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How to Make Good Things Happen literally changes lives. In a simple and understandable way, it conveys facts that on the surface may seem obvious, but in practice it shows aspects that have a real impact on well-being and self-esteem.
I love reading books that convey some deeper content, so the title already attracted me to purchase this one. This is an encouraging book that shows how by understanding ourselves and using our emotions carefully, we can change our lives for the better.
About the Author
The author of the book is Marian Rojas Estape, a qualified psychiatrist with many years of experience who currently works at the Spanish Institute of Psychiatric Research in Madrid. She worked with the Cambodian Somaly Mam Foundation and AFESIP to implement a project to help girls from brothels who were sold at a young age to trafficking networks. She conducts research on the human mind, and her areas of scientific interest include the relationship between optimism, stress, happiness and well-being, and the brain.
What Is the Book About?
Each of us wants to be happy, but unpleasant life experiences, dwelling on the past and destructive thinking make our existence seem worthless. How to Make Good Things Happen is meant to make us aware of how our emotions affect us, how to fight negative thoughts and build valuable relationships with other people. The author of the book covers quite difficult topics, but describes them in a light and understandable way. Marian Rojas Estape tries to explain complex definitions in a simple and accessible way without going into too much detail. She tries to explain how toxic thinking is capable of causing mind, heart and body problems. She wants to draw attention to the good aspects of our lives, the things that help us gain strength of spirit and a healthier body, which in turn helps us feel happy. Dr. Estape shows the reader how we can change our thinking by giving specific relaxation techniques and exercises.
Stories of Patients
As a psychiatrist, Marian Rojas Estape has often worked with people who have experienced sadness, depression or anxiety. This topic intrigued her enough that she began researching issues of happiness, pleasure and love, as well as compassion and joy. Her research addressed the question of the randomness of happiness and its importance in shaping a person’s mind and character. By far the most interesting parts of the book are the patient stories, which are presented in a concrete and accurate manner. They perfectly illustrate how a person behaves during difficult life moments or mental crises. Dr. Estape cites cases of patients with low self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, neurosis, depression, mental blocks, obsessions, and other mental disorders, among others, as examples.
I was most moved by the case of May, a thirteen-year-old girl who spent several months in a brothel in Cambodia. Her story begins horrifyingly – her grandmother sold her to human traffickers. The girl escaped from the brothel after a year, but she had nowhere to hide and nowhere to go. She was helped by missionaries who helped her find her place on Earth. With time also came forgiveness of her grandmother for the wrongs she had done. May, despite adversity, has not given up – in the future she wants to write fairy tales.
Dr. Estape, in studying this case, realized that we are able to soothe our suffering when we know the cause of our pain and discomfort. Marian Rojas Estape’s approach to her job and her willingness to help others is certainly something fascinating.
In her book, the author gives us the key to managing our own emotions well. She analyzes ailments resulting from bad habits, including the effects of stress, sleep hygiene, or lifestyle on mental health. The author gives ideas on how to optimize and improve them, and thus leads by the hand to the BVY – the Best Version of Yourself. To achieve this, you need to know and understand yourself, self-acceptance, define your goals, expand your knowledge, discipline, perseverance, and find passion in life.
A Typical Guide?</h2
At first glance, the title brings to mind a typical how-to guide on how to attract just what we would like to experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s mostly a study of issues in psychology and biology to help you examine what happiness is and what reactions our brain elicits when we experience it. The book discusses in detail the causes of lack of happiness and the factors that trigger negative emotions and perpetuate bad beliefs and habits. In between theoretical musings on the subject, Dr. Estape includes advice and tips, pointing out the path we can take. She has put her knowledge into nine parts of the book divided into smaller chapters. In them, she explains the problems of the mind, helping the reader understand how the brain works, including the thoughts, emotions, and feelings that accompany us, and teaches how to control a variety of reactions depending on the situation and what we want to change. Reading the book makes you realize that happiness depends on what we want from life and how we use the talents, skills, and opportunities given to us.
The Modern World as a Threat?
Dr. Estape points out the negative impact that too much use of electronics has. Young people who are addicted to technology are excessively apathetic and have trouble concentrating. They find it easier to communicate through screens, social networks, or video games than to interact directly with people in real life. Marian Rojas Estape believes that we should make judicious use of technological advances because it has a destructive effect on us. The author also includes in the book the important role of physical activity, as it is the most effective way to combat stress and anxiety. This affects the secretion of the hormones serotonin and dopamine, which can help restore inner balance.
Scientific Issues
There is a lot of information in the book about hormones and how they affect the human body, mentioning cortisol, oxytocin, and dopamine, among others. There is also a detailed description of the nervous and digestive systems. Dr. Estape specifically talks about the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on improving mood and cognitive abilities. Many mental health textbooks recommend consumption of omega-3 fatty acids as a preventative measure to inhibit the development of some mental illnesses. The author devotes a large part of the book to the role of the hormone cortisol in the human body. Cortisol has a significant effect on many body systems. Its increased level prepares us to escape. Cortisol also supports the action of oxygen, glucose, and fatty acids for proper muscle function. Marian Rojas Estape talks about regulating cortisol levels in the body because in excess it has a toxic effect on the body.
How to Make Good Things Happen?
How to Make Good Things Happen is a collection of knowledge and practical advice that we can easily implement in our own lives right away. First of all, it helps to understand the daily functioning of the body and to look at what leads us to feel bad. By taking a closer look at these issues, you may find that areas that you previously considered unimportant are also worth making some changes to.
For me personally, reading this book did a lot of good. Not only did I find definitions of scientific issues, but also concrete solutions on how to deal with various situations. The book gives valuable advice on how to deal with toxic people or how to tap into your emotions, and also shows you what to do to feel happier. This book is aimed at people who are searching for purpose in life. It will also appeal to people who are interested in healthy lifestyles and psychology. You can find a lot of knowledge and valuable information in this book that can be useful in our lives.
I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Article: Karolina Zielińska
English Translation: Natalia Chojnowska
Polish version here
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