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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Crazy Joy summary
Mary Katherine Backstrom
Finding Wild Happiness in a World That's Upside Down
13 mins
Brief summary
Crazy Joy by Mary Katherine Backstrom is a memoir that takes readers on a journey of finding joy in the midst of hardships. The author shares how she navigated through trauma, grief and depression to discover a life filled with wonder, beauty and love.
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Crazy Joy
Summary of 4 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 4
May the joy be with you!
We tend to believe that we can only be happy when everything in our lives is perfect. When I finally land my dream job… If only I could afford my dream wedding… As soon as I shed that extra holiday weight… But the reality is, the quest for perfection only gets in the way.
We often try to cozy up beside things that we wrongly equate with joy. Things like social status, wealth, achievement, and beauty. But as soon as they’re in our grasp, we just start chasing the next thing. This type of happiness is fleeting.
On the other hand, anything that looks like the opposite of joy sends us running for the hills. Heartbreak, disappointment, failure? There’s no way these things will bring us joy! Best to be avoided at all costs.
The problem with this approach is that avoiding pain or discomfort so often leads to avoiding life. It’s the risks you take that lead you to joy. Sure, you might fall off the horse. But if you don’t at least try, you’ll never experience the thrill of galloping along the beach with the wind in your hair.
So what can you do? Where can you find joy? For MK, the key is to stop looking at the destination. Instead, joy is found in the journey. And the journey of life is filled with ups and downs. There’s no way to avoid that. In fact, heartbreak and failure are often signs of a life lived to the fullest.
In the next few sections, we’re going to explore some of life’s hardships that often feel like the furthest thing from joy – things like fear, insecurity, loneliness, and the ultimate killjoy itself, death. But if you learn to change your mindset, you can begin to find joy in even the darkest moments.
To do this, let’s turn briefly to Sir Issac Newton. That’s right, put your nerd glasses on because we’re about to get sciency. Newton’s third law of motion tells us that for every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction.
You can think of joy as a force. And as with all forces, it shows up in pairs. If you want to experience joy, you better be prepared for the counterforces that will inevitably pull on you: disappointment, heartbreak, failure, and sadness. They’re all part of life. But then again, so is joy.
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What is Crazy Joy about?
Crazy Joy (2022) dives deep into the nature of joy. Drawing from philosophy, humor, and faith, it helps you discover your own, unique joy, and how to cultivate it even in life’s hardest moments.
Crazy Joy Review
Crazy Joy by Mary Katherine Backstrom (2021) is a heartwarming memoir that captures the essence of finding joy in the midst of life's challenges. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With vulnerability and honesty, the author shares her personal journey, reminding us that joy can be found even in the toughest moments.
- Through humor and relatability, Backstrom's storytelling keeps readers engaged and connected, making the book an enjoyable and insightful read.
- The book's inspiring message that joy is a choice, empowering readers to embrace their own journey towards happiness, no matter the circumstances.
Who should read Crazy Joy?
- Anyone struggling with mental health
- Burned-out perfectionists
- Parents juggling too much
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Crazy Joy FAQs
What is the main message of Crazy Joy?
The main message of Crazy Joy is finding happiness in the midst of life's chaos and embracing the joy in everyday moments.
How long does it take to read Crazy Joy?
The reading time for Crazy Joy varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Crazy Joy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Crazy Joy is a heartwarming and insightful book. It offers a fresh perspective on finding joy and is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Crazy Joy?
The author of Crazy Joy is Mary Katherine Backstrom.
What to read after Crazy Joy?
If you're wondering what to read next after Crazy Joy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
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- Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace
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- Change Your Questions, Change Your Life by Marilee Adams
- How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
- Make Self-Confidence Your Superpower by The Blinkist Team
- Mind Over Clutter by Nicola Lewis
- Joy Inc. by Rich Sheridan
- Do Hard Things by Steve Magness