Brighter Days: 12 steps to strengthening your wellbeing

by Patrick Regan

You probably don't need to be told that the demands of modern living are taking their toll on our wellbeing. You likely feel it.

And yet, some of us feel as though we’re the only ones who are weary, overwhelmed or anxious so we don’t talk about it and try and pretend that it’s not happening.

The truth is that we’re far from alone; we all have days where life feels too much, and we’ve all had times when we’re desperate to know that brighter days are ahead.


Packed-full of practical tips alongside stories of struggle and strength, Brighter Days is for all of us who want tools to invest in our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health so we can look forward to a healthier and more hopeful future.

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2023

Reviews

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick has so fantastically distilled the wisdom of Kintsugi groups into something accessible, gentle and honest.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book you really finish even when you've got to the end. The book has 12 chapters, 11 of which are focussed on different types of wellbeing challenges you may face, and the 12th is about moving forwards. Each chapter is split into short sections most of which are less than 2 pages long making it very easy to pick up and read even when feeling rough. Sections include things like "anxiety feels like", "shame Vs the truth", "types of inner critic", as well as poems and anecdotes from the authors life. There are pages I have bookmarked specifically to reread when I am facing a particularly anxious or hard day and so I imagine this book will be somewhere close by for a long time to come. It won't immediately fix all your troubles but it's gone a long way to help me understand mine.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Brighter Days" by Patrick Regan is a radiant gem that effortlessly weaves hope into the fabric of life's challenges. Regan's writing is a warm embrace, guiding readers through a journey of resilience and optimism. The book is a refreshing blend of personal anecdotes, inspiring stories, and practical insights that make it a compelling read for anyone navigating the ups and downs of life.

Regan's conversational style makes the book accessible and relatable as if you're chatting with a wise friend over a cup of coffee. He tackles themes of adversity, loss, and pain with a delicate touch, emphasizing the potential for growth and transformation even in the darkest moments.

What sets "Brighter Days" apart is its genuine authenticity. Regan doesn't sugarcoat the struggles, but rather, he illuminates the path to brighter days with a genuine spirit. Whether you're facing a personal crisis or simply seeking a dose of inspiration, this book is a beacon of light that reminds us all that, indeed, brighter days are within reach. Patrick Regan's work is a testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of finding hope in unexpected places.

[Ross Harte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, one-two page reflections or gatherings of wisdom on each of the twelve issues considered by Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Groups, this is less a book of developing narrative or theory, and more a primer or revision text for participating in one of those groups. With that in mind, this is a helpful collection.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible and honest Brighter Days is a practical toolkit filled with wisdom and advice on mental health and well-being from Regan's own experiences.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Amanda Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good reminder of the Kintsugi course, or helpful if you're considering joining one.
It's not necessarily a book to read cover to cover, more to dip in and out of when needed.
Some really helpful reflections, activities and stories.

[Fiona Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant read - kintsugi in action ❤️🙏🏼

[Wendy Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy to read and I had been to one of the evening promotional sessions which really helped to bring the book alive. Lots of useful stuff

[Ess ⭐️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

might have to re read in the future as it’s ment to be taken a little slower with space to write thoughts too

[Amy Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book bursting full of wisdom. This book should be in schools, in workplaces and next to your bed! I found what was written in invaluable

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought provoking and given me lots of good ideas 💝

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me that brighter days are truly ahead.

Brighter Days by Patrick Regan is filled with encouragement and tools to invest in your emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health. Each page felt like a gem of wisdom, and so open, honest and authentic. I loved the layout of this book, it felt easy to absorb; like you could pause, reflect, and then continue onto the next page when you were ready. I also loved some of the interactive questions and practical exercises which prompt you to reflect and think deeply about your feelings.

I would throughly recommend this book to anyone who needs the reminder that it's okay not to be okay, or for anyone who wants to learn more about mental health and wellbeing.

[Gavin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book if you are struggling with mental health.

Felt like Patrick was in my head and wrote insightfully but with great sensitivity.

I'll definitely look for more of your books.

[sahra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and Patrick Regan for the ARC! I never request self help off Netgalley, and I was worried I wouldn't DNF any of the random self-help books I requested. I am slowly working my way through this book. I'm working to really understand Patrick's words, and reflect on some of the things he said. This book has been helpful for me in ensuring that I am well and am shooting for brighter days, even if those days seem lightyears away. I still need to work on my positive thinking... So hopefully I build on that while reading the rest of the book.

[Rio Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brilliant read where things just 'click'! Brighter Days really is a practical and personal lens into some of the challenges of everyday life that continue to impact our mental health - perfectionism, stress, anxiety, sleeplessness... I found myself jotting down notes and ideas to tackle stressors, and I'm putting into practice new coping mechanisms which are already helping me feel more clarity and productive in my work and lifestyle.

I really recommend to anyone who has felt like work and life have crept up too fast and are struggling with that feeling of unerving overwhelm -- this book will provide a refreshed perspective and a practical way forward to regain that clarity and ability to step forward and feel encouraged about the future.

[MsV · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Brighter Days" is honest, vulnerable, brave, and practical. This has helped me to not only understand how the common stressors affect me but also how to keep them from escalating and then creating guilt and disappointment. This is how we should all approach mental health, and Regan's book is the perfect tool.