What if joy isn't something you have to wait for, but something you can choose? In this paradigm-shifting book, bestselling author and renowned psychologist Kelly McGonigal reveals why joy is one of our core existential resources. Research shows that joy gives life meaning, and helps us feel hope and closeness to others. But in spite of its clear benefits, there is a tension underlying our experience of joy. We may resist joy because it feels like a warning that something bad is going to happen next. Or, we may not let ourselves embrace a moment of uplift because it feels frivolous or too fleeting to trust.Weaving together personal storytelling with insights from psychology, neuroscience, and medicine, McGonigal offers tangible ways we can overcome these obstacles. You'll discover:- The three main functions of joy and how it works in the brain- The joyful experiences that light you up- How to counteract joy dampening, or our tendency to avoid positive emotions- 20 "joy experiments" you can begin implementing into your life todayJoy is a spark people feel in small moments, but its powerful effects are long. McGonigal offers practical ways we can shift our focus toward creating joy, savouring it, sharing it, and celebrating it. Motivating and uplifting, Joy Is a Risk Worth Taking show that living with joy is an act of courage.