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Happy Days: The Guided Path from Trauma to Profound Freedom and Inner Peace

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If you were free from fear, who would you have the freedom to be? #1 New York Times best-selling author Gabrielle Bernstein charts a path to heal trauma, unlearn fear, and remember love.

What if you could wake up every day without anxiety? View your past with purpose, not regret? Live happy, peaceful, and free from fear? You can—and Gabrielle Bernstein will show you the way.

Gabby has long been loved by her readers as a spiritual teacher, motivational speaker, and catalyst for profound inner change. Her new book presents her most powerful teaching yet: a plan for transforming the pain of your past, whatever that may be, into newfound strength and freedom.

You’ll learn:
• Why most people feel stuck in patterns that make them unhappy—and what to do about it
• 9 transformational, yet untapped, techniques for serenity and genuine happiness—from techniques for “reparenting” yourself to bodywork practices for freeing the stuck energy of past trauma
• The mindset shift that can do more for you than decades of personal work
• How to go into the places that scare you—and come away freer than ever before

“This book is my gift to you,” Gabby writes. “It will answer your questions about why you feel blocked, scared, anxious, depressed, or alone, and it will liberate you from the belief system that has kept you small for so long. . . . By taking this path you will become the best version of yourself. You will become new.”

248 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 2022

1469 people are currently reading
4900 people want to read

About the author

Gabrielle Bernstein

55 books2,674 followers
Gabrielle Bernstein has been labeled by the New York Times as the next-generation guru. A motivational speaker, life coach, and author, she is expanding the lexicon for the seekers of today and tomorrow. She gives talks and leads seminars throughout the country, is on the Forbes list of the 20 Best Branded Women, and has been featured in media outlets such as Oprah Radio, Marie Claire, Health, Self, CNN, NBC, CBS, FOX, and the Wall Street Journal.

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5 stars
1,047 (35%)
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675 (22%)
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71 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
Profile Image for Christine Jolley.
535 reviews16 followers
February 27, 2022
always nice to hear other peoples stories on trauma. Whilst most of it was good sometimes just felt like it was going all over the place and no real sense of organisation. A bit disappointed in the resource guide. It wasn’t as extensive as implied from the book (which constantly referred to it so my expectations were high!) and if you wanted more in depth resources you had to pay more money (only $97!! ) for her happy days bundle. A lot of Gabbys healing she has had the financial privileges to have access to that many will never have. Charging more for resources just amplifies the gap many people face in overcoming their trauma which I’m not sure Gabby understands at all. Despite some annoyances with the book there were some Well written and helpful sections.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
28 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2022
Remember when Gal Gadot corralled a handful of celebrities to sing ‘Imagine’ during the pandemic in an attempt to help the world feel more unified? That’s how this book felt to me. It was a complete miss.

I really adore Gabby and have loved all of her books, but this one didn’t sit well with me.
Profile Image for Kate Henderson.
1,592 reviews51 followers
February 23, 2022
Disappointed!!
Nothing new in this!
Heard it before from Bernstein.

I adore Gabrielle Bernstein but just found this book to be the same as what she’s said before in previous books.
Profile Image for Katie.
114 reviews43 followers
April 20, 2022
This book felt like it should’ve been:

A) A TedTalk that I didn’t want to be a part of
B) An audio book, as the author often had “guided instructions” with step one being close your eyes… did no one catch that? That’s a little difficult to do if you need to read step two, no?
C) An infomercial trying to sell me specific products (aka Bernstein’s website and other talks of hers she’s proud of) and treatments (that you already know are $$$ and that only someone in her position would be able to afford)

The angle of this book seriously comes from a position of privilege in the sense of a lot of what Bernstein recommends will not be viable options for the everyday person to try themselves. EMDR? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing? Yeah, I’m sure that’s something covered by the average insurance company.

I’m glad that the author has found the help and guidance that she needs to heal. I really am. But I also didn’t pick up this book expecting it to only push me to a website to learn more or to sign up for new, essentially sponsored treatments that Bernstein recommends.

I definitely wasn’t the target audience for this but yes, it really was that bad. Definitely not what I was expecting and I haven’t been this disappointed in a book in a long time.
Profile Image for Kelsey Meyer.
6 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2022
TBH there really isn't anything in this book that you can't find in any other self-help or spiritual book. Journal, meditate, exercise, eat healthy, de-stress, blah blah blah. If you are struggling with trauma, I'd suggest seeing an actual trained medical professional/counselor/psychologist and not waste your time reading a self-help book about a VERY wealthy woman, who has all the money to access mental health services, treat her unresolved trauma.

If you are looking for something spiritual to read, I'd suggest something from Thich Nhat Hanh or someone who isn't trying to sell their products via a book about themselves...
Profile Image for Laura Scherer.
Author 7 books4 followers
March 14, 2022
I appreciate the message here and am familiar with many of the methods discussed in the book for healing trauma. However, I think it’s highly improbable that the average person would have the time or resources to dive this deep into all these different therapies. If Gabby Bernstein is getting this much therapy to “feel normal”, then the rest of us are screwed.
Profile Image for Cassie Schultz.
44 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2022
By far her best book! In the past I often felt like Gabby was preaching toxic positivity. For me, this book was her most relatable and the one I most appreciate.
Profile Image for Lauren Chase.
178 reviews30 followers
August 27, 2023
I wish I'd had this book 15 years ago. Gabby Bernstein has provided a road map to trauma recovery, hitting all the major points. The concepts and techniques she introduces are things that I found through many years of personal healing work, diligent research online and at my public library, breadcrumbs from therapists, raw intuition, and happy accidents. Its good then, to see a book like this, with a lot of information and tools in one place. I've read a lot of books about trauma, many of them by clinicians mentioned in this book - if you're new to trauma-informed approaches, I'd recommend this book as a good place to start.

If you are newly on the path of trauma recovery, this book is a gentle introduction to trauma-informed therapeutic and somatic healing approaches. If you have been on the trauma healing journey for a long time, the topics presented in this book may not be new to you - but it's a gift to have them all in one place. This book is meant to be a jumping off point, not a deep dive as Gabby is not a medical doctor, therapist, counselor, psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist. She is someone sharing her own experiences and healing journey. And I appreciate how her spiritual framework ties everything together.

Gabby introduces the reader to cutting edge concepts and clinicians in the field of trauma recovery: the neurobiology of trauma (Bessel van der Kolk), the mind-body connection between trauma and chronic pain/illness (Dr. John Sarno), Internal Family Systems (Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D.), Somatic Experiencing (Peter Levine), attachment theory, polyvagal theory, EFT (emotional freedom technique, or "tapping"), and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). I have personally experienced great shifts and release from resistant triggers using EFT, EMDR, TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises or "shaking" therapy) and trauma-informed yoga therapy, so I'm glad she shares information about somatic approaches.

I tried reading one of this author's other books a few years ago but didn't connect with it. In this book she is much more mature, authentic, and vulnerable. I probably wouldn't have picked it up, except for the subject matter. I'm glad I did. Maybe I'll revisit the idea of reading some of her other work. In the meantime, this was a great read - she offered tools and approaches I could use in my every day life, and she points the reader to a variety of resources to help with trauma recovery.
Profile Image for Lali Love.
Author 15 books625 followers
January 4, 2023
Such an inspiring and powerful, vulnerable book on self-healing and realization. I recommend it to everyone that is looking to transform their people-pleasing behaviors.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Davaze.
3 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2022
I’m sorry, I have read Gabby’s books before so I knew what I was in for, but this was too hokey even for me. The main issues? The unchecked privilege (who has the resources that this woman has?), the regurgitation of others’ work (including references to an unnamed *shame researcher*), and the preaching. Girl, how many times can you fall into a pit of despair while continuing to preach all the answers to the rest of us? I would have found it easier to swallow all of this if there was even a whiff of humility, but it really felt like listening to advice from that hot-mess, scatterbrained friend we all have in our lives who always has some new scheme. You know, the one you world never take advice from. You have to be a special kind of person to “pray to self”, or ‘ask self to take your parts outside for a walk’. I can’t believe I made it through the whole thing.
2 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2022
Very disappointed. I love Bernstein’s Superattractor book— one of my favorites. But Bernstein tried too hard with this one. Probably not allowed to say this but it almost had me think Bernstein is maybe a narcissist. Unfortunately, I am a little less of a Bernstein fan now after having read this book.
Profile Image for Maria del Cueto.
96 reviews
August 25, 2023
One of the most raw and honest books I’ve ever read. Gabby Bernstein exposes her fears and traumas and her journey overcoming them. This book will make you feel exposed too but at the same time it will help you heal. It’s not an easy process, this is the second time I’ve picked up this book since the first time I wasn’t quite ready for it. But now I do believe that this book came back at the right time and place. The exercises in this book and meditations will help you hear your body and mind through a journey of self healing and growth. Just like Gabby says in the book: “If you show up for this book this book will show up for you”. Trust the process and trust yourself.
Profile Image for Leanne.
255 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2022
Although I wasn't keen on the live seminar that came as a free option with the pre order, I really enjoyed this book.

I don't understand some of the reviewers' responses that it repeats stuff mentioned in other books because much of what is in this book is Gabby's response to things that have happened in the past few years though it touches upon trauma she experienced as a child.

Her experience with postpartum depression resonated with me as I suffered with it as well and found it helpful to hear of a speaking talking about it. It's a horrible thing to go through and there are things that we can take for granted that actually makes life much tougher when you go through postnatal depression.

Gabby also references different forms of therapies that she has undergone and gives credit to the relevant pioneers for the therapy. I have a lot of respect for her because there are other motivational speakers who I can think of who take credit for therapies that belong to other people.

If anything reading this book makes me want to go back through the list and read the books of hers I haven't read including Spirit Junkie.
Profile Image for Hope Cotten.
44 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2023
I love Gabby. I’ve read all of her books, this book is specifically about trauma and how to allow it to transform you and not be held hostage by it. Each week on her podcast she gives this book out and I had such a block to reading it. The universe aligned and in perfect timing (as there only ever is) the words on these page, though heavy for me to digest, provided me resources I had been searching for. Most pain and patterns we will circle back to throughout our life and we must meet these moments with openness not resistance. Grief/trauma is complicated and we must make the time to find understanding without judgement so we can continue to evolve into the souls we are meant to be. You’ll know when this book will serve you and until then let this just be the reassurance that support/resources are waiting for you when you are ready.
Profile Image for Jacky.
122 reviews16 followers
April 16, 2022
I loved the book. It was inspirational, safe and healing. All the information was nicely put together with helpful practices in between. The book had a nice flow and the chapters were short and sweet. Yes its information that I knew because I’ve been on this healing journey for years but people have to always have an open mind and never start reading with “I already know this”. Even though I’ve heard the concepts before, the way Gabby spoke brought a new awareness and really soothed me. One of the mantras on there I literally say daily and I actually feel the inner support from the Universe - it has truly shifted me. The audiobook was lovely and I highly recommend it - especially for beginners.
Profile Image for Mila.
186 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2023
I can understand this as a memoir. I cannot understand this as “the guided path” that the author is adamant she can take the reader down. Deeply off-putting to hear an author or spiritual leader advising a framework (flimsy at that) on such a deeply nuanced topic (trauma!) with complexities that outnumber the pages of this book….when they are not themselves an expert or professional in the field. While the Internal Family Systems (IFS) that she references is notable, she is herself not a trained professional and the recommendations were very personalized to her unique situation. Due to those reasons, I cannot (personally not professionally) recommend this book, especially in light of the way that it is positioned and marketed.
5 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2022
Another great book from Gabby. I love her way of breaking down so many peer books on trauma and making one book. Bringing a balance of conventional therapies, spiritual and science. It's a must-have if you're looking for a book that has a plan and answer to help you feel a sense of safety and peace.
38 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2022
It scares me that some people might think a book can replace professional help in dealing with their trauma. While the author mentions resources a few times in the book, the key is to find good professionals. Not people who might have taken one course.
Profile Image for Kim Coenen.
2,149 reviews67 followers
November 11, 2022
Toen ik de aankondiging van dit boek zag bij Lev. Uitgevers was ik gelijk nieuwsgierig. Ik kende Gabrielle Bernstein nog niet. Maar een persoonlijk boek over trauma en herstel dat vind ik persoonlijk enorm interessant. Zeker omdat ze ook werd aangekondigd als bestsellerauteur had ik er gelijk hoge verwachtingen van. Gelukkig kreeg ik van Lev. Uitgevers de kans het boek te lezen en te recenseren, dank je wel! Het boek heeft een aantrekkelijke en passende cover voor een boek dat een persoonlijk verhaal vertelt.

Gabrielle Bernstein neemt ons mee op een pad om trauma te helen, angst te overwinnen en liefde te koesteren. Hoe zou jou leven eruit zien als je geen angst zou hebben? Zonder spijt naar het verleden kijkt, omdat je weet dat het een doel had? Hoe zou je leven eruit zien als je je gelukkig, vredig en liefdevol zou voelen? Dit kan, Gabrielle Bernstein wijst je de weg.
Ze toont ons hoe je pijn uit je verleden om kan zetten in hernieuwde kracht en vrijheid. Heel je trauma's, verleer je angsten en onthoud de liefde.

Wat een helder en inspirerend boek is dit.
Gabrielle Bernstein heeft een hele prettige, heldere en open schrijfstijl waardoor je gemakkelijk mee gaat in haar verhaal. Het boek heeft een hele prettige opbouw. Waardoor ze je stap voor stap door het ontdekken van je trauma's en je triggers leidt om ze te zien, observeren en later te voelen en ermee te gaan werken. Naast haar open en persoonlijke verhaal, komt ze ook met uitleg van verschillende soorten therapie om dingen aan te pakken en staat er stap voor stap oefeningen uitgelegd om met jezelf gelijk aan de slag te gaan. De oefeningen zijn uiteenlopend van schrijven, klopoefeningen op je lichaam, meditatie etc. Hierdoor kan iedere lezer denk ik wel een oefening vinden die bij hem/haar aansluit.

Het binnenwerk is erg prettig vormgegeven, met niet te lange hoofdstukken, alinea's, paragrafen met belangrijke uitspraken en de oefeningen. Door deze indeling leest het boek ook erg prettig. Ook al is het geen boek dat je snel even uitleest, aangezien ik zelf wel de oefeningen uit het boek gelijk wilde uitproberen en voor sommige oefeningen even de tijd heb genomen.

Door het persoonlijke verhaal van Gabrielle Bernstein krijg je als lezer ook echt het gevoel dat je op een lijn komt met Gabrielle en haar herstel weet je zeker te inspireren dat deze oefeningen en manier je zullen helpen. Ik heb echt genoten van het boek en de oefeningen en raad het zeker voor iedereen aan die aan zijn haar trauma's en herstel wil werken. Ik weet zeker dat ik het boek in de toekomst nog vaak uit de kast ga pakken.
Profile Image for Jessica  Sinn (Books and Trouble).
385 reviews24 followers
Read
February 8, 2025
I recently listened to “Happy Days” by Gabrielle Bernstein and was sadly disappointed that most of her advice weighs heavily on religion, something my college philosophy professor called “the opiate of the masses.” Sorry, but I missed the organized religion indoctrination back in my misspent youth. I wish I could comfort myself with the “Jesus, take the wheel” mentality, but nah. It’s just not for me .

She did provide one very helpful piece of advice that I plan to follow! That’s the thing about self-help books, isn’t it? Most of it is gobbledygook, but one nugget of wisdom can really make a difference! Here’s the advice: Don’t repress your emotions. Get it out on paper by journaling for 20 minutes while listening to binaural music, which does something magical to your brain chemicals. She calls her journal, “Rage on the Page,” which I think is so apropos for the times. Write it all out in these three sections: Fear, frustration, resentment. Afterwards, the enormous cabin pressure should ease just a bit. I’m hoping this will help because dang! I have never felt the weight of the world on my shoulders like this. It’s heavy, unsettling, and so disorienting. I mean–my God–I just read a story in the Austin-American Statesman about a “Trump Burger” chain coming to Texas, making me wonder if this is even real news or something pumped out by Musk and his minions. The world is a scary place when you don’t even know what is real anymore.
Profile Image for Smitha Murthy.
Author 2 books417 followers
July 23, 2022
I came across Gabrielle Bernstein or Gabby as she is more popularly known through her podcasts. Those podcasts are great - and I was intrigued to read one of her books. Give me a book with the word ‘trauma’ in it, and I am likely to swallow it whole.

What I really liked was how vulnerable Gabrielle is - there are many useful exercises and practices as well. It is not serious work on trauma, but it definitely can be part of your healing journey.
Profile Image for Dorothy Inoa.
37 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2023
Happy Days

I love Gabbys books and have read many. I loved she opened up and shared her own trauma. I love the big T and little T and how they both affect us in life and we need to heal them.
I do not like the techniques she brought up, most of them need a counselor/therapist help.
Some are not able to seek those services.
I will start seeking counseling and trying meditation.
Profile Image for Monique.
34 reviews
October 17, 2023
I listen to the author’s podcast and she often references this book so I thought I would try it out. I listened to the audio version and I would like to also get the print version. If you are on the journey towards self discovery I would recommend this book. I had some great insight and several a-ha moments.
Profile Image for Reema.
78 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2022
Audiobook: This is a 3.5, really. Really great information & exercises that I may go back and do as I just listened through it the first time. However, I don't feel like I had any great a-has. A lot if the info was already familiar as I've listened to, and read, a lot of Bernstein. That said, if felt good to red in the wake of my father's death - someone who but only suffered Trauma, but inflicted T/trauma.
Profile Image for Taylor Gallagher.
1 review
July 13, 2023
I really loved this book at first, but it became very dry & ‘manual like’ half way through. Still love Gabby, but this wasn’t my favorite work from her.
155 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2023
Some insightful nuggets, too much focus on spirituality for me.
Profile Image for Alexandra Costanzo.
6 reviews
December 2, 2024
I found this book to be extremely impactful. The information & exercises were digestible. This took awhile to read since some parts were triggering and I had to take a pause. Overall though, very effective.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Bladt.
89 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2024
Not my first Gabby book, but did enjoy. She shares how unknown trauma as a child affected her physically as time passed.

She speaks about Trauma (BIG stuff) and trauma both can affect our bodies physically, and they can cause anxiety. As I read, I appreciated the exercises she suggested- was a good time to stop and think about though I didn’t do every one, I will go back and reread.

Not everything applied to me, but can see how this could also play in to my students I teach and some resources I could use for calming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews

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