Joy Seeker: Let Go of What's Holding You Back So You Can Live the Life You Were Made For

by Shannon Kaiser

Do you feel like you're not where you're supposed to be, off track or simply exhausted from trying so hard to make things work?

Your "true self" has an easier plan--and is just aching to show you the way.

The relentless pressure to succeed, measure up, and reach for ever higher goals can leave us feeling like we're just not good enough--or that something's missing. At the end of the day, after giving it our all, the last thing we want to feel is hopeless, anxious, and disconnected.

International speaker and empowerment coach Shannon Kaiser understands why so many of us, despite our best intentions, cling to these patterns. Better yet, Kaiser knows how to get us out of the vicious, draining cycle. Committed to finding meaning, connection, and joy in our day-to-day lives, she's traveled the world in search of the universal truths and spiritual wisdom we desperately need today. Joy Seeker is her transformational approach to life, drawn from her own life-changing experiences. It is a path to discovering our true self--the hero within.

The Joy Seeker plan:
• Get unstuck and discover what matters most
• Regain hope and faith in yourself, others, and the world
• Discover the "poetry within"--that special thing that makes you so unique
• Gain the courage to actualize yourself and your deepest desires
• Live with more purpose, passion, and freedom

The path of the Joy Seeker is an intimate, active pursuit filled with opportunities for journaling as well as "Joy Jaunts"--exercises designed to help us break out of our comfort zone. It's time to become your best self. It's time to live worry-free in your wildest dreams. It's time to be your own Joy Seeker.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Personal Growth

346 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2019

About the author

Shannon Kaiser is a world-renowned spiritual and self-love teacher, speaker, and acclaimed empowerment coach; a bestselling author of six books on the psychology of happiness and fulfillment including The Self-Love Experiment, named number one of the “20 Self-Love Books That Will Lift You Up” by Oprah magazine; and the designer and creator of two other oracle decks and two mantra decks. She guides people to awaken and align to their true selves so they can live their highest potential. Shannon’s signature teaching is transformative, bridging spiritual and ancient wisdom with modern practical wisdom. Her self-inquiry and personal transformation books, programs, social media channels, and viral reels have reached 22 million people a month. She’s been named among the “Top 100 Women to Watch in Wellness” by mindbodygreen, “your go-to happiness booster” by Health magazine, and “one of the freshest voices in mental health and wellness” by Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul. Connect with her on social media @ShannonKaiserWrites and her websites PlayWithTheWorld.com and RadicalBodyLovewithShannon.com.

Reviews

[Rhi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book and very much tried to keep an open mind, but after several attempts, all I could get to was page 50. Maybe as you go deeper into the book the content becomes deeper, but I just could not stick it out to see. This book felt to me like someone turned an Instagram feed full of inspirational quotes into a 250 page book. I personally did not connect to the stories Kaiser used to try to stitch said quotes together into a narrative and that could be the issue.

[Sharon Gausch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Shannon Kaiser and I've read all of her books, so I was excited to hear that she had a new one coming out. I'm not sure if some of my issues with this book are because I am so familiar with her work, but it felt extremely repetitive, not only within itself but also with her other books. Certainly I expect similar themes, but the first half felt like a tired rehash. Joy Seeker could really use some editing as well, not only copyediting but also organizational editing. Happily however, the later chapters really picked up and they offered fresh content and and a fresher perspective. Overall it finished strong. Maybe I really am a little too familiar with her work and that made it feel tired, or maybe it's just where I am in my journey that the first half left me cold. It focused so much on identifying your big dream and realizing it, and that's just not the stage of life I'm in. However as the book progressed the exploration turned inward and resonated much more.

[Hyun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book for someone looking to start their journey to authenticity. I’m a little older (and wiser I think) and have had some life experiences that have already started me on the path, so I felt like I already knew some of the concepts that the author introduces. It was still a good read and reinforcement of what I know to be true.

[Carmen Shea Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to preface this by saying that I'm always careful about what I read in the self-help/spirituality department--or to be more accurate, what I choose to believe that I read. I try to stay open-minded to a point, but I'm not a fan of the concept of phrases "the Divine within" or "you are the Universe"that are popular teachings in these books. But as the saying goes, I take what I like and leave the rest.

That said, Shannon Kaiser does an excellent job laying out strategies for creating a more joy-filled life. She gives examples of hurdles in her own life and how she overcame them. Each chapter contains "Joy Jaunts," where she asks you to answer questions like "Where are you sacrificing yourself to make others happy?" and mantras like "I trust the process and know that I am on my own journey." At the end of each chapter she gives "Radical Recaps," where she summarizes the information.

I highly recommend, as she does, getting a special notebook or "Joy Journal," as she calls it, to record your answers, the mantras and other helpful lists she asks you to make throughout the book. This can serve as a great reference source when you find yourself feeling down or "stuck" and need some tools to navigate yourself out of it.

[MandyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was how I kicked off my January 2020. I am not sure who I would have become without the words of Ms. Kaiser and the hard work I put into shedding my old identity and leaning into a life of joy but I can't imagine I would be as happy or as successful. In a year that will forever define the world as a time of chaos and panic, I ended up having my most successful year personally and professionally.
This book is presented in a way that you could read a chapter a day (10-15 min per chapter) and finish it in a month and be able to truly absorb the advice and stories that Ms. Kaiser shares.

[Keegan Eichelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of Shannon's books and, when I saw this one come out, I knew I had to read it. Shannon doesn't let her audience down. She provides them with real, emotional and raw stories and examples of what has led to her own personal joy route. As always, she speaks from the heart. Hearing of her fear and her complications in her path, allowed me to really bond with her as a person and relate. I am very inspired that we have such wonderful people in this world to show others the way to light and love. I hope to become one of those people, as well. Thank you, Shannon!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an approachable and easy read, yet deeply grounded in truths that will make your life better. It helped shine a light on the things I was doing and the expectations I had that were holding me back. It is a reminder that life is too short to live it only in the future and that we feel most alive when we are being authentic. I think everyone can benefit from reading it!

[Debbi Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to get something out of this book, you must take your time and do the Joy Jaunts, aka homework. My book club of two, including me lol, did only one to three chapters at a time to read, think, write, and practice when assigned to do so.

The only thing I’ll say beyond that is it relates very much to the Ruby Slippers, the actual Ruby Slippers in the movie. Read to see why. (Insert Cheshire Cat grin.)

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeking Joy

I enjoyed Joy Seeker enough that I had to buy the physical book, along with owning the Kindle version as well as the audio. Lol.
My only negative comment is that Shannon writes from the viewpoint of someone who looks at the Universe as I look at the God if the universe. But that is not really negative. Shannon writes about joy and joy is universal!!

[Kaycee B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this! If has really good insight. I can understand some reviews stating that there’s a lot of repetition however I feel like each time something was kind of repeated there was a different purpose behind the topic.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew when my felon cousin called me from prison to tell me I had to read this, I was in for a treat.

Great journal prompts, I felt a lot of clarity after reading this. Lots of shadow-work and hard questions to answer.

[Carlijn Van Der Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gewoon prima, maar niet echt vernieuwend. Heel veel herhaling. En heel veel Louise Hay.

“Wees nieuwsgierig naar je ongemak

Wat geeft jou echt het gevoel dat je leeft?

Wat vertel jij jezelf over jezelf en je leven?”

“Home is where your heart is, and your heart is in you”

[Baileigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that I really needed in my life! Highly recommend!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book of Shannon’s. There are many questions and exercises that got to the root of my issues, and I’m moving forward in a BIG way as a result. I’ll be living with Joy going forward!

[Heather Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy Seeker is a good self help book that is easy to read. It is broken up into short chapters and has great advice. Well written and interesting.

[Michelle Pulignani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information.

[Heather Larcombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really love her work. Good advice, minimal fluff.

[Susie Pettit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding resource for me as a coach and for me as a woman in this world. Please pick this book up and work through the joy jaunts. The world needs more joy seekers. Thank you Shannon!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the organization was a little strange, but overall the concepts were excellent and the author gave me a lot to think about.

[Kim Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful. I needed this; it was very actionably insightful.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good things to think and ponder about, however, it could have been much shorter in my opinion.

[Juliette · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting ! Gives you tips and exercices to self reflect to. Very helpful when you are feeling lost in life. Would 100% recommend.

[Mom2triplets04 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on audio. If you want a positive message book this book is great for that. Highly recommend.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for an ARC this book.

Similar to Kaiser's other books, she encourages others to find their path and continue down it. A great reminder that we are all on our own journey and we are free to own that journey.

[Sheri Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Joy Seeker" is an uplifting book that provides inspiring stories and actionable strategies for increasing the levels of joy in your life. Author Shannon Kaiser shares her insights into how to let go of expectations, fear, and worry to become the authentically joyful person we're all meant to be. It's a great book with a lot of heart that can make a powerful difference.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. My highlighter definitely got a work out! There were so many quotes that spoke to me. I read as a Ebook, but I will purchase a hardcover to re-read.

I appreciated that the book is broken down into short chapters, making it easy to read one in just a few minutes. The end of each chapter has a radical recap that includes a summary of the chapter and mantra to repeat.

Some of the things expressed are a bit out there for me. But perhaps they are not for me at this stage in my journey and I will appreciate them better at another time in my life.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Shannon Kaiser’s books. She has a way of coming across, while not being so blunt as to make you feel less than. The cover of this one was definitely an eye catcher, and am getting a copy for my shelf.
This one was just as good as everything else I’ve read by this author. Sometimes we forget to see the good, and this book makes you stop and really reflect on the good we have already. It also helps to help us find more ways to make our lives more joyous.
If you need a little boost in the process of joy, look no further. Shannon writes the books for you. I love everything by her, and will continue to keep reading and buying them!

[Viber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY liked this book and felt like she had a lot of great wisdom and advice that made me feel calmer and also excited to dive into my life. However, I felt that the book was bout 4-5 chapters too long. There were a few very repetitive and cheerleading chapters that were at the end that didn't really need to be there.

[Amy Hartsough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon Kaiser is a beautiful soul. I’ve been a fan of her work for a few years and this is my favorite book of hers so far. In it, she develops themes like authenticity and spirituality in a warm, engaging way. I’ll definitely read it again.

[Court · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can honestly say that this book has taught me how to live a life of living in the present and experiencing joy. ❤️ I really recommend.