I came home from Tucson's Canyon Ranch with a book called What Happy People Know: How the New Science of Happiness Can Change Your Life for the Better. Written by Dan Baker, Ph.D. and Director of Canyon Ranch's Life Enhancement Program, this cheery yellow paperback dispels myths -- did you know money doesn't really buy happiness -- and outlines happiness traps we all fall into now and then -- ever found yourself trying to live up to the saying, "People can be just about as happy as they make up their minds to be?" That's a trap.

Most people have a narrow definition of happiness, says Baker. Happiness is not just being in a good mood most of the time or experiencing the emotion of joy. It's a biochemical condition, a way of life -- an overriding outlook characterized by optimism, courage, love, and fulfillment. Happiness doesn't change every time our life situations change. Happiness is nothing less than cherishing every day.

Baker, one of the original developers of Canyon Ranch, teaches us throughout the pages of his book how to be happy -- really happy. Want to get in on the secret? Take a peek at an excerpt from What People Know right here. This book might be just what you need.

Thanks Canyon Ranch for sending me home with this inspiring book.