Author Andrew Matthews with some of his more-popular book covers.

Andrew Matthews helps people find joy, happiness at every turn

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If you would rather listen to Andrew tell his story in his own words, check out Episode 097 of the Forward From 50 podcast.

Andrew Matthews is a man whose life has been defined not by the absence of hardship, but by the art of transforming adversity into opportunity.

For more than 35 years, he has been an author, illustrator and motivational speaker dedicated to teaching people the secret to true happiness. His message is simple: happiness is a choice made every day, regardless of life’s challenges.

In countless interviews and writings, Andrew has shared intimate stories of his own struggles and triumphs. He reveals that the people he admires most are not those who have enjoyed smooth sailing. Rather they are folks who, despite battling serious setbacks, have discovered meaning through gratitude, acceptance and human connection.

A shocking discovery that sparked a quest

At the age of 25, Andrew experienced a revelation that forever altered the direction of his life. He had long believed that an easier life would naturally lead to greater happiness.

That belief was shattered when he observed some of the happiest people he knew had faced hardships far greater than his own. Friends who had fought cancer, endured bankruptcy, or suffered the loss of loved ones seemed to possess an inner joy and purpose that eluded him.

Puzzled, yet inspired, Andrew embarked on a quest for answers. He devoured more than 200 books on topics ranging from the subconscious to attitude and self-improvement. This period of intense study culminated in publishing his first book, “Being Happy,” in 1988.

In that work, he distilled his insights into a simple truth. If you are not happy with yourself, no amount of money or fame can fill the void.

This discovery ignited a lifelong mission to help others realize happiness is accessible to everyone, even when life seems to have dealt a harsh hand.

From artist to author

Before becoming a writer, Andrew was an accomplished artist. Influenced by his father, who was a landscape painter, Andrew nurtured an early passion for drawing and painting. He refined his skills at the Art Students League in Manhattan where he learned to capture the human figure and the subtleties of expression.

His artistic journey even led him to work as a cartoonist for magazines, a role that taught him the power of humor and visual storytelling.

When he turned to writing self-help books, Andrew saw an opportunity to combine his love for art with his desire to share his insights on happiness. He began illustrating his own works, and infusing them with playful cartoons which captured his core messages.

These illustrations not only break up dense text, but also serve as visual metaphors to remind readers that self-improvement can be engaging, accessible and, above all, fun.

The three pillars of happiness

Central to Andrew’s philosophy are three interwoven principles: choosing happiness, focusing on gratitude, and embracing self-forgiveness.

First, he insists that happiness begins with a conscious decision. He often likens this choice to the instinctive reaction of a toddler who, after a minor fall, quickly decides whether to cry or laugh. This simple act of choosing one’s response sets the tone for the entire day.

The second pillar is gratitude. Andrew frequently uses humor to illustrate this idea. For example, a cartoon shows one character delighting in a single slice of cake, while another fixates on the slice that is missing from a whole cake.

The lesson is clear: by concentrating on what we have rather than what we lack, we invite more joy into our lives.

Finally, self-forgiveness is key. Andrew learned early in his career to stop comparing himself with others. He discovered that forgiving oneself for imperfections is essential for personal growth and for nurturing healthy relationships.

These three pillars have resonated with millions of readers worldwide, offering a practical roadmap to reclaiming one’s happiness.

Embracing change and finding connection

For Andrew, life’s inevitable changes and setbacks are not reasons for despair, but opportunities for growth. He believes every challenge provides a chance to reframe one’s perspective and build resilience.

One of his favorite anecdotes involves a former motorcycle rider who, after reinventing himself as a sliding door installer, found renewed happiness in unexpected places. Despite a past filled with adventure and success, the man had been consumed by worry over trivial matters.

A candid conversation with Andrew helped him see that every new experience — even one that appears mundane at first — can foster a sense of connection and purpose.

Andrew asserts that genuine happiness comes from nurturing relationships. Whether at work, within a family, or in casual encounters, our connections with others provide both support and meaning. By choosing to engage with people compassionately, we not only enrich our own lives but also create a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond ourselves.

Practical wisdom for the over-50 crowd

For those in their 50s and beyond, Andrew’s insights carry a particularly resonant message. As people age, they often confront a host of challenges, from adapting to retirement and shifting social roles to coping with the rapid pace of technological change.

Andrew counsels that it is never too late to reinvent oneself or to find new avenues for joy. He encourages older adults to experiment with hobbies they may have once set aside, such as hiking, learning a musical instrument or exploring new creative pursuits.

His advice is to take life one day at a time, much like climbing a mountain one step at a time rather than worrying about the summit before reaching the first ledge.

Andrew reminds his audience that every day holds the potential for rediscovery, and that staying engaged with the world is the key to a fulfilling later life. His practical, down-to-earth suggestions provide a blueprint for those seeking to redefine what it means to age gracefully and happily.

The enduring legacy of a life well lived

Over the decades, Andrew has touched countless lives with his unique blend of humor, wisdom and artistic talent. Andrew’s books, now translated into numerous languages, have reached readers from all corners of the globe, enabling each person to find solace and inspiration in his words and illustrations.

What distinguishes Andrew is not a polished perfection, but his authentic portrayal of life’s ups and downs. He has never shied away from admitting that he, too, has made mistakes and learned hard lessons along the way.

His candid reflections on self-forgiveness, gratitude and the everyday choices that shape our lives have made him a trusted guide for people navigating their own challenges.

Andrew’ legacy is evident in the daily emails and letters he receives from people in places as diverse as Mongolia, Sweden and Mexico. They all echo the same sentiment: his work has helped them rediscover the power of happiness, even in the midst of struggle.

A vision for a joyful future

As the world hurtles forward with technological advances and societal shifts, Andrew remains a steadfast believer in the enduring human spirit. He acknowledges that change is inevitable and that new challenges will always arise, but he is equally confident in our collective ability to adapt and thrive.

Andrew envisions a future where artificial intelligence and modern technology serve to complement rather than replace the uniquely human qualities of empathy, humor and creativity.

He argues that while computers might someday mimic the mechanics of his cartoons or even generate text in his style, they cannot replicate the heart, soul and lived experience behind his work.

For him, the future is not a realm of uncertainty, but rather a blank canvas on which we can paint our own version of joy. He calls on everyone, especially those who feel left behind by rapid change, to hold fast to the simple truths of gratitude, connection and self-compassion.

In doing so, we can all craft a future that is as fulfilling as it is innovative.

Andrew’s life and work remind us that happiness is not a destination reserved for a lucky few; it is a journey marked by small, deliberate choices.

His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of a positive mindset. Whether you are 25 or 75, his message is clear: no matter what challenges lie ahead, you have the power to choose joy.

By embracing each day with gratitude, forgiveness, and a willingness to connect with others, we can all find our way to a life that is not only lived, but celebrated.

His enduring influence continues to light the way for generations of seekers, inspiring us to believe that every setback is merely a setup for an even greater comeback.

For more information

People can connect with Andrew in several ways:

Andrew has published 11 books related to helping people find happiness, even in hard times. There are also several titles ideally suited toward children and teenagers. They are all available on Amazon and in other bookstores. People can subscribe to receive inspirational emails including happiness tips and cartoons by visiting his website.

If you order one of Andrew’s books from a link above, Forward From 50 may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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