am I being kind: how asking one simple question can change your life...and your world [Paperback]

Michael J. Chase (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2011

             Imagine if one simple question could change your life . . . and your world.

  Awakening the reader like caffeine for the heart, am I being kind revives the spirit and blazes a direct path to a more peaceful and kindhearted world. In this captivating guide to personal transformation, author and inspirational speaker Michael J. Chase reveals how one simple question has the power to change your life and the lives of those around you. As you ask, "am I being kind" in seven vital areas of your life, you discover the secret to creating unlimited joy, inner peace, and the life you've always dreamed of.
      Having experienced the "art of unkindness" throughout much of his life, Michael shares his own journey of self-discovery and the lessons learned from unlikely spiritual teachers along the way. Through riveting true stories and a unique step-by-step program, am I being kind shows you how the astonishing power of kindness can change your heart, your life, and ultimately, your world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Michael Chase lives and breathes kindness, enthusiasm, and humor. His background, which reminds me of a Stephen King novel, provides living proof that his brand of kindness works miracles. Be kind to yourself. Read this book."
- Christiane Northrup, M.D., New York Times best-selling author

"This book is an easy, perhaps even breezy, read due to the author's highly accessible and upbeat writing style. It invites a quick read; however, it would be a mistake not to stop and 'smell the roses.' It contains serious content worth contemplation." 
- Science of Mind Magazine

"am I being kind" offers us a fresh perspective, allowing us to pause and remember what is truly important in this life: kindness towards ourselves and others. Thank you Michael!"  

- Lisa Barstow, Author of: Don't go Back to Sleep

"Michael's work is essential to the well-being of us all. I wholeheartedly know that the world is changing for the better because of him."

- Kris Wittenberg, founder of begoodtopeople.com

"am I being kind is a sweet, sweet book about the essence of life, which is love. I have enjoyed reading it." 
- Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul & author of the best-selling book The Success Principles

From the Inside Flap

"Once in a while, a book comes along that totally blows me away, hits my soul and makes such a difference to how I see my place in the world. "Am I being kind" is simply amazing. It is inspiring and really makes SO much sense when you read it. For the planet to get much better and for our own sakes too, we MUST be more kind to others. So many books on happiness and living well are being written with many putting the same message out there...but this has something super special about it. It's a must read for every single person on the planet."
- Anna Rodgers, Miss Eco Glam book reviews

"So many of us are seeking the answer to "Why am I here?"  We are all blessed that Michael J. Chase has found his own answer-- to be "The Kindness Guy."  Through this priceless work, Michael starts a service-based movement to change our world for the better. As a reader, you can't help but want to become one of his foot soldiers; "am I being kind" is our training manual."
- Scott Wittig, Author of "Holy It!" and "The Second Day" 

"Michael J. Chase has it right when he calls kindness 'the vehicle for delivering unconditional love' and 'the creative distribution of love.' The simple and universal set of personal choices presented in "am I being kind" can pave the pathway to happiness, for you and those around you."
- Dave Berman, Manifest Positivity Life Coach and Certified Practitioner of NLP

"Michael, I read your book yesterday in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. One word: Masterpiece! Thank you and bravo my friend."
- Patrick Combs, bestselling author of Major in Success & Founder of GoodThink.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Hay House (April 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401931200
• ISBN-13: 978-1401931209
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,120 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Affectionately known as "The Kindness Guy," Michael J. Chase is one of today's most powerful voices for creating a kinder world. In 2007 Michael ended a 16-year career as a professional photographer, trading in his camera in search of the meaning of life, which he found in a very unlikely source. (Read the full story in am I being kind). Following this life changing epiphany, he created The Kindness Center and quickly became a sought after inspirational speaker.

Considered an expert on the subjects of kindness and positive behavior, Michael's teachings are recognized across the globe, revealing how each of us plays a critical role in healing our planet. In addition to teaching the importance of humankind-ness, he offers proof that within our challenges lie great opportunities for growth and service toward others. Despite a family history of substance abuse, violence, depression, and suicide, Michael chose a different path, to spread positive energy throughout the world. Whether presenting in a classroom, boardroom, or on stage in front of thousands, his message of hope impacts countless lives each year. Michael's work is not aligned with any particular religion or belief system. All teachings are based on the universal language of kindness, which embraces all and excludes none.

In 2010, Michael joined the Hay House speaking roster, which includes self-empowerment legends Louise L. Hay, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Cheryl Richardson, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Marianne Williamson and many more. He is now a main presenter at Hay House's renowned "I Can Do It" conferences. His new book, The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone will be released on May 15th, 2013.

When he's not traveling, Michael spends his time in Southern Maine with his loving wife, son, and four-legged best friend, Mollie. To learn more about Michael's work, please visit his websites: www.thekindnesscenter.com and www.michaeljchase.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Am I Being Kind? The Question for All of Us April 1, 2011

By G. E. Kugler VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I picked this book up because of its title. Personally, I have always wanted to be a kinder person than I am. I had never heard of the Author really so the title did it. The author seems to me to start a little slow. I have to admit that I read a lot and I read self improvement books a lot and always have. So the first half of the book was to me some things that I'd read for a lifetime. Good things, well worth being reminded but wasn't really into the book at that point.

Then when I crossed over to the Authors experiences, his quitting his job to start an Institute on kindness and his very real explanations of kindness in action, I got hooked. It is a great and important book. It outlines exactly how we might put love to action by being kind in all our actions. It is not an unreasonable approach as are many. It is an actionable book. It is important because our world needs this now more than ever.

Ever since I put this book down I cannot get 'am I being kind' out of my head. As I walk through a store, down the street, driving around you name it ... that phrase echoes in my head. And it is slowly changing my behavior. am I being kind ... an excellent book and an even better question we must all carry with us.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant read to bring us back to the reality of the basics! March 29, 2011

By Linda Mitchell

Format:Paperback

Am I being kind is a wonderful warm and uplifting book that is written with all of the heart and soul of the author. He exposes his deepest soul, his tumultuous childhood, his hurt, his pain and his emergence from a time that had no hope to a time that is filled with unconditional love and kindness! Michael Chase has allowed his unkind based life to be a catalyst to showing the world how changing your focus will change your life.
Come along with Michael on his journey as he brings kindness to a world that is aching for it! Understand how very simple this gesture is and most importantly how it will bring magic to your world! I applaud the author in his love for a life that is filled with such immense kindness! Thank you for a beautiful, loving and gently guiding book and for allowing us to peek into your soul so eloquently!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Antidote for What's Wrong in the World March 28, 2011

By Caroline Grimm

Format:Paperback

It seems like such a simple concept...being kind. Something we're taught as children. Somewhere along the way we lose sight of that. We replace kindness with angry words, rude gestures, incivility, cruelty, violence and then are surprised to be repaid with like actions. Michael Chase's well-written and heartfelt book reminds us that how we treat ourselves, how we treat others, and how we treat the world can be an amazing transforming energy either for ill or good. Inspired by Michael's own experiences growing up in a house filled with anger, substance abuse, depression, and violence, his story is one of breaking the cycle and making a life based on kindness. This is a book everyone should read. It is particularly a must-read for teachers, pastors, child advocates, parents, medical professionals and anyone who wants to impact their own lives and the lives of others in a powerfully positive way. Kindness changes everything.