The Joy You Make

Find the Silver Linings—Even on Your Darkest Days

By: Steven Petrow

Narrated by: Steven Petrow, Michael Butler Murray

From award-winning Washington Post columnist Steven Petrow, a guide to finding joy even during life's most difficult times

AN OPEN FIELD PUBLICATION FROM MARIA SHRIVER

We all know what it’s like to experience the disappointments and sorrows of life. Unexpected challenges like layoffs, divorce, illness, and the death of a loved one can leave us hurting and isolated. Add to that the unending anxiety we feel at the state of the world—political strife and global upheavals—and we end up with a recipe for . . . joy?

Yes, says journalist Steven Petrow, who has lived through all of those things, and arrived at a surprising conclusion: Joy is always present—in our everyday routines, in ties to those we care about, even in our grief. It may be easier to see and feel it during the good times, but we can learn to find joy even in the darkest days. All we need is a road map—and now we have one.

In The Joy You Make, Petrow explores the many expressions of joy and shows listeners how to find, cultivate, and share it. He takes us on a journey from the darkness of the Arctic to a frenetic cancer ward in Manhattan, a trip that includes his parents’ deaths, the breakup of his marriage, and his sister’s cancer diagnosis. Combining his personal experiences with research and expert interviews, Petrow asks (and answers) the question: “What if there was a way to find the joy in everything?”

Come join him on his search, and make it yours.

©2024 Steven Petrow (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“In The Joy You Make, Steven Petrow does exactly that. Through his writing, he shows us all how to make joy our life’s companion, no matter our circumstances. He’s gifted, generous, and he wants us to know what he’s discovered. Lucky us.”—Maria Shriver

“Combining the intimacy of a memoir and the insight of scholars and scientists, Steven Petrow gives us all a blueprint for ways to not only cultivate, but spread joy . . . and who couldn’t use more of that in their lives?”—Katie Couric

“In The Joy You Make, Steven Petrow gives us a map to the buried treasure of inner joy—which is often hiding inside our grief, where we rarely dare to look. This book is for anyone whose suffering has made them give up the search for joy. ‘Don’t quit now,’ Petrow encourages us. ‘You may be closer than you’ve ever been.’”—Tom Rosshirt, coauthor of The Call to Unite

“When joy seems elusive, that’s when you need it the most. In this enlightening, insightful, and remarkably useful guide, Steven Petrow takes you on a journey to welcome more joy into your life. Prepare to be delighted as you read this book—and as you put into action the wonderful ideas that await you inside.”—Chris Bailey, international bestselling author of How to Calm Your Mind

“We know gratitude and joy are good for us, yet they often get paved over in the stress of modern life. Well, I'm grateful for this book. It is a manual of often surprising, always joyful interventions, enlivened by Petrow’s wry humor and honest prose. He offers a picture of joy that is rich and complex. Also, Petrow’s teachings work: I restarted my own gratitude journal after reading about his experiences—so far so good!”—Jeff Warren, coauthor of Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics

A joy to read

I love the honesty of Steve’s story. Very relatable and gives me many ideas and ways to add joy to my life

Taking things for granted

I thought the book was great for where I am in life. Finding happiness in the simplest things and your loved ones is so important. This read is a great reminder of how you see the world can make all
Of the difference.

Worthwhile book on joy

I liked the mix of practical advice ideas, personal stories, and science. Lots to work with to be found here.