Customer Reviews

Gratitude: Affirming the Good Things in Life

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a one day quick read, but don't let the the size fool you. It is content rich and has, by far, been one of the most impactful books I have read to date. I will be keeping this book by my bedside for a lifetime.

It is not filled with fluff, but with real honest to goodness tools to not only have gratitude in your life but how to have more, be more and believe more in yourself by applying the simple to follow advice. This one is a keeper. I will be purchasing multiple copies to pass out to all of my friends and family!

My bible study group is working on a series on Forgiveness and I asked a friend for some materials she thought would go along really well..she offered this book. I read it twice and loved it. I want to buy a copy for all my study group it's that great. Down to earth practical information that is presented in an excellent way. Loved it!

Reading Melody Beattie's book Gratitude makes me feel like I'm sitting by the banks of a quietly flowing river. Everything is fine because she shows me how to trust that life although complicated is also simple and rewarding. She doesn't promise gold or heaven, but instead shows how the good things are right in front of us when we are open to them. We need to keep our eyes open for life'e rewards--the buds on a tree, the new tooth coming through the gums of our baby.

I have given many copies of this book to friends, family members, etc., who were having a difficult time. This book reminds me to value the wonderful things that happen every day. Good things that stay with you and make you happy certainly are invaluable. These feelings and relationships don't come to people who are too busy accumulating things or are too busy twittering or blogging to enjoy the present moment. All we have --all anyone has--is this moment. If more people understood this, then perhaps they wouldn't be entrapped by the superficial financial rewards offered by companies who are using them to increase their own power and wealth. Many people have allowed the world to take everything away from them except money. They've lost so many meaningful parts of their lives, but discount what they've lost because they need the money for expensive vacations, stylish clothes, or to attract a shallow, stylish person.

For whatever reason during a stroll through a bookstore I chose to pick up this little blue book, and soon found myself in an unanticipated moment of connection to, I suppose, my Spirit; as if God was speaking gentle, loving words to my higher good in the midst of one noisy everyday.

A middle-aged man may or may not be Melody's intended subject. Nor had I noticed the book's subtitle implying that her target audience might be those experiencing issues with codependency or addiction. I simply picked up a little book and found myself quite touched by positive words that I could somehow allow authority over the typically negative thoughts that more often race about my mind.

Melody did a wonderful job of consistently speaking in a voice I heard as how God would speak to me if only I could quiet my mind, worries, doubt and self critical voice long enough to listen, typically a difficult feat for me.

But now that this little blue book rides about in my car, I can take a few minutes from time to time to read back over Melody's words and - believe whatever, however you may - for the moment I hear God's quiet, still voice a little clearer.

I've read most of Melody Beattie's books and Gratitude was the most disappointing; I was expecting more. It's an easy read though and quick to finish.