This isn’t just a book.
It’s a permission slip to be who you actually are.
Stop trying to fix yourself.
Start learning to honor yourself.
You don’t need another self-help program.
You don’t need to be “fixed.”
You are not broken.
You are simply ready to be seen.
This is a “favorite pen” experience.
The 12 Practices of Joy is an intimate, tactile journey. It is a journal designed to be printed out, held in your hands, and written in your own handwriting (neat or messy).
In a world of digital noise, this is your Sacred Space. It is where you slow down, tune in, and listen to the wisdom that already lives inside you.
What This Ebook Is
The 12 Practices of Joy is a language you can learn and become fluent in.
It’s not a quick fix or a program you complete. It’s a way of being you can bring into your own life and relationships, whether you practice alone, with a friend, or in community.
The ebook can be explored on your own, shared with a friend, or experienced in community on Patreon.
It’s a set of gentle, practical practices, simple enough to start today, profound enough to stay with you for life.
But really, it’s a love letter to who you already are.
What’s Inside
The 12 Practices teach you to:
• Feed your Container of Worthiness (COW): Move from seeking validation to resting in your own inherent value.
• Speak the Language of Well-Being: Learn to communicate authentically, set healthy boundaries, and create relationships where you feel seen and valued.
• Hold your emotions with kindness: Approve of your feelings and hold space for them to move through you, rather than getting stuck or shut down.
• Navigate from your body’s wisdom: Learn embodiment practices that help you listen to what’s true in your body, not just your mind.
• Create joy-based trajectories: Move away from rigid goals and toward a fluid, intuitive path guided by what you’d love to experience.
• Find your tribe of well-being: Discover the power of authentic connection and create community where your joy is celebrated.
This isn’t about mastering anything.
It’s about remembering.
It’s about coming home to yourself.
About Debbie Happy Cohen
Debbie Happy Cohen is the founder of Joy-Based Living, a peer-led community where people practice growing like healthy moss… softly, sustainably, and full of life.
With a Master’s degree in counseling and 25 years of experience as a coach, Debbie walked away from both to create something different…
a space where connection isn’t transactional, where growth doesn’t have to feel like therapy, and where joy isn’t something you have to earn.
She believes joy isn’t something we achieve.
It’s what shows up naturally when people feel seen.
This ebook is her way of sharing the language we’ve been practicing for 10 years.
Here’s what I hope you’ll do:
Download this ebook.
Print it out.
Grab your favorite pen.
Try a few of the practices.
Then invite your best friend (or a small group of friends) to do it with you.
Practice together.
Talk about what you notice.
Support each other.
And if you want, tell me about it.
I’ll cheer you on.
This is how Joy-Based Living spreads…
one person,
one friendship,
one practice at a time.
Ready to Begin?
The 12 Practices of Joy E-book (4th Edition)
Includes 12 Practices, Journaling Exercises, Embodiment Practices, and Video Companions.
✨ BUY NOW – $28 ✨(Or perhaps… is it time to invest in your Sovereignty?)
Join the Movement.
This is the foundation.
The Honor Effect starts here.
From Our Community
Pauline, Yoga Instructor, Corporate Trainer and Mom, France
(quick video)
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Delene Cole, Licensed Couples & Family Therapist, founder Relative Change : Counseling, Communication, Creativity
Florida
“Debbie Happy Cohen is diamond that spreads light through every facet of her being. Many people have education and experience in the fields of human potential /development, but it is rare to find someone with the wisdom, integrity and creativity to engender whole hearted connection in multiple avenues. She creates impact that brings people to remembering our own magnificence. Having known Debbie as a peer over the years, I have been impressed and inspired by her many books, her joyous presence, playful creativity and ability to hold space for all the multilayers of individual discovery process. Her different projects don’t just change people, but change entire cultures, one individual at a time. You witness and experience going from protective masking to authentic heart connection in a seemingly simple process. Butt rest assured , it is simple like E=MC squared is simple, and astounding! From her work with kids and “Reach You Stars”, the work she is continually offering through JBL (Joy Based Living) and her current project of Honor, Debbie brings us examples of how to build a new way of being in the world where our individuality and our connective oneness both take flight. Whatever situational context you have to engage with Debbie, you will find a brighter light within yourself and inevitably will pass that along to others.”
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Pauline Racine
Co-founder @Life Lab & Screenwriter
France
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge an exceptional writer, coach and mentor : Debbie.
Working with her over the past two years has been a transformative experience for me. Debbie brings together razor-sharp coaching skills, deep mentoring wisdom, and a powerful grounding in psychology that makes every conversation both insightful and actionable.
What truly sets her apart is her ability to listen beyond words. She doesn’t just hear what you say — she understands the patterns, the drivers, and the hidden beliefs shaping your decisions. With clarity, empathy, kindness and a big smile, she helps you untangle complexity and move forward with confidence.
Her psychological expertise adds depth to her coaching that is rare to find. She knows how to challenge you while making you feel completely supported. Every conversation with Debbie leaves you with sharper awareness, inspiration, practical tools, and a renewed sense of direction.
If you’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, business coaching, writing skills and genuine care for human growth, Debbie is that person.
I’m deeply grateful for her guidance and the impact she continues to have on my professional and personal journey.”
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Frank Dolan, Founder and Coach at Sports and Fitness Performance
New York
“Working with Debbie over the years has been life-changing. Through multiple stages of my business and personal life, her coaching has been foundational to both my growth and my happiness. She is a remarkably talented coach, and her programs, books, and writings carry a rare combination of spirituality and practicality — comforting and challenging you at the same time. A conversation with Debbie can leave you with a deep sense of purpose, clarity, and direction. It is by far and away the best investment I have made in my career and personal development.”
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Amy Gregory, PhD, Master Teacher, Licensed Massage Therapist
Texas
“I would love to be surrounded by JBL peeps in person in my daily life. It would feel like heaven on Earth! I joined JBL in 2017 and have experienced a profound effect in the way I show up in the world. When I began my journey, I was aware that childhood trauma kept me from getting into the arena. I protected myself, played small, and was still governed by the emotions to which my body had become addicted, having grown up with a parent who was constantly angry. I’ve learned through JBL’s 12 practices how to honor and respect myself by replenishing my container of worthiness and how to climb the emotional ladder by embodying high frequency emotions. Do you want to become a lighthouse for the rest of humanity? Join JBL and experience profound and everlasting transformation!
I’ve learned through JBL’s 12 practices how to honor and respect myself by replenishing my container of worthiness and how to climb the emotional ladder by embodying high frequency emotions. Do you want to become a lighthouse for the rest of humanity? Join JBL and experience profound and everlasting transformation!”
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Heidi Bobal, Sound Engineer
Vienna, Austria
“Doing the Joy-Based Living 12 Practices has changed me & my life.
I have changed a lot of my self talk from I MUST and I SHOULD to: “I would love to” or “I want to”. Asking myself what I would love to experience time and again has changed my perspective and I have taken my power back that way.
It’s not just that I’ve changed the words. I’ve experienced a great shift in how I treat myself. I now have a kinder and more loving relationship with myself. As a result, my relationships have also become healthier and stronger.
I learned that shame and abandonment are cultural wounds that everyone experiences. I also learned not to take them personally. They didn’t happen “just to me”, which would make me “unworthy” or “unloveable”.
Doing the 12 Practices has given me a lot of self-awareness; I feel more heard and seen, simply because I look at and and listen to myself more. As a result, I have also become a better listener in my relationships.
In fact, I love the Practices so much that I have started a Joy-Based Living Friendship Circle in my studio in Vienna where we meet monthly and do the 12 Practices together.
If you’re looking to have a better relationship with yourself and with others, don’t hesitate. Go ahead and do the 12 Practices right now! You’ll be so glad you did.“
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Christopher J. Sullivan, IFS Practitioner/Coach
California
“I am writing to offer my appreciation and whole hearted recommendation of the powerful body of work, Joy-Based Living, developed by Debbie Happy Cohen.
I can confidently say that the Joy-Based Living program provides transformation and wholeness to those who choose to reach for their highest purpose. Debbie’s teachings are rooted in emotional resilience, relational authenticity, and deep self-honor. Debbie’s approach to life through her teachings offers greater self-awareness, intentionality, joy and happiness because it comes from the inside out.
I am grateful that Joy-Based Living teaches people how to develop true internal safety, cultivate personal sovereignty, and create healthy boundaries while staying deeply connected with others.
The Joy-Based Living 12 Practices should be standard reading and communally practiced with family and friends during this time of separation and isolation in our world. The Joy-Based Living 12 Practices feather smoothly and come along side into any recovery program one might be involved with. As someone who has lived and worked in mental health and recovery communities over the last 40 years, I can tell you without doubt, the sun shines brighter when the 12 Practices are embodied by us and shared with others.“
What You’ll Receive
The Joy-Based Living 12 Practices Ebook includes:
- 12 Practices to expand your joy
- 12 Journaling exercises to deepen self-awareness
- 12 Embodiment practices to support self-acceptance
- 12 Videos to supplement the practices
- A section on how to apply art and creativity to enliven your practices
- A Commitment to Self Ceremony
- Shared Agreements you can use with friends
- How to start your own JBL group
- What it means to be an Empowerment Partner, and an invitation you can share
- 76 pages, full color
Download once, keep it forever.
✨ BUY NOW – $28 ✨A Quiet Invitation
If you’ve been waiting for permission to trust your joy, here it is.
Come join us in exploring these practices.
✨ BUY NOW – $28 ✨Trusted and loved by the Joy-Based Living community.
I’ve been traveling on a lifelong journey in search of a joyful, meaningful life. I often felt restless and discontent with the status quo, knowing there was a better destination for me. My journey included times in the driver’s seat, cruising through happiness, feeling connected to the wonder of life. Other times, I was thrown from the car and lay in a ditch, having no desire to crawl out. Always, the destination I sought was more joy and peace for myself and others.
One bright morning, I was led to Debbie Happy Cohen and the 12 Practices. I decided to take the exit ramp to investigate this map to Joy Based Living.
“You have permission to be kind to yourself and plan your own route,” it said.
Wow! Thank you! Now, how do I find the best route for me?
“Learn embodiment. Then you can tune in to your own wise body for directions,” it said.
All the miles I traveled, all the people and places I visited, left indelible memories in my body. Memories long forgotten by my conscious mind were still triggers in my body. Gradually, I began learning to pay attention to these road signs deep inside me. These are the signs leading to my heart’s desire.”
– Linda Kennedy Selby, Alabama
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For me, learning and applying the 12 Practices of Joy-Based Living is Life Giving. Especially, Practice 11, finding my Tribe(s). From my experience, healing from trauma and thriving work best when I am in a supportive community like JBL. Knowing that I am not alone in this world — no matter what I am experiencing, helps me feel safe and loved. In turn, this leads me to finally feel safe enough to love myself. Loving myself is at the core of living a life full of gratitude.
– Catarina De Hoyos, Texas
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Having always been on the quest for finding joy and a sense of peace I have found myself in the wonderful group of women who are searching for the same. I feel like I can say that this has afforded me this peace and a feeling of completeness, a sense of belonging . The work I have been doing with the help of Debbie Happy Cohen I can honestly say I have arrived! Do your self a favor and try it for yourself. BELONGING TO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN MYSELF IS THE BEST GIFT ANYONE CAN DO.
– Liz Mitchell, Alabama
✨ BUY NOW – $28 ✨I know what I am feeling most of the time and can re-direct if it’s not what I want to be feeling, but I also know when I need to just feel those uncomfortable feelings and hold space for them.
I feel more confident about talking to strangers and have had beautiful conversations with people that I may never see again or at least I get a heartfelt smile from the people I talk to. I developed the wisdom and courage to change my life in a way that will bring me more joy.
I can recognize the 3 wounds in myself and apply the appropriate healing field. I know how to be an active listener and respect everyone’s need to be heard and seen. I feel more grounded within myself and more in love with myself, more in love with life, and I don’t take things personally when someone else is having a bad day.
In what way(s) are you bringing the JBL 12-Practices to life ?
Practice 2, Feeding the C.O.W.! (Container of Worthiness) Practicing with 4th graders was so fun that now I do it in line at the grocery store or the coffee shop! Emotional literacy!Who knew there was more to discouragement, anger, anxiety, and depression in this world? I certainly didn’t until JBL. Honoring my T.E.A. (Time, Energy, Attention). Giving up being an over giver.
Embodying the cultural wounds and healing fields. Shame, abandonment, and betrayal ->->-> Honor, commitment, and loyalty.
What’s your experience been like so far?
I have felt so supported and accepted in the JBL tribe. I don’t know how to thank you all!What would you LOVE to experience next? What would it provide for you?
Extended testimonial from Amy Gregory (mentioned earlier), Texas
I would love to be surrounded by JBL peeps in person in my daily life. It would feel like heaven on Earth!
After Purchasing
You will gain instant access to download the 12 Practices E-book and to watch all of the videos.
If for some strange reason, the instant download doesn’t happen instantly, please reply to the email you received when you placed your order. Please give us 48 hours to help you. We promise to resolve it for you.
Your outcomes
There are no refunds for Joy-Based Living products, courses or membership programs. You are 100% responsible for your outcomes. Our programs can support and supplement healthcare services, but we do not claim to be a replacement.
