Geiwitz authors book on happiness

Jim Geiwitz, a 1956 Minneota High School graduate, has authored 16 books but says the most recent one “Letters to My Granddaughter on Happiness: How It’s Achieved and Its Critical Role in a Fulfilling Life” is his legacy project.
Geiwitz attended St. Olaf College in Northfield after graduating from high school, and later earned his PhD in Psychology. He has taught at the University of Michigan, Stanford University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara.
He then decided to switch his career path towards writing.
Geiwitz, who turned 85 this past June, presented his previous fiction book “The Town of Watered-Down Whiskey” at his 65th class reunion in Minneota during Boxelder Bug Days in 2021. Prior to that writing adventure, Geiwitz has written or co-authored books on emotion and motivation, including the highly-acclaimed “Adult Development and Aging” with K. Warner Schale. He has also written academic books for schools.
“Letters to My Granddaughter” is Geiwitz’s version of a meandering path to success and happiness, while also catering to caregivers and anyone seeking to grow and improve their relationships.
Following the birth of his granddaughter, Kelly Jane, Geiwitz found the ideal person to whom he could address his letters to for his legacy project.
“I had studied and researched these questions as an experimental psychologist for several years,” he said.
“Letters to My Granddaughter” was a way for Geiwitz to showcase the many of the aspects of happiness. “While the first five chapters discuss serious topics such as depression and negative emotions, once readers continue and take on the step-by-step process outlined in the book, they will be able to build a rewarding and happy life,” Geiwitz said.
Geiwitz included a test on happiness at the end of the book, although Geiwitz suggests completing the test first before beginning to read the book, and then retake the test upon completion of the book, and again a year later to gauge your progress toward finding happiness within yourself.
Geiwitz said one of the most important messages of his book is to “be kind.”
Geiwitz and his wife, Renee Woodsend, were married in 1995 and currently live in Sidney, British Columbia.
“Letters to My Granddaughter” can be purchased on Amazon.