In a provocative invitation to introspection, psychologist and writer Paula Toyneti Benalia challenges readers to reflect on the sources of unhappiness in their lives with the launch of The Logic of Unhappiness. The book addresses the emotional and behavioral dilemmas that affect contemporary society, encouraging an intimate exploration of what can undermine personal well-being.
With ten short, metaphorical chapters, the work leads readers to confront the fundamental question: “If today were the last day of your life, what would you do differently?” Paula uses travel planning analogies to explore topics such as anxiety, pessimism, stress and depression, offering a practical roadmap for the pursuit of happiness. By encouraging the externalization of feelings and the setting of goals, the author guides readers to prepare for the “journey” of life, appreciating the present while envisioning a more rewarding future.
Graduated in Psychology and author of ten books, Paula Toyneti Benalia combines her passion for understanding the human essence with her literary experience to present an innovative approach to self-knowledge and personal development. The Logic of Unhappiness not only offers tools for dealing with emotional challenges, but also celebrates the importance of enjoying the path towards personal fulfillment.
What inspired you to write about unhappiness and how can this approach help readers find happiness?
Unhappiness is something that has permeated humanity, and even though we are increasingly moving towards a world that brings ease and promises happiness, the human mind is increasingly unhappy. The book leads the reader to reflect on this and question what makes them unhappy on this journey and consequently find their way to be happy.
How does the analogy between life and planning a trip help you understand the emotional and behavioral challenges covered in your book?
Life is a journey, where we walk towards our only certainty, which is death. When we understand this, we begin to value life and good times more. When I make an analogy with planning a trip, I help to understand this path and the emotional challenges of each person in a more playful way.
What are the main obstacles you believe people face on their journey to happiness, as described in “The Logic of Unhappiness”?
The main obstacle is the human being himself, who often puts himself last on his journey, considering situations and other people first. This becomes an obstacle, as the individual ends up doing much more for others than for themselves, placing their happiness as something far from being achieved.
How do you suggest that readers use the tools and exercises proposed in the book to face and overcome feelings of unhappiness?
It is mental work that firstly requires the person to be open to the proposed changes and reflections, which assumes that you accept that today could be your last day of life, and trace paths based on that thought.
Can you share a personal or client example where reflecting on what brings you unhappiness led to significant change?
I lost people very close to me, unexpectedly and whenever I went to these funeral events, I questioned myself about my way of living. This made my mindset change and I put my happiness first.
How did your experiences as a psychologist influence the way you approach the theme of unhappiness and the search for happiness in your book?
Living with human suffering on a daily basis makes you question yourself, looking for a way to help humanity in a broader way. The book has this power of greater reach.
How do novel writing and psychology interrelate in your work and influence the way you explore emotional themes?
I have always enjoyed studying and understanding human feelings and my training encouraged this search even more. When I started writing, I combined psychology with my other passion, which was books, and even when I write fictional novels, I bring up deep emotional themes that need to be discussed.
What do you hope readers take away with them after finishing reading “The Logic of Unhappiness”?
I hope for a change of perspective, even if the person does not change their way of living, as the book proposes. I dream of this change of vision, which will eventually bring changes.
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