Living Joy: 9 Rules to Help You Rediscover and Live Joy Every Day

by Chris Stefanick

...Equips you with the wisdom you need to experience joy the the fullest. With evidence, experience, and common sense, Chris Stefanick presents nine rules that will empower you to overcome the obstacles that your keeping you from unspeakable joy. You'll learn why - Gratitude is the first key to unlocking deep joy - Silence creates space in your life for happiness - Rest, friendship, and fun are integral to joyful living and so much more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Catholic, Self Help, Religion, Christian, Spirituality, Faith

189 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput has called Chris Stefanick “one of the most engaging young defenders of the Christian faith on the scene today.” Chris speaks to over 50,000 teens, young adults, and parents every year.

Venues he has spoken at include hundreds of high school chastity assemblies and parish events, colleges (including Annapolis, Penn State and the US Air Force Academy) and both national and international events including the Steubenville Youth Conferences, National Catholic Youth Convention, FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) National Conference, the Knock, Ireland Youth Festival, and to 15,000 people at Manila’s Real Love Revolution. Chris was also invited to keynote at World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain.

Chris has become a regular in Catholic media, appearing frequently on Relevant Radio, and with videos featured on EWTN and Salt & Light (Catholic TV). His written word also reaches tens of thousands monthly through his popular, nationally syndicated column.

This 14-year Youth Ministry veteran served at a parish in the East LA area, as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Lacrosse, and as Director of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver. He is currently founder and President of Real Life Catholic—a nonprofit organization dedicated to reengaging a generation.

Above all, Chris is proud to be a husband and father to six beautiful children.

Reviews

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Catholic book presumably written for Catholics.

So I know this would be the perfect place to evangelize but I will not.

However, I will tell you it’s well worth the read whether you are any kind of Christian or not Christian. Think about it as you would the Buddha tradition of mindfulness. You do not need to be Buddhist to appreciate the message of mindfulness.

Joy is what is missing from so many these days. This book will help you get back on track if you recognize it is missing from your life. The 9 rules are:

1. Gratefulness
2. Silence
3. Love yourself
4. Have Fun
5. Engage you body
6. Make friends
7. Rest
8. Serve
9. Frame your mind with faith

And you guessed it, all of these rules involve putting down the phone, shutting off the computer and being real with yourself and those around you.

If you just use these simple 9 phrases without reading the book you will probably be able to get back on track.

I am happy I read though because the book is rich with directions on how to get those phrases to mean something.

Peace.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goes well with coffee…and with beer. I started this as a late day read and then it snuck into my morning reading and by the end, it was iced tea reading too. Less self-helpy than I expected and more real wisdom, good reminders, insightful tips. (No shock. Stefanick I s masterful at that.) On the one hand, it’s easy reading. On the other hand, it’s a challenge to step it up…in all the best ways. I needed this, right now. Highly recommended.

[Carrie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! Easy, fast and full of wisdom on living with joy. I'd highly recommend everyone at least read chapter two: silence. A much needed reminder in life today.

[Sandra Sparkler · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Living Joy: 9 Rules to Help You Rediscover and Live Joy Every Day" provides the tools to fully embrace and experience joy in your daily life.

Backed by evidence, Chris Stefanick shares nine rules designed to empower you in overcoming obstacles that hinder your path to a joyful life.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book the parish handed out as a Christmas present to all parishioners at the end of 2021. To be honest, I did not like this writer's style or approach. I didn't think it was scholarly enough. But I continued on and by the time I finished the book I appreciated the message he was trying to communicate. After teaching for decades and attending way too many teacher trainings with motivational speakers, I admit a bias against that type of presentation. As I read, I could visualize him up on stage with a high energy presentation and the intended pauses after lines delivered for a laugh. The deeper I got into the book however, the more I realized that the author is trying to reach a wide audience of people and speaking in terms with which they can identify. Although I'm not a fan of his style of delivery and won't be signing up for any of his presentations, I believe the message he is trying to convey about joy (what it is and how to fully experience and maintain it) is sincere. He makes some important points and gives us all worthwhile reminders. I would have been inclined to take his book more seriously if he'd left out the pop-culture references, but he didn't write it just for me. The bottom-line is, the more of us who learn how to experience joy, the better.

[Kelly Veatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many good things to learn from this book. The last part really hit home with me. This is a great book for those seeking joy in their life. I highly recommend it!

[Fr. Brandon G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good and practical, which is very helpful and appropriate when it comes to any virtue. Very simply Chris Stefanick lays out 9 “rules” along with practical suggestions to live joy. Much is pretty intuitive, but it’s all inspiring and makes you want to grow in joy.

[Diane Billas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift from my church and found it useful. It’s not a typical self-book and gives 9 ways to find joy in your life that are very relevant and the author kept me hooked by entertaining stories and anecdotes. I look forward to putting these rules into practice.

[Reading Through the Lists · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @p.77

Good intentions, I’m sure, but poor execution; the 9 rules to "live joy" all feel extremely surface level and frequently come off as shaming rather than encouraging.

Stressed out by noise in your life? It’s your fault for being on Twitter so much! Feeling like you’re not hearing the voice of God? You’re listening to too many podcasts!

Living Joy focuses on symptoms only--there is nothing here to address the deeper problem of why you may actually be depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. The advice is practical but painfully surface-level; most of it you probably already know. (Exercise! Self-care! Less social media!). “Anxious and of control?” Stefanick asks. Just remind yourself “[God is] the Rock!”

Wow, my anxiety is cured, thanks.

Reading Living Joy while in a truly dark place feels like laying face-down down on the couch while someone marches through the living room with a pair of cymbals telling you to just “stop being sad!”

1 star.

[Marissa Nguyen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Boring and full of fluff (sometimes even inaccurate fluff). If you want practical advice on how to live more joyfully, you can skip everything except for the 3-4 tips at the end of each chapter. Some of the tips are helpful. However, nothing is very new or ground breaking. You could look up online “how to be joyful” and the first article that pops up will be more useful.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Catholic self-help book which boils down to “joy is good” but also like … 4/5 stars from me bc … joy is good actually. I approached this sort of closed minded honestly, but was pleasantly surprised by how universal the themes are. Author touches on Buddhism and scientific research to communicate the simplest things like “get rest” and “be grateful.” And like … he’s right. Idk !

[Deana Meaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing inspirational book! Easy to read with great insights and love his personal stories. I was in a funk and he helped me out things in perspective. I can see myself reading this book over and over

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, very practical steps to making a joyful life.

[Tiffany Comeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start with I was raised Catholic and currently not a ‘practicing’ Catholic. I have faith in scripture, I have faith in a higher being (whether that is God, Universe, Jesus), and I have deep respect for people who are anchored in their faith.

I found this book after I asked during a prayer to find joy on my parents’ book shelf between two books, almost hidden. I took it as a sign.

I read this book chapter by chapter. Taking time to reflect on the message and how to apply the rule. I stepped away from the book to give myself to process between rules 5 (Engage your body) and rule 6 (Make friends). I took extended time between rule 7 (Rest) and Rule 8 (Serve). Then when I felt ready to read rule 9, Frame Your Mind with Faith.

The author doesn’t get overly Catholic until the last chapter/rule. I understand still as a child of God’s love that I just need to open my heart and allow Jesus in. I am sure other religions feel this way as well. I respect the author’s perspective and understanding of scripture. He reference Saint Paul’s letters from his time in Roman prison and if you don’t know Saint Paul’s story, you will. You have to be open minded when reading this book. They are simple rules, most of which you will see sprinkles of in ‘self-help’ books. If you aren’t Catholic, but are curious about the message, go openly.

Do I have a better understanding of creating Joy? Yes
Is my faith in Catholicism restored? No
Is my faith in the love offered by God/Universe/Jesus restored and deepen? Yes

[Darin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, I really needed this book. This is the perfect antidote for a pandemic winter. Especially, if like me, that winter has been going on for awhile.

In his playful and approachable way, Chris sneaks up on you with some profound insights about life, faith and most importantly - just living. This is a great book to help anyone maligned by the world, its stressors, and who is looking for a pathway back to some happiness. Could not recommend a book more.

"Silence leads to reverence. Reverence leads to wonder and awe. Wonder and awe lead to gratitude. Gratitude leads to joy."

"...ironically, when you don't care for yourself, all you leave your loved ones is the most burnt-out version of yourself."

"You be a thermostat. You set the temperature in the room."

"The soil where friendship grows is time, intimacy, and mercy."

"The saintliness hidden in the slums of the world is staggering."

"When you give, you have a spirit of abundance, of wealth, of royalty, no matter how poor you are. You become the rich one. Anne Frank said,'No one has ever become poor by giving.'"

"Winston Churchill once said,'We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.'"

"Faith isn't only religious practice. Faith is the way you see everything. It's how you answer life's big questions. It's the frame that shapes your 'big picture' for life."


Truly, a "joy" to read.

[Daniel Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivational speaker and devout Catholic author Christ Stefanick brings his book with 9 rules to provide each believer with deep and eternal joy. He draws inspiration from a collection of saints and ordinary people who lived these rules promoted in this book. Stefanick's examples of saintly role models are clearly defined & its clear that these behaviors brought tremendous evidence of joy in different aspects of their lives. These behaviors are:

1) Gratitude 2) Silence 3) Loving yourself 4) Have Fun 5) Engage your body in the battle for joy 6) Make friends 6) Rest 7) Serve 9) Framing your mind with Faith

Simple, beautifully told and direct, this work by a lay leader of Catholicism shows the wisdom of following these habits which will lead to the joy that does not pass away.

[Olivia Vogel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this book from the church on one of the holidays and have slowly been working my way through a chapter at a time as it takes a while absorb each “rule.” I found it helpful to underline the parts that stood out to me so I can go back and skim over the more important parts if I need to. This has been especially helpful and in line with a lot of the things I’ve been learning in my RCIA classes. The format is very simple and easy to understand. Rule 9 and beyond started to drag for me, but other than that I really enjoyed this book and found it to be useful.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

While on vacation, I attended Easter mass at a church that was handing out this book for free. I enjoyed it very much. Practical, common-sense advice, but still good to hear, and I like how he used passages from the Bible to support his suggestions. The writing was simple and engaging--it was a short, easy read. Although this is obviously geared toward a Catholic audience, I think most Protestants Christians would appreciate this book, and even the religiously doubtful could benefit from it if they kept an open mind.

[Anne Farrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great reminder of how to make conscious decisions in your life to be joyful. We read this for our parish book club, and while the majority of the content was not necessarily new - the concepts were laid out in a format and with stories that made it a very enjoyable read. The author also includes simple and practical steps on how to shift one's perspective and achieve a more joyful life. Overall a very good book, and one that we should all re-read periodically as a reminder.

[Shaunda Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Life Changing

Reading this book with my husband and one my children this summer has truly been a life changing experience. Chris Stefanick’s perspectives and rules present a balance of the profound and practical that allows us to actually understand the essence of and actively seek joy in the midst of real life.
Highly recommend.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The tone is pretty casual which helped the message to be more impactful. There's no boring sections or material that felt too complicated to understand. Reading this book felt like getting a much-needed hug. This is a book I will actually plan to reread at times when I need to feel that feeling again, or need motivation to keep on keeping on with my faith life.

[Jeffrey Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really eye opening. Each rule is an absolute page turner.

I've always been a faithful practicing Catholic. But, thanks to Chris, I've honestly gotten a new perspective on what it means to open your mind with faith.

Even if you aren't religious, I'd still recommend anyone read this book for inspirational insight.

[Victoria Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my first inspirational book with guidance from scripture, it was good. The rules on finding joy are great to live by and shouldn't be that hard, but can have times of hard. It's trying to live by all the rules at once, when life gets in the way, seasons of life change, and different things cause different amounts of joy when you need them most.

[Janie G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ideas are fine, but it bothers me when authors make statements that seem like nothing more than an advertisement for their other work, which happens a number of times in this book. I want good information, not a sales pitch. Put it in the author bio- if I like what you’ve said, I’ll look up your other work from there.

[Ashley Blankinship · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. A little bit cheesy & trying too hard for the sake of being relevant. I did find some points very impactful, such as (paraphrased) “we as Christians should always look as if we know the best news ever, because we do.” Definitely an inspiring book to be more joyful, but not the most impactful

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book on joy points to Jesus from Beginning to end. The Author’s examples over and over point and are supported by scripture. Neh8:10”The joy of the Lord must be your strength!” Really enjoyed this book!

[Christopher Wagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though Chris Stefanick does NOT profess to be a guru, his roadmap to joy makes me think otherwise. Laced with wisdom and framed with simplicity, his 9 rules are based in fact (as well as gospel). I’m blessed to have read this tremendous gift from God. In fact, each page brought me JOY!

[Jenny Wirtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one with a small group. So we read and discussed one chapter at a time every two weeks. This book had lots of little nuggets of wisdom. Lots of really do-able small things to add to your every day routine. I found myself taking pictures of passages and sending them to people.

[Karin Freeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and often read entire chapters to my children. If you follow Stefanick's advice you can't go wrong. Your life will actually be filled with more joy. I highly recommend this for all, not just Christians and Catholics.

[Jeffrey Obadal · Rating 4 out of 5]

simple and pure

The message is simple and pure, but lives in truth of joy. One star off because there are lots of examples of how “pagans” behave but are often also very simplistic straw person arguments.