Living the Blessed Life

Maria V. Gallagher discovers a delightful prescription for joy in the new book by Melissa Overmyer.

Living the Blessed Life: Seven Keys to Trusting God and Embracing Joy

By Melissa Overmyer

Published by Ascension Press

I am always on the hunt for ways to increase my joy. From listening to sacred music to dancing with abandon, I have discovered numerous methods for enhancing my joy quotient. But now I have found another, thanks to the new Ascension Press book, Living the Blessed Life: Seven Keys to Trusting God and Embracing Joy. Author Melissa Overmyer has come up with a spiritual strategy that is highly relatable and accessible, even to the busy moms among us.

The Meaning of "Blessed"

For Melissa, “blessed” is not just a comforting adjective. It is also an acronym for the habits that will lead to happiness. B stands for Beauty; L for Laughter; E for Encounter; S for Song; second S for Silence; E for Engage; and D for Distinct. Put them altogether and they spell joy for the most harried of parents.

I appreciate the author’s use of an acronym to make it easy to remember what we can do to expand our horizons and enjoy life to the fullest. All too often, we can get bogged down with everyday duties — after all, those piles of laundry are constantly calling out to us. And yet, it is incumbent upon each of us, as busy as we are, to make time to appreciate the finer things in life. In the end, that kind of contemplation can actually make us better parents and more fulfilled people.

Activating the Blessed Concept

Once we know what blessed means, we can go about the business of putting the concept into action. The first step is noticing the beauty that surrounds us. Just taking a little time in nature, whether hiking in the woods or just strolling down a neighborhood street, can increase our appreciation not just of creation, but of the Creator responsible for it.

Our next task, according to Melissa, is to make sure that we make time for laughter. I know that, when my father was unemployed when I was a little girl, I turned to sitcoms to deal with the stress of his joblessness. Those vintage TV shows were a balm to my wounded heart and eased the pain quite a bit. As an adult, I have noticed that if I don’t take time to laugh, I begin to sulk my way through life.

Another important bridge to joy is encounter with the living God. That can happen through prayer, Scripture reading, and the Sacraments. I have found that attending weekday Masses whenever I have the chance gives me a sense of serenity that money can’t buy. I am far more prepared to handle stresses and strains when I have encountered God in my morning routine.

Both song and silence can also contribute to our joy. I know that I am in a better frame of mind when I have tunes ringing out from my car radio or iPhone. It has been more difficult for me to find God in the silence. My mind is often like a racehorse, galloping along a track, scarcely taking time for a break. But in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, I have come to appreciate the value of silence in getting in touch with God.

Engaging in faith-filled friendships and living a distinct life based upon the virtues are also keys to happiness, according to Living the Blessed Life. I can attest to the joy my friends have brought me over the years. And I am far happier when I am pursuing a virtuous life.

A Final Word

Joy is part and parcel of the Christian life. As Catholic Mom contributor Kathryn Swegart once wrote: 

Many years ago, back in the days of little children and heaps of laundry, I was vacuuming the carpet and feeling sorry for myself. The drone of the vacuum was accompanied by my inner complaining. What drudgery! And then it happened. I eavesdropped on myself. Woe is me, I said to myself. That was a bad attitude. Take control. Try thanking God for my happy children, for our little house with the fenced-in yard, and for my health. Suddenly I was glad to have the strength to vacuum.  (How to Be Joyful)

Still, it might be time to put away the vacuum for a while and pick up a copy of Living the Blessed Life. Chances are it will boost your spirits and maybe even cause you to dance a little while vacuuming the living room!

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2026 Maria V. Gallagher
Images: Ascension Press
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