The WOW Book

In her debut book, Carla LaBella invites you to explore the evolving field of Positive Psychology with her. She has mindfully contextualized this discussion, and written a book that is accessible and of interest to those both new to and familiar with this area of study. Part workbook, part scholarly review, she highlights WOW strategies that are linked to optimizing well-being, and shares evidence-based tips and tricks that will nudge you from “knowing” to “doing”. Get ready to explore your purpose, values, and strengths, through thought-provoking, self-reflective, and action-oriented exercises that will help you create a meaningFULL life worth living.

Inside The Book

Part I: Foundations

Positive Psychology
Mind-Body Connection

Part II: WOW Tips

WOW Tips Body

WOW Tip 1: Breathe

WOW Tip 2: Sleep

WOW Tip 3: Exercise

WOW Tip 4: Practice Self-Care

WOW Tips: Mind

WOW Tip 5: Cultivate Mindfulness

WOW Tip 6: Challenge Your Perspective & Mind Chatter

WOW Tip 7: Make Meaning As You Create Empowering Stories

WOW Tip 8: Cultivate Gratitude

WOW Tip 9: Practice Self-Compassion

WOW Tip 10: Become More Time-Affluent

WOW Tip 11: Create A New Relationship With Your Tech Devices

WOW Tip 12: Apply Your Strengths

WOW Tips: Beyond Me

WOW Tip 13: Discover And Live Your Purpose

WOW Tip 14: Foster Connection

WOW Tip 15: Help Others

Part III

Moving From Knowing To Doing—The Science of Goal Setting and Achieving

Let Us Start At The End...

The Concluding Paragraph of The WOW Book

As you journey forward, I hope you have a fuller toolbox as you move toward the goals that matter most to you, and that you encounter each moment along your path with a curious mind and open heart. Embrace the pause and find solace and grounding in your breath and/or body as you continue to learn, stretch, and bend. Be flexible as you decide how to spend this invaluable resource, as you keep coming back to this basic question in each moment: Is this how I want to spend my energy? That is the essence of bendABILITY, the moment-by-moment choice of if and when to bend and exert energy and effort as you create a meaningFULL life worth living.

Are you ready to start building your toolbox,
and learning tips and tricks to help you move from knowing to doing?

The WOW Book Previews

Take a peek at what’s inside!

Book Review & Recommendation by Tara Richardson

Included In The Family Resource Centre Newsletter by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

I found the formatting of the book to be incredibly accessible and user-friendly. Each chapter was organized into WOW Tips focused on “body, mind, and beyond me,” which made the content easy to navigate and apply. I especially appreciated how each section was broken down into the what, why, and how—a clear structure that made the ideas not only more understandable but also actionable. One insight that really stood out to me was the reminder that we all have the same 24 hours in a day. When we set a goal that requires an hour of our time, that hour has to come from somewhere else. It’s such a simple truth, yet often overlooked. This served as a great reminder to be more intentional about how I allocate my time and to make sure my goals align with what I truly value.

The WOW book seamlessly blends science and research with practical exercises and activities that promote positivity and well-being in everyday life. Part research-based, part workbook, readers are provided with both valuable insights into the science behind happiness and well-being, while the activities allow you to actively engage with the concepts and apply them to your own life.

Personally, I found the exercises and reflection prompts to be incredibly helpful in increasing my self-awareness and motivating me to continue implementing positive habits that can help optimize well-being in my everyday life. By incorporating the strategies outlined in the book, I am paying more attention to my mind-body connection and overall well-being and satisfaction with life.

I highly recommend “The WOW Book” to anyone looking to create space for more self-care, wanting to enhance their happiness, looking for inspiring and science-backed research around wellness, and holding a desire to cultivate a more fulfilling life. It is a valuable resource that has the power to positively impact the way you think and create a life that is authentically yours!”

– Kate Dunn

The WOW Book: Ways of Optimizing Well-Being by Carla Labella is a refreshing and insightful exploration of Positive Psychology. Carla’s engaging writing style and thoughtful approach, makes complex concepts accessible for all readers. What I particularly appreciate is her practical focus on implementing positive psychology strategies in everyday life. The workbook-style exercises are thought-provoking and empowering, helping readers discover their purpose, values, and strengths. If you want to enhance your well-being and live a more fulfilling life, I highly recommend The WOW Book.

– Stone Rivers

As an educator, your book has empowered me to inspire, instill and teach the principles of mind, body and soul. This will allow our future generation to become healthy leaders and advocates for living a healthy life and to achieve a more sustainable world.

– Anonymous

I found it a joy to read. It is very inspiring and presented in such a positive way that the techniques and concepts are achievable for anyone.

– Jeannie