Britain's bestselling poet Donna Ashworth reveals why the secret to happiness could be learning to be easily pleased
With more than two million followers and eight Sunday Times bestsellers, Donna Ashworth returns with a joyful new book about silencing your inner critic
Her uplifting new book, The Art of Being Easily Pleased: Words to Unlock a Wonderful Life, published by Hay House on 27 October 2026, explores why finding joy in ordinary moments, making peace with ourselves and letting go of impossible expectations could transform the way we live.
With more than two million followers, eight Sunday Times bestsellers and over 300,000 poetry books sold, Donna has become one of Britain's most recognisable voices on self-acceptance, ageing, femininity and emotional wellbeing.
Her words have struck a chord with millions of readers, particularly women experiencing the pressures, changes and challenges of midlife. Now, in what is described as her most honest and hopeful book yet, Donna is encouraging readers to stop chasing an elusive version of happiness and start appreciating what is already around them.
Combining poetry, prose, original artwork and affirmations for the first time, The Art of Being Easily Pleased offers a comforting and accessible approach to finding contentment, rediscovering wonder and reconnecting with the things that make life worth celebrating.
And Donna has some famous admirers.
Bestselling novelist Matt Haig, author of The Midnight Library, says: “Donna Ashworth’s words are sunshine for the soul. And this new collection is full of her best work. You feel every word comes from a sincere, authentic place. The power of empathy, right here. She is a treasure.”Broadcaster and bestselling author Davina McCall adds: “This book will crack open your heart to let in more love.”Actress, comedian and writer Dawn French offers an equally glowing endorsement: “Donna is a human disco ball and this book will radiate shards of illuminating light onto our most troublesome shadows.”
At a time when many women are juggling careers, relationships, family responsibilities and the emotional demands of everyday life, Donna's message is particularly timely.
Rather than promoting another complicated self-improvement regime, she encourages readers to reconnect with simple pleasures, quieten their inner critic and give themselves permission to enjoy life as it is.
Through a collection of soulful reflections and practical insights, the book explores how to:
Stop being your own harshest critic and make peace with yourself.
Find happiness and delight in ordinary, everyday moments.
Rediscover your inner spark, curiosity and sense of wonder.
Accept life's changing seasons rather than constantly resisting them.
Overcome self-consciousness and embrace the freedom of being yourself.
Donna's approach celebrates imperfection, emotional honesty and the idea that we can experience sadness and joy without allowing difficult moments to define our lives.
Her writing has become a source of comfort for readers experiencing grief, self-doubt, changing relationships and the emotional shifts that often accompany getting older.
Known for sharing what she calls the dark alongside the light, Donna has built a devoted international community through her deeply personal and relatable words.
Her best-loved poems include Love Came First, Joy Chose You and Yellow, which continue to circulate widely online.
Unlike a traditional poetry collection, The Art of Being Easily Pleased can be read from beginning to end or opened at random whenever readers need reassurance, perspective or a reminder of life's small joys. With its illustrated poems, meditations and uplifting messages, it also makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who needs a little encouragement, particularly as the festive season approaches.
Perhaps the most refreshing message of all is that a wonderful life doesn't have to be a perfect one. Sometimes, happiness begins when we stop expecting everything to be extraordinary.
The Art of Being Easily Pleased: Words to Unlock a Wonderful Life
Author: Donna Ashworth
Publisher: Hay House
Publication date: 27 October 2026
Price: £14.99
About Donna Ashworth
Donna Ashworth is a No.1 Sunday Times bestselling poet and Britain's bestselling poet to date, with eight Sunday Times bestsellers. Her poetry books have sold over 300,000 copies, and her words reach an international audience of more than two million followers, including 1.6 million on Facebook and 540,000 on Instagram.
