Customer Reviews

Alphatudes: The Alphabet of Gratitude

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This is review number 444 and a very special number for me, so I wanted to assign a special book or product to that number. 444 and 44 are numbers that remind me my angels are around and are sending me messages, even if they are just saying Hi. Well, they surely were around when they got this book into my hot little hands. At 111 pages (another interesting number), it is a relatively small book, but a very nice book to have in your library. It is basically about using the letters of the alphabet to remind you of what to be grateful for. Although a simplistic concept, it is quite powerful. There is a wonderful loving peacefulness about this book. The book is filled with pictures/drawings.

The acknowledgements begin by thanking God for gifting the author's soul with this book, so if you find the use of "God" offensive, you may want to move away from this book. Otherwise, please continue reading. I believe that those of you who are spiritually-based will absolutely love this book.

The structure contains a 7-page introduction, where Michele explains that she came up with the alphatudes concept during a sleepless period in her life where counting sheet just didn't work. It became a way in which she could clear her mind and begin focusing on the day's events in a positive way. There is a chapter for each of the 26 letters of the alphabet. Some examples are: "B" is "Beauty, followed by Dreams, Imagination, Kindness, Music, Relationships, Serendipity, Work, and all the other letters.

For an example, let's look at "M"/Music, a subject that is deep in my soul, heart, and mind. The 4-page chapter begins with a 2-page peaceful picture of "music" and a quote by an unknown author: "Music heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul." The next page is a nice explanation of why one should be grateful for "music". Some of that page includes the following comment, "Music is the rhythmic breath of the Divine moving all around us." Michele also tells us that, "Music communicates beyond words because the vibrations and melody speak to us at a higher level of receptivity than language is able to access. Music stirs our soul and alters our consciousness." An affirmation about attuning oneself to music follows. The next page includes a "prayer" related to music.

"Guide me in choosing music that resonates with the needs of my soul. Help me to relish the delightful melodies that fill our world. Thank you for blessing me with the precious pleasure of music."

Although you could easily read 111 pages in one setting, I would encourage you to read through the alphatudes slowly, and savor them one at a time. That is where the real beauty is. Michele is so right-on-target in what she is saying about each subject. I always take the opportunity to thank God for everything throughout each day. Living in gratitude has such a powerful effect on one's life. This book serves as a constant reminder of the abundance we already have and should be thankful for. It also triggers a brain-storming thinking pattern in abundance.

Right now, Baltimore is experiencing one of its worst snow storms, probably ever. With 30 inches already on the ground, we are getting up to 22 more with blowing winds, drifts and white-out conditions. As the snow was piling up last night, I read a few short chapters of this book and immediately began thinking of all the abundance I have right now. I began listing many things we take for granted (food to eat, warm place to stay) and included the friends from all over the states and even in other countries that I had been talking to over the internet. There were many more things than I am mentioning here, but you get the picture. That is the effect this book had on me, plus a wonderful-heart centered feeling of fullness and peace. I would like to send that feeling to everyone if I could but you have to find it for yourself.

This book would make a great gift for someone, as well as a treat for you. I find it very uplifting and very spiritual. You can keep it on your work desk and read a chapter every day. If you have some negativity around you, you might encourage them to look at it. This book equates to having a piece of fine Belgian chocolate and melting it slowly in your mouth, so you savor every bit of that little square and still taste it after its gone.

(Don't like chocolate? OK, go have a sardine. You can have my share of them.)

Seriously though, I HIGHLY recommend this little treasure. It has the potential to change your life--if you really, really "listen"--if you really THINK about what you are reading, one alpha at a time. Even if you know it all, in today's world of turmoil, you need to keep re-motivating yourself.

BTW-There is a free music download song "Grace and Gratitude" from Olivia Newton-John that the book tells you how to get online.

Namaste'.

In "Alphatudes: The Alphabet of Gratitude", Michele Wahlder (a professional life coach, experienced career counselor, and founder of Life Possibilities) draws upon her years of expertise to alphabetically compile and beautifully illustrate quotes from an impressive variety of critical thinkers from a variety of disciplines showcasing twenty-six priceless bits of enduring wisdom with respect to living a joyful life replete with true contentment and inner peace regardless of outward circumstances that all life is subject to. These individual 'alphatudes' (which Wahlder defines as a person, place or thing for which one alphabetically expresses gratitude) are as insightful as they are inspiring. 'Touch: To Touch someone is to share the spark that is life.' - Hansi Nurit Pilzer. Extraordinarily 'reader friendly', "Alphatudes" is an enthusiastically recommended addition to anyone's personal self-help/self-improvement reading list.

"The more we express gratitude, the more positively we perceive the world and our experiences in the world." Said differently, the more we express gratitude, the better life will be. In today's fast paced society, it is very easy to slip into the habit of taking things for granted. We often fail to express gratitude. And as a result, our lives are more stressful than need be. Alphatudes is a marvelous book that will help keep you on track for being grateful each and every day.

The book is visually very appealing, well designed with very interesting graphics and art work. It is small and can easily be read in an hour of so. However, that is not the best way to appreciate this book. As Michele Wahlder points out, the best way is to read it through once, then read it periodically. I would suggest one alphabet letter per day.

The purpose of the book is to help us increase our expression of gratitude. The book has a simple format. Michele has selected one "gratitude" word for each letter of the alphabet. There is a quotation and a beautiful graphic or art work associated with the word. Then there is a one page essay that starts, "I am grateful for ____." After the essay there is an affirmation and then a prayer involving that word.

For the letter C, she has chosen the word Choices. The quote is, "It's choice - not chance that determines your destiny." Jean Nidetch. What a beautiful quote, what a powerful lesson. For the affirmation, "I courageously make choices that propel me forward into the life I desire. I easily release the need for other people's approval. I choose options that are in alignment with my inner truth."

The quotes, essays, affirmations and prayers are all designed to open our awareness, to provoke thought. They should not be read in a hurry. You will get the most from this book by letting these ideas sink into your subconscious mind. By going over them periodically, you will keep the concept of gratitude in your mind and these thoughts will have a profound impact on the way you think and therefore your life.

This book would make a wonderful gift. It will give in many different ways. First it is visually very appealing. The quotes, essays, affirmations and prayers are all well written and thought provoking. There are so many lessons in this short book. It is truly a gift what will give time and time again. With each reading, you will gain new and deeper insights.

Get a copy for yourself and one for those in your life you are grateful for. They will be grateful you did.

"Alphatudes: The Alphabet of Gratitude" is based on a concept of expressing gratitude in alphabetical order, but it's not just about this particular practice. It's about looking at everything in life with a grateful mindset. Michele shows how we can be grateful for simple things, such as music, and also for less obvious things like obstacles and ex's. I agree with other reviewers that you may want to read one alphatude per day so you can learn to make practicing gratitude part of your daily routine.

Before reading Alphatudes, I understood that I can be grateful for little things in life, but I didn't understand how to express it. Michele's use of prayer, affirmation statements, and the way she eloquently discusses each alphatude shows HOW to practice gratitude, rather than just pointing out that you should be grateful.

Initially, I used the Alphatudes method of going through the alphabet and selecting things to be grateful for while I was driving or going to sleep. Lately, though, I've noticed that as I'm living life I am actively thinking about why I am grateful for my current situation or an object I'm using. Alphatudes gives you a new outlook on life.

I also love the Olivia Newton-John song, Grace & Gratitude, that comes with the book. It's a beautiful song to meditate on as you learn to make gratitude a part of your every day life.

An alphatude is anything in life that can be a source of gratitude. Michelle Wahlder takes each letter of the alphabet and provides readers with 26 things to be grateful for. Each thought is accompanied by a quotation, a prayer and a positive affrimation. This is a very colorful book with beautiful pictures. These prayers are very helpful. They will help me relax and focus when I need to. Some of the alphatudes are obvious. Wahlder includes sleep as a source of gratitude. I love to sleep, and I am grateful when I can sleep peacefully. Relationships is another alphatude that Michelle includes. I am always trying to make and strengthen my relationships with other people. Michelle Wahlder reminds me that the relationship I have with myself is also important. Imagination is another excellent alphatude in this book. I hope I can do something creative with my life. I will view each obstacle in my life as a gift and a chance to grow as a person. This book is easy to read. The best thing about a book like Alphatudes is that I can reread it when I need a pick me up. I love this book.

I brought a copy of Alphatudes to my office because reading a brief passage, an uplifting affirmation or a soulful prayer gave me a sense of peace during my stressful work day. The great thing about this book is that its structure is similar to that of a daily devotional. You can open Alphatudes on any page and know you are on the perfect topic for you at that moment. i.e. Acceptance, Choices, Forgiveness, Hope. This book has mesmerizing and colorful illustrations as well.(you don't find many books for adults these days that spend time or money on beautiful artwork - Alphatudes does) By the end of the day, all my co-workers wanted a copy for themselves or to purchase as a gift of encouragement for a friend. They were all "ooohing and aaahing" about the gorgeous artwork and as they flipped through the pages, they were inspired by the spiritually uplifting messages. If you want to feel better, more positive, optimistic and grateful - I would highly recommend this book for yourself or as an exceptionally, lovely gift.

Sometimes, gratitude can be a bit tricky. "What am I thankful for?" is a question we'd all like to easily answer with emphatic joy, but on occassion, coming up with a long list in response is a challenge. Life coach and gratitude enthusiast Michele Wahlder presents a fun and easy way to practice gratitude in her book, Alphatudes: The Alphabet of Gratitude. The concept is simple: use the ABCs. Wahlder came up with the technique one night while battling insomnia. The result was an energetic and deepening appreciation for the blessings in her life. "As we choose to practice gratitude over a period of time, we are able to significantly increase our personal range of happiness."

I attempted this exercise when I first got the book, and quickly found myself stuck. Looking over Wahlder's list, my choices seemed quite immature compared to offerings such as forgiveness, imagination, serendipity, understanding, and yes. Here enters the beauty of Alphatudes: it's your practice! Appreciate what you want to appreciate--apples, books, and cake included. There are no right or wrong answers, but know that the author's included some great choices should you need assistance. If you're going to be a stickler about it, you may want to give consideration to your answers for 'x' and 'z' ahead of time.

Alphatudes can be read in one sitting, although reading a little at a time optimizes its effectiveness. The book's layout is simple, offering an illustration, quote, affirmation, prayer and inspirational narrative for each letter of the alphabet. My favorite aspects of the book were the prayers and affirmations. The illustrations are more fitting for a children's book, but I wondered if they were accepted because of the connection between childhood and the alphabet. At any rate, it's something of a minor detail. By the time you finish, you'll be on a natural high. With consistent practice, identifying what you're grateful for will be a breeze.

Gratitude is an extremely powerful spiritual tool. It is an extremely powerful healing principle. It is an extremely powerful happiness principle.

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves. Michele Wahlder, an internationally-recognized life coach, career counselor, speaker and gratitude enthusiast, has written a new book, alphatudes, the alphabet of gratitude, which can help us to do this.

alphatudes, using the letters of the alphabet, spells out 26 spiritual solutions to help individuals develop a perspective of gratitude in order to cope with the challenges of life. It is an enjoyable read which combines illustrations, quotes, text, affirmations and prayers emphasizing the power and importance of gratitude as a transformational model to enable us to enrich our daily experiences and maximize the potentials we have within us for inner peace and happiness.

Insofar as gratitude is a mind-set which, when embraced, helps us maintain a positive attitude free of resentments and worry, heightens our awareness and appreciation of the blessings we have in our lives despite any difficulties we may be facing, and helps us to attract opportunities that will benefit rather than hinder our growth and happiness, alphatudes is a worthy addition to one's self-help library.

( NOTE: If you like this article, read more of Walter's writings at: [...]

Do you ever go to bed, get all snuggled in, try to get to sleep, and lists begin running through your head? I do and my lists are of things to do, things that were forgotten, and things that should not have been done. My lists keep me awake. What to do?

I was fortunate enough to discover Michele Wahlder's book. Alphatudes describes how she found a simple yet methodical way of getting some rest. Wahlder was also losing sleep and tired of counting sheep (at least she had sheep and not things to count). So, she decided to count her blessings and seized on the idea of starting with the letter "A." Before Wahlder got half way through the alphabet, she had fallen asleep. When Wahlder woke the next morning she felt energized, rejuvenated, and determined to pursue her alphabet of gratitude--called Alphatudes--which helped her find the blessings rather than focusing on the problems.

Just as we need sleep for our bodies, we also require nutrition for our souls. And I'm finding that using the Alphatudes to list not only my blessings, but flowers, people, places, and foods (one of my favorites) has certainly helped me get my forty winks. The prose, illustrations, and prayers within Alphatudes speak to me and make me want to read parts of it every day.

by Doris Anne Roop-Benner
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

Professional Life Coach and Counselor Michele Wahlder created this beautiful book of concepts, combining the alphabet with 26 expressions of gratitude. Michele goes on to show how these expressions can lead to positive change and a new perspective on life.

Each letter of the alphabet becomes the focus of a brief thematic principle or feeling, accompanied with an inspirational quote, a vibrant colored picture, affirmations, a teaching moment, and a warm personalized prayer.

Some of my favorites include: imagination, laughter, quiet, serendipity, and touch. Each of these "alphatudes" provided me with the opportunity for self expression and the opportunity of giving the gift of myself to others.

"Alphatudes" is designed to build an awareness of appreciation, a positive mind set, joyfulness, forgiveness and hope. This is a unique and ideal friendship gift for anyone and everyone in need of a nudge of encouragement.