Product Description

In this inspiring book, author M.J. Ryan shows readers how to nurture this attitude every day of their lives. Short, easy-to-digest essays explain why gratitude chases away negative emotions - and how gratitude is possible even in times of pain and hardship.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #63891 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 180 pages

From AudioFile
The author of the popular the Random Acts of Kindness series reaches into her warm heart again to produce an inspirational treasure. Gabrielle de Cuir adds immeasurable value to these sentiments with her palpable understanding of the ideas, but it's the author's words that will touch people with their heartfelt advice that gratitude is a marvelous antidote for a whole lot of problems. Sure, we can't control most of what happens in life. But we can cast a transforming blanket of peace and security over our experiences, no matter how awful or depressing, by being grateful for our blessings. A gift for the self or for those who might need a warm and gentle nudge to adjust their attitude. T.W. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

A surefire way to boost your spirits and count what's really important
I have several autoimmune disorders. Unfortunately, chronic depression both runs in my family and is a symptom of one of my disorders, so I've struggled with depression on and off throughout my life. I do not, however, receive medication for my depression; instead, I manage it through exercise, a support group of family and friends, and positive thinking.

One of my tools is Attitudes of Gratitude by M.J. Ryan. It's a smallish book that focuses on keeping a gratitude journal; it's been medically proven that people who regularly count their blessings are less likely to be depressed.

Written in 1994, Attitudes of Gratitude is a sequel to the author's A Grateful Heart: Daily Blessings for the Evening Meal from Buddha to the Beatles. Each of the sixty chapters is a meditation on gratitude and practical ways to practice and maintain thankfulness in our daily lives. The author recommends only reading one chapter a day in order to let the stories and messages sink in. According to Ryan, since gratitude is an attitude as well as a practice, we should take enough time to integrate her learnings so we can truly possess them.

Each of the individual chapters is opened by a quote on gratitude, and feature stories of various individuals who've overcome devastating medical diagnoses and divorces, personal obstacles, or other barriers to happiness. The readings are very brief (a page or two at most), so you have no reason not to be able to work one into a hectic day. Ideally, with practice you'll be able to take five or ten minutes for yourself to make a list of everything you're grateful for, from chocolate to loved ones to sunsets.

If the sound of all of this is making you uncomfortable with touchy-feely New Age overtones, the book is written in a friendly and accessible manner. It is spiritual rather than religious; there are no cutesy angels or cloying illustrations of puppies and kittens. In fact, there are no illustrations to allow you a clear view of the idea of recognizing and expressing gratitude.

This is a priceless gift for someone who is facing a rough spot, whether it's a recent medical diagnosis, a death in the family, or any event that temporarily robs someone of hope or joy. Attitudes of Gratitude showed me the power of positive thinking and expressing gratitude for what I DO have as opposed to what I think I'm missing or being deprived of, and has helped me to focus on the things I enjoy rather than what I'm not able to do or what I don't own.

So worried of what is to come of this Title
I have personal knowledge that a convicted Rapist, Attempted Murderer is going to be selling a DVD called.....Attitude to Gratitude. Very concerned this will be mixed up with you beautiful BOOKS!

A Grateful Reader
This is a "must read" for all of us to keep our lives balanced with the blessings we have today.