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A Review of "I'm Happy for You"

I remember hearing once that nothing kills joy like comparison.  That is exactly the premise of Kay Wills Wyma's latest book,  "I'm Happy for You." 

In twelve chapters and two hundred five pages, Wyma describes a problem that has existed from the beginning of time.  We're constantly measuring ourselves against everyone around us and either we end up feeling less-than or we get puffed up on selfish pride.   We even compare ourselves to better versions of ourselves - remembering times when we were thinner or our social calendars seemed fuller.  Everything we do becomes about marketing ourselves, and yet this constant comparison is keeping us from joy in our lives.  There is no one exempt from this epidemic, especially in the age of social media.

The key to contentment?  Learning to be genuinely happy for others,  even when it is difficult to do so. The key is literally in the title of the book.  How to say,  "I'm happy for you" and really mean it isn't something Kay explains how to do, however.  I think it is something that has to just be practiced.

While this book is relevant for everyone, it primarily is written from within the thick of parenting.  Kay shares story after story from her real life and how she and her kids are learning about comparison in their own lives.  It is told with humor and conviction from someone really trying to live out what she's writing about.  This issue is definitely viewed by Wyma through a Christian lens, and she certainly incorporates that into her writing.  Scripture and Biblical references are peppered throughout without being overwhelming.

I enjoyed reading the book overall as it really challenged me to think about where in my life comparison is stealing my joy.  (And think about the motives for what I post on social media and how it is helping our hurting those who view it.)   I finished the book within a few days, but at times I felt discouraged while reading.  It seems like this will be yet another lifelong battle, and one my kids will face too.  I only hope that I can set realistic expectations for them and help them learn contentment in the everyday and mundane parts of a beautiful and rich life. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from bloggingforbooks.org for writing an honest review.

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