cover
July 18, 2018
I have appreciated Hank Smith's presentations on multiple occasions. Some of his ideas and thoughts have helped my children understand the gospel more deeply and his presentations, particularly in audio, resonate will with just about anybody, not just youth. He is mighty in speaking!
Even in this book, there were some great concepts to consider and apply in my life. However, I felt this book misrepresented happiness, and at times misrepresented attributes or doctrines that lead to happiness. Often, what is shared in this book is consistent with the words of prophets, but sometimes the interpretations of the prophets gave me pause. At other times it seemed to relegate happiness to a feeling that manifests itself in smiles, laughter, and general niceties. As just one example, I have met many contemplative, sober-minded people who don't always show the outward signs of happiness this book seems to advocate, but still find themselves enjoying the peace and tranquility that the gospel brings. While happiness sometimes manifests itself in the outgoing and extroverted ways, it can manifest itself in other ways too.
I also think that God must be happy, and yet he shows traits and does things that this book recommends avoiding. Granted, most of the ideas I struggled with stemmed from not completing or giving the whole view of a particular attribute or doctrine, so it is possible that the author didn't have time in this book to dive a little deeper into some of the premises.
I think this book would have benefited from broadening the discussion on some of the topics by clarifying what a particular attribute isn't. As just one example from this book, (There were quite a few) we got to see from the author's perspective what patience is and looks like, but not exploring what patience isn't left us with a hole that needed to be filled so that patience isn't misrepresented. A one sided view of an attribute may cause some readers to believe that patience is found only in those brave souls who never get snippy. It doesn't wrestle with the reality of godly acts in the scriptures that were actually quite snippy indeed. There are many instances in the scriptures when God, Christ, prophets, captains, and generally good and happy people needed to get snippy to further the Lord's work. Clearly, some "triggers" were meant by God to send us over the edge so that we can defend truth and righteousness. Captain Moroni, Nephi, Jospeh Smith (I really could make quite the list here) all demonstrate what appears to be righteous irritation and annoyance. Captain Moroni with the King-men, Nephi with his brothers and generally his people, Joseph Smith when demanding that the jail keeps stop their filthy talk, etc. Patience is exhibited in each of those stories, and yet those actions are hard to explain as patience if we went solely off the recommendations of this book.
By not talking about the other side of patience, it seems it could lead everyone to believe that happiness is elusive unless we never let triggers get to us or quickly repent when they do. This book also encouraged us to avoid contention at all costs, but not defining that contention is a very specific type of conflict with specific motives. Conflict is unavoidable once you unleash agency into the world. Encouraging people to be peace keepers instead of peace makers can lead to a whole lot of "good people doing nothing" syndrome!
Christ was perfectly happy, even when telling off the pharisees and the Sadducees and letting them really have it. I also don't think he ever apologized for it. And if he someone thinks he did or should, that would mean he shouldn't have done it ... I don't feel comfortable with that line of thinking. Somehow off of Christ's teachings need to fit into our definition of patience and contention. If our definitions don't make room for His behavior, then we don't have a complete understanding of those ideas. It is interesting how often Christ is portrayed as a fairly stoic figure, not nearly the outwardly "happy" guy that seems to be advocated for in this book. Some of that is we only get snippets of his life, but it also shows that a happy life isn't lollipops and cotton candy all the time either! In trying to emulate Him, I think we can add to what has been taught and include aspects to happiness that might not always end in smiles.
By the way, I have nothing against smiles, laughter, or any of those things. There is divinity there too. I just think happiness also encompasses sadness and other godly characteristics. I believe in the God who weeps ... but remains perfectly happy!
I had similar feelings about some of the other chapters in the book, but again, there are some good ideas, they just aren't as well rounded as I would hope. I gave this 3 stars because it was slightly better than okay. I would have liked this book much better with a little balance to its arguments. Happiness to me is the culmination of all godly attributes and traits, even the less warm fuzzy ones ...
Even in this book, there were some great concepts to consider and apply in my life. However, I felt this book misrepresented happiness, and at times misrepresented attributes or doctrines that lead to happiness. Often, what is shared in this book is consistent with the words of prophets, but sometimes the interpretations of the prophets gave me pause. At other times it seemed to relegate happiness to a feeling that manifests itself in smiles, laughter, and general niceties. As just one example, I have met many contemplative, sober-minded people who don't always show the outward signs of happiness this book seems to advocate, but still find themselves enjoying the peace and tranquility that the gospel brings. While happiness sometimes manifests itself in the outgoing and extroverted ways, it can manifest itself in other ways too.
I also think that God must be happy, and yet he shows traits and does things that this book recommends avoiding. Granted, most of the ideas I struggled with stemmed from not completing or giving the whole view of a particular attribute or doctrine, so it is possible that the author didn't have time in this book to dive a little deeper into some of the premises.
I think this book would have benefited from broadening the discussion on some of the topics by clarifying what a particular attribute isn't. As just one example from this book, (There were quite a few) we got to see from the author's perspective what patience is and looks like, but not exploring what patience isn't left us with a hole that needed to be filled so that patience isn't misrepresented. A one sided view of an attribute may cause some readers to believe that patience is found only in those brave souls who never get snippy. It doesn't wrestle with the reality of godly acts in the scriptures that were actually quite snippy indeed. There are many instances in the scriptures when God, Christ, prophets, captains, and generally good and happy people needed to get snippy to further the Lord's work. Clearly, some "triggers" were meant by God to send us over the edge so that we can defend truth and righteousness. Captain Moroni, Nephi, Jospeh Smith (I really could make quite the list here) all demonstrate what appears to be righteous irritation and annoyance. Captain Moroni with the King-men, Nephi with his brothers and generally his people, Joseph Smith when demanding that the jail keeps stop their filthy talk, etc. Patience is exhibited in each of those stories, and yet those actions are hard to explain as patience if we went solely off the recommendations of this book.
By not talking about the other side of patience, it seems it could lead everyone to believe that happiness is elusive unless we never let triggers get to us or quickly repent when they do. This book also encouraged us to avoid contention at all costs, but not defining that contention is a very specific type of conflict with specific motives. Conflict is unavoidable once you unleash agency into the world. Encouraging people to be peace keepers instead of peace makers can lead to a whole lot of "good people doing nothing" syndrome!
Christ was perfectly happy, even when telling off the pharisees and the Sadducees and letting them really have it. I also don't think he ever apologized for it. And if he someone thinks he did or should, that would mean he shouldn't have done it ... I don't feel comfortable with that line of thinking. Somehow off of Christ's teachings need to fit into our definition of patience and contention. If our definitions don't make room for His behavior, then we don't have a complete understanding of those ideas. It is interesting how often Christ is portrayed as a fairly stoic figure, not nearly the outwardly "happy" guy that seems to be advocated for in this book. Some of that is we only get snippets of his life, but it also shows that a happy life isn't lollipops and cotton candy all the time either! In trying to emulate Him, I think we can add to what has been taught and include aspects to happiness that might not always end in smiles.
By the way, I have nothing against smiles, laughter, or any of those things. There is divinity there too. I just think happiness also encompasses sadness and other godly characteristics. I believe in the God who weeps ... but remains perfectly happy!
I had similar feelings about some of the other chapters in the book, but again, there are some good ideas, they just aren't as well rounded as I would hope. I gave this 3 stars because it was slightly better than okay. I would have liked this book much better with a little balance to its arguments. Happiness to me is the culmination of all godly attributes and traits, even the less warm fuzzy ones ...
February 13, 2022
I learn best through stories and Hank Smith is full of them. I love how he pulls from his experience (and that of his friends) to teach about finding happiness. I also love psychological studies and he brings in the science too.
March 2, 2017
Happiness is a topic of perennial interest since it's something that most of us seek. But what exactly is happiness? And how do we attain it? And how can we get it to stick around for awhile? These are all questions that Hank Smith tackles in his newest book: Be Happy. Using stories of real people he knows as well as personal experiences and actual research, Smith takes the reader on a trip through the subject of happiness. I especially enjoyed the conversational tone that the author takes, it made me feel as if we were just having an honest discussion. There isn't a lot here that is new, after all the Lord has made it clear through His prophets and the scriptures what sorts of qualities and choices lead to happiness. But somehow it's nice to have a lot of this information presented in such a friendly, down-to-earth way. Some of the things he discusses I know I am particularly bad at doing, and yet Smith doesn't make you feel guilty, just a greater desire to do better, to focus more on the most important things. While the book is a relatively short, quick read, I can guarantee that you will have much to ponder once you've read it.
May 6, 2019
I picked this book on a whim (I buy very few books.) But I am glad to have this one in my library. Hank writes of many simple ways to become happier in your life. I really appreciated the chapter on depression. Throughout the book, he also writes about the science of happiness, which I found interesting. it's not very long and easy to read.
October 25, 2025
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. This is my first Hank Smith book and his entertaining style of writing was enjoyable. He also had some great insights on the choices we make that can increase our happiness. This is a book that is beneficial for all age groups. I would love for my kids to read it!
July 10, 2018
Not only did I learn a lot about being happy, but enjoyed it. Hank Smith has a great sense of humor and shares the best stories and examples. In his conclusion I could tell he really believed in what he was teaching, and he really cares about us, his readers remembering and applying his lessons. I hope that I will do that.
March 2, 2019
Hank is such a happy person and he’s done his research on what makes people happy. Taking from other scholars on the subject and also what the scriptures say on happiness he has come up with a pretty good book. My only wish is that he would have narrated the book himself. Not that it was bad because he didn’t I jus think he would have done just as good of a job.
January 10, 2020
A fantastic, short read with practical advice on things we can do to increase our happiness. I always enjoy Hank Smith and his humor, stories and sense of fun! My favorite chapters is 6 on depression. His description of depression is very similar to my experiences with loved ones. He cites quite a bit of research through out the book. Well-written, informative and light-hearted!
April 23, 2019
Great tips for leading a happy life. Since we have a number of Hank Smith's CD's as well, I can totally hear his voice and awesome delivery in my head as I read. I've underlined a bunch and will look back on it frequently.
February 5, 2019
A good review and well researched. The chapter on depression was refreshing.
March 6, 2019
This is the first Hank Smith book I've read. I loved it.
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