Book Review: The Happy Mind by Kevin Horsley and Louis Fourie

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Maria from TCK Publishing reached out asking if I would review The Happy Mind: A Simple Guide to Living a Happier Life Starting Today by Kevin Horsley and Louis Fourie I was a little hesitant. The book isn't about witchcraft or paganism, so why the heck should I review it? I almost turned it down, but then I started thinking, "How many times in a witchy group have I seen witches asking for 'love and light' or spells to make them happier? How many times have I myself posted about my depression and the magical steps I have taken to try and help alleviate my symptoms." The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I should probably accept the offer, if not to help myself, but all those other witches out there suffering as well. I'm glad I did.

The Happy Mind is an incredibly short read at just 102 pages. You can read it in one sitting, as even the authors admit that many readers will do. However, despite its shortness, it packs a powerful message. Unlike other books on happiness that give elaborate tasks and sometimes even guilt the reader, Horsley and Fourie get right to the point. They explore both happiness and unhappiness, encouraging the reader to recognize the unhappiness traps they fall into without guilting the reader for being unhappy. Personally, this is what helped me the most. Reading the passages on unhappiness and the different types were eye-opening. I've been thinking about them a great deal over the past couple of days, recognizing the signs that I am falling into those unhappiness traps before I get overwhelmed. This alone has helped focus my mindset on being happier in my daily life. Yes, I have depression. The authors recognize that many individuals have an illness, but also recognize that we can take proactive steps to be happy, even when we are struggling.

The second half of the book details tasks you can do every day to be happier. They encourage the reader to read the book cover to cover, then focus on one page a day, studying what it has to say and enacting change in your thoughts and behaviors. Sometimes they are easy tasks, other times they are more difficult, especially on a day where happiness seems like a distant, unattainable fantasy. These tasks are things that happy people do regularly and studies have repeatedly supported everything Horsley and Fourie present in their book.

While the book isn't about witchcraft, it is still truly magical. Combine reading this book and practicing what it has to offer within your craft and I have no doubts you'll find yourself enjoying your life and practice more each day. It isn't going to cure you overnight, but hopefully, it will at least get you thinking.