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Cancer changed the way I ate, slept, and most importantly the way I live. Before cancer I was like most folks, just cruising along. It was during my treatment, when starting to discover what cancer could give to me — the ability to absorb every moment as if each one were my whole life.” ~Eric Smith

Our full review, with more images, here.

THE TAO OF POOH

More than a universally beloved children’s classic, Winnie-the-Pooh is also of the most essential children’s books brimming with wisdom for adults. In 1982, Benjamin Hoff synthesized that wisdom with a spin, drawing an allegorical parallel between A. A. Milne’s classic and the Eastern philosophy of TaoismThe Tao of Pooh uses Pooh and his friends to explain the basic principles of Taoism: compassion, moderation and humility. Simple, delightful and wonderfully written, it remains a timeless invitation to a life of quiet happiness, even amidst the relentlessly demanding reality and superficial preoccupations of Western culture.

‘What’s this you’re writing?’ asked Pooh, climbing onto the writing table

‘The Tao of Pooh,’ I replied.

The how of Pooh?’ asked Pooh, smudging one of the words I had just written.

‘The Tao of Pooh,’ I replied, poking his paw away with my pencil.

‘It seems more like the ow! of Pooh,’ said Pooh, rubbing his paw.

‘Well, it’s not,’ I replied huffily.

‘What’s it about?’ asked Pooh, leaning forward and smearing another word.

‘It’s about how to stay happy and calm under all circumstances,’ I yelled.

‘Have you read it?’ asked Pooh.

Hoff followed up with The Te of Piglet ten years later, a companion book exploring the Chinese concept of Te, often translated as ‘virtue,’ ‘integrity’ or ‘inner power.’

Carry on with these 7 must-read books on the art and science of happiness.

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COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

6 PAST RESPONSES

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Stephen Routledge Oct 19, 2015

life is so good, george Dawson is another amazing story of positive attitude

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iza dorable Mar 30, 2013

You could also add The Urantia Book. It reveals to us what a positively loving Universe we live in, and how exciting our real future is.....besides the History of this little planet.

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Rach Jun 5, 2012

'L'homme qui plantait des arbres' by Jean Giono is all about optimism and regeneration.

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Hulda Jun 5, 2012

Loveeee the suject... Makes me feel part of the REAL world.

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r_richardson Jun 5, 2012

Great list. You could also add How to raise an Optimistic Child and Creating Optimism by Dr Alicia Fortinberry and Dr Bob Murray. Must read.

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Ciaran Casey Jun 5, 2012

 You could also add The  Starseed Transmissions Quartet & The Prophet.