Foreword by Jon Gordon xi

Introduction: Falling off the Wagon xv

Chapter 1 The Moment I Discovered Joy 1

Chapter 2 The Power of Acceptance: A Path to Inner Peace and Personal Growth 19

Chapter 3 Shift Your Perspective: Serving Others with Gratitude 33

Chapter 4 Forgiveness: The Liberating Journey to Emotional Freedom 45

Chapter 5 The Power of Mindful Living: Finding Joy in the Present Moment and Celebrating Everyday Achievements Along the Way 57

Chapter 6 The Art of Letting Go: Releasing the Past to Embrace a Brighter Future 67

Chapter 7 Discovering Your Joy: A Blueprint for Uncovering Personal Passions and Pursuits That Ignite Happiness 79

Chapter 8 Building Meaningful Connections: Nurturing Relationships That Foster Joy 91

Chapter 9 Mind–Body Harmony: Cultivating Physical and Mental Well-Being for Lasting Joy 107

Chapter 10 Thriving in Transition: Embracing Change as a Catalyst for Personal Growth 117

Chapter 11 Gratitude Is Alchemy/Gratitude in Action: How Practicing Gratitude Transforms Your Outlook on Life 129

Chapter 12 Radiating Joy to the World: Creating a Ripple Effect of Positivity and Happiness 135

Chapter 13 Bouncing Forward from Life's Hard Knocks 149

Conclusion: The Purpose in Pain Opportunity 167

Acknowledgments 173

About the Author 177

Index 179

PRAISE FOR JOY THROUGH THE Journey

"This book is a beautiful blend of personal testimony and practical advice. Amberly Lago’s message of hope will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever faced hardship. Her wisdom and grace shine through every page, reminding us that joy is possible in every season of life."
—Ed Mylett, #1 Speaker and Mindset Coach in the world, bestselling author of The Power of One More, and Host of The Ed Mylett Show

"By the second page of the introduction she had already punched me in the gut, in the best possible way. This book will make you question everything you thought you knew about leadership and help you open your heart to receive all of the goodness, love, and support you so generously gift to others. Amberly masterfully shows you, step-by-step, how to experience Joy Through the Journey."
—Rachel Luna, Award-winning author of Permission to Offend: The Compassionate Guide for Living Unfiltered & Unafraid

"Heartwarmingly told and achingly vulnerable, Amberly Lago's ode to joy reminds us all that it is possible to find positivity even in the darkest of places."
—Laura Gassner Otting, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Wonderhell

"This is a book that could only be written by someone who has learned how to endure. The definition of endure is to suffer patiently and Amberly gives a masterclass as to how to come out the other side thriving."
—Justin Roethlingshoefer, Founder of OWN IT Coaching, USA Today bestselling author

As she learned to walk again following an accident that nearly killed her, a friend commented about Amberly Lago, saying, “What’s wrong with her? She seems way too happy for someone going through so much pain?” Amberly has harnessed the same attitude to overcoming countless surgeries, addiction, abuse and exploitation, illness, and more.

In Joy Through the Journey, world-renowned resilience and transformation expert Amberly Lago shares her gift for finding light in life’s darkest moments. She delivers a transformative exploration of what it takes to take your joy back when life gets really hard. The book is a guiding light for those navigating life’s challenges and it effortlessly weaves together personal stories, practical wisdom, and profound insight to create a holistic perspective on finding more joy in the world—regardless of what you’re going through.

The author provides practical exercises and effective ways to shift your mindset, strategies for accepting and embracing your present moment, and techniques to cultivate a deeper sense of resilient joy amongst all of life’s ups and downs. You’ll find actionable solutions rooted in mindfulness, resilience, and gratitude, all backed by relatable stories and resulting in a renewed sense of purpose and improved well-being.

Perfect for anyone struggling with the complexities of daily life and experiencing the pain and uncertainty that comes with chronic stress, Joy Through the Journey will help you address the lack of fulfillment that so many experience in their everyday work and play. Whether you’re facing a monumental struggle ahead or you just need a few tools to help you navigate some obstacles and go from surviving to thriving, this is the book you’ve been waiting for.