1 comments about Don't Sweat It! Richard Carlson's Low Stress Strategies for Success.

1. The content is most lighthearted than most other self help books, all this stuff about kindness and giving others an extra chance really is well put and sounds great. This all will make you an easygoing person like I am sure Dr. Carlson is, but, (always a but here) is it possible really to reconcile all that with real life say, in a big city? For that, don't expect this book to help you out. This is a book to be a good person, not a strong person. This will mellow you out, leave the stress out, but may leave you too smily and soft to lead through some tough crowds.

No comments about Don't Sweat It! Richard Carlson's Low-Stress Strategies for Success.

5 comments about What About the Big Stuff?: FINDING STRENGTH AND MOVING FOWARD WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH.

1. I must admit I'm somewhat biased against "big" self-help authors. However, Richard Carlson knows his (pardon the expression) stuff.
   His recommendations, couched in the language of self-help, derive from solid psychological research.

   Small stuff is defined as whatever won't be important in six months or a year. However, to his credit, and unlike many cheery self-help authors and coaches, Carlson admits that sometimes you can't go home again.

   Some of the chapters offer straightforward, not especially original self-help, but the book is worth the read. The most helpful chapters focus on the need to "beware" a "busy mind." Solutions come from staying calm.

   I concur! Often I find myself telling clients, "Take a break from thinking about this decision," and now I can refer them to Carlson's Big Stuff book.

   You won't find "be happy" platitudes here, and that's a plus.
   Carlson writes well and he's convincing. Even if you've seen some of this before ("shift perspective" "take time to heal"), Carlson gathers these ideas together in a new way. I would recommend this book to anyone who's going through some "big stuff."




2. If Richard Carlson writes something, I'm going to make it a
   point to read it . . . I loved DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
   and his many books that followed (DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL
   STUFF AT WORK, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR
   MEN, etc.) . . . his words are simple, yet they make sense . . . and they seem to be written directly to you, as if he were speaking to you on a one-on-one basis.

   His latest, WHAT ABOUT THE BIG STUFF? does just what it promises in the subtitle; i.e., helps you find strength and move forward when the stakes are high . . . the book tackles a range of difficult issues--from illness, death, injury, and
   aging to alcoholism, divorce and financial pressures--but
   does so in a manner that is not preachy . . . I actually felt
   better after reading Carlson's suggestions on handling
   these various situations in a proactive fashion.

   In addition, I liked he got me thinking about how I
   would handle things that might come my way . . . or
   that might be encountered by friends and/or relatives . . . while he doesn't propose glib comebacks, he does give you
   many useful ideas as to responses that might lend comfort
   to those in need of it.

   In reviewing my notes, I'm finding it difficult to choose
   just a few parts to share, which is always a good
   sign . . . but here goes anyway:

   I was sitting with a friend at lunch about ten days after the
   terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. With
   tears in her eyes, she said, "Did you notice that not a single person on any of the hijacked planes who had the opportunity to make a phone call called their stockbroker?" Far from being facetious, she was making an obvious but very important point. When the stakes are high, only one thing matters: love. No one is concerned about their weight or the way they look. They aren't upset that life isn't perfect. they aren't fretting about high taxes, the liberals or conservatives, previous conflicts, disputes with neighbors, or a lack of parking. They don't care about the rates of return on their investment portfolio. They aren't focused on any of their grievances.
   Indeed, the only thing that matters, when it really matters, is love. The question is, "Why do we treat life as if it doesn't really matter right now?"

   On the flip side, we're more careful to evaluate each situation before saying yes. When asked if you can do something, you should ask yourself two questions. First, "Is this something I have to do?" And second, "Is this something I want to do?" I you don't answer yes to at least one of these questions, you'll probably learn to say no more often. In the process, you'll begin to create more time for those things that really matter. After all, what's "bigger" than time itself?

   One of my favorite descriptions of life is that it's just "one mistake after another with a little time in between." Despite its humor, this is a pretty accurate way of seeing things. If you think about it, its true. We make mistakes, we (hopefully) learn from them; we make adjustments and move on. At some point, there will be another mistake, and so forth. In the meantime, everyone else is going through the same process. Your parents are making mistakes, as are your friends, neighbors, children, coworkers, and everyone else.




3. The book is not complex analysing too many theories, but extremely accurate to some fundamental common core cause of mental dys functionality and emotional pain in the truly important aspects of living. Richard throughout the 40 individual chapters deals with different subjects in each chapter, giving effective advice on commonly fell problems we all experience in our every day life. Often we are in automatic mental mode, which produces problems in our life without our realising consciously. But with a shift in mentality and wisdom we can change our habitual mental actions and experiences to seriously improve our life.
   One subject Richard points out is your thoughts are not an actual reality which simplistically put is obvious, but with an overcrowded mentality of problems which are often over exaggerated to its worst scenario, we hinder our actual mental and personal health, reducing our IQ and ability to help ourselves. I personally felt the benefits of producing a less stressful and crowded mentality immediately, and managed to sustain this through effort, and rereading the book to reaffirm information and changing my habitual mental actions. With a quieter healthier mentality, your true wisdom is able to function, but you have to have confidence in your ability to know the answers without striving too much.
   If you like myself have read many books on the subjects that you are interested in whether this be educational or entertaining, but even though many may be of a high quality, you usually only narrow this down to a few favourites. I personally have read many psychology books over the last 10 years with this being my favourite subject material, and would place this book in my top ten, because it actually expanded my mentality and true improvement to the quality of my life on completion of reading it.
   We are emotional mental creatures, and we often loose our mental health but with the help of books like this, we can broaden your mentality and actions to improve our lifestyle. Simply put, the book does deal with the big important aspects and values of living and helped you stay healthy and clear, trying to help obtain core fulfilment in your life.
   Alan Davidson



4. Thank you Richard for courageously updating your "Small Stuff" book with this book. After reading it I gave it to a friend going through Chemo Therapy.

   There is big stuff in our lives and this book helps us see a light at the end of a seemingly endless tunnel.




5. Richard Carlson was a very special author (he died at a relatively early age, a couple of years ago). He combined a beautiful style of writing with simple wisdom that nourishes the soul.
   
   Best known for his "small stuff" books, this book recognizes that some things in our life are much more than small stuff. Recently, this book jumped off one of my bookshelves and I re-read it. And, I probably read it more carefully because of my recognition that we will have no more books from Richard. I decided that I needed to review this gem.
   
   Those who have enjoyed any of Carlson's "small stuff" books will undoubtedly enjoy this shift into focus. Everything in life is not small stuff, although as Carlson has taught us over the years much of what we see as a big deal is, in the big picture, not really a big deal.
   
   Newcomers to Carlson's writing will hopefully enjoy his ability to take an issue and so gracefully and so effectively share with us a perspective on how to better deal with the issue. He never preaches at us...he just shares his exceptional wisdom in an easy to read conversational style.
   
   I highly recommend this book as a starting point for all those dealing with a truly life changing event, whether divorce, illness, loss of a loved one or whatever. Because he covers the waterfront of big issues, other authors may provide important additional information. But, this is a compassionate starting point.
   
   PS The author is an inspiration, for me, of a person who used his talents to make the world a better place.

5 comments about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (Time Warner)).

1. I always read books I get for my daughter first to confirm that I got her something right/good for her. This one is no doubt a winner. The titles of each chapter were catching enough to make you curious as to what you were about to read and then the story you read were a great explanation to the sometimes funny and odd titles. The story in each chapter was absolutely great. They were short enough to keep any kids attention, make a good lesson and walk away feeling good that you learned something new and were inspired. The really great thing is, my 13 year old who usually complains about sitting still and reading because she'd rather be actively playing sports, isn't complaining a bit about winding down and reading this book. She loves that most chapters are only 2-3 pages each, but even better, she is mimicking what they are teaching and I'm loving it, too, as a mom. This is a great read, a great inspiration and a lot of the stories are what these kids can relate to. I plan to buy it as a gift to others, but I'm not sure if I should get it for the parents or the kids.



2. When my grandma first gave me this book, I thought it was gonna be another useless book saying "just be yourself" and all that [...]. But this book actually has substance and I was surprised that I actually got something out of it. Recommended to any teen on the "emotional roller coaster" who needs some guidance in their life.



3. This book is irresponsible, and I equate selling this book to teens with selling them drugs. Each could drive a troubled kid over the edge to suicide. The premise of the first chapter is that for a teen to tell their troubles to a friend or anyone else is the same as "barfing on your friends". As crisis center and peer counselors know, many teens hold their most disturbing thoughts and emotions to themselves, and in all too many that leads to suicide attempts or successful suicides. Any useful ideas the author may have expressed in the rest of the book is more than negated by this irresponsible, lunatic advice. Please Amazon.com, withdraw this item from sale to impressionable teenagers looking for advice in their troubled lives.



4. I am very dissapointed in this book. It is intended for a teen audience, but is written for an adult audience. I read it to several teens individually to get their opinion. One student commented, "It's obvious he doesn't have any teenagers." Try the library before buying this book I wish I had.



5. I had previously bought and read two other books by Richard Carlson, Shortcut Through Therapy and Don't sweat the small stuff...it's all just small stuff. I had found that both those books made a huge difference in my life and helped me, as someone who suffers from anxiety, to look at life in a very different way. I had even read bits and pieces of Don't sweat the small stuff to my sons when they themselves were dealing with issues of their own. My younger son is soon to be 13 and my older son is 16 and has Aspergers syndrome. What was interesting was the my older son, the one with Aspergers, really crasped the simple easy to understand writing of the late Richard Carlson, so when I came across the Don't sweat the small stuff for teens I decided to get it too. As with Don't sweat the small stuff...it's all just small stuff, the one for teens is fantastic. Another thing which makes them so great is that each chapter is unrelated to the others, so you can just jump to a chapter which is very short,( takes only 5 minutes to read), read it with or to your teen and it will offer a simple solution to the situation at hand. I even carry the don't sweat the small stuff books in my handbag, as they are small and light, and we often just stop the car, pull to the side and solve a problem there and then! I would recommend both Don't sweat the small stuff books as I feel they go hand in hand and compliment each other. And if you have a high functioning Autistic teen, then I would really go for it, even though it is not written for teens in the autistic spectrum. The reading is so short that you won't loose their attention and actually encourages them to look deeper inside and see a way out which then lessens anxiety.
   
   Dora Blondal Mizzi

5 comments about Handbook for the Soul.

1. Anything Richard Carlson lays his hands on is worth considering reading. Each essay offers a philsophical view worth pondering guiding the perseptive reader closer to the inner self. The wealth of information well surprasses the few dollars spent on this compilation.



2. This is an excellent anthology of essays by many accomplished scholars (see the list of names above). Some are psychotherapists, some former ministers, and some psychiatrists; many are simply inspirational writers. This is a calming book with eclectic selections that will suit most tastes.



3. I picked up this book when I was at a low point in my life. It awakened me to a new way of seeing - both myself and the world around me. Handbook for the soul is a wonderful collection of short essays, by various people, all with the same message. It is one of my most favourite books and I highly recommend it!



4. This book is wonderful. I bought it a few years ago when I was just browsing and not really looking for anything special. The title drew me in. This culmination of writers and various points of view on how to nourish your soul really makes you think. It's helped me find peace in so many ways. It's helped remind me what is important in life and how to be good to myself.



5. I got some encouragement and growth inspiring information from this book, and some was too deep for me. I prefer the simple soul learning, and tend to remember information to help me the more simple it is to apply.

4 comments about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Men: SIMPLE WAYS TO MINIMIZE STRESS IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD.

1. I am a female who recently bought this book as a gift for a relative. Before wrapping, I skimmed the book to see if it had the same Richard Carlson quality. Indeed it does!

   This book, just like the other don't sweat the small stuff titles, includes ways to overcome difficult times. It will give you a positive attitude and help you gain peace with yourself, and uprooting events.

   Good Christmas gift!




2. Enjoyed reading DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR MEN by Richard Carlson . . . this is the latest in Carlson's "small stuff" series, and it does not disappoint . . . he continues to offer simple ways to minimize stress in a competitive world . . . they seem to make sense, at least to me, and can be applied to virtually any situation . . . although directed at men, I think women would also benefit from reading it . . . by the same token, methinks men could benefit from reading the companion DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR WOMEN (written by Carlson's wife Kristine) . . . I know that I'll be looking for it.

   I liked many ideas that I got from the book; among them:
   Have an affair. . . .The idea is to reignite your passion for living, and to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Remind yourself how precious and how short this adventure really is. I read a great book called A PARENTHESIS IN
   ETERNITY . . . What a great way to think about the duration of your
   life--as a blip on a passing screen. We're here for a moment in
   time--and then we're gone. Why waste one second of self-pity,
   frustration, and all the rest? Our lives are so much more important than that.

   Consider how you would respond to the following two sentences spoken by a spouse, lover, or friend. First, "I hate my stupid job; (its bad)." Or, "Do you know what I'd really love to be doing?" Wow--what a difference. In the first sentence, you, as the listener or receiver of the complaint, want to leave the room. Your instinct is to pull away. In the second, however, you want to hear more; you want to engage in the conversation because it brings you closer to the person who is sharing.

   Be for something rather than against it. . . . You can see how easy it is to be working with very positive intentions, yet still find a way to drive yourself nuts. Some environmental activists, for example, are doing great things-choosing to be vegetarians, picking up litter, cleaning up the beaches, planting trees, recycling, and raising awareness as well as money for the causes they believe in. Others, however, yell and scream, block traffic, chain themselves to trees, and starve themselves in an attempt to accomplish their goals.




3. let me begin by saying that there is good advice in
   this book, no question about it. if you are looking
   for some help in getting a better perspective on life,
   then there is help in this book. why do you think the
   series is so popular? however, i dont think that the ideas
   are original. you can find the same prescriptions for
   a better attitude---such as more sense of humor, less
   attention paid to difficult people, things are not as
   bad as you think, the future is unknown and so do

   stress yourself too much over it---in so many other
   books in the self help section. it is old wine in a
   new bottle. you can even get the same advice from a
   wise old relative if your family is fortunate enough
   to have one. it is also like listening to a friend
   who knows something of life that you havent realized yet.

   the format is easy. the book is pocket-size. the
   chapters are very short, and the phraseology
   non-technical. the cost is minimal. practically,
   the lessons contained in this book can apply to
   both males and females.

   if you are looking for your first self-help
   book, then you have found a good one.




4. let me begin by saying that there is good advice in
   this book, no question about it. if you are looking
   for some help in getting a better perspective on life,
   then there is help in this book. why do you think the
   series is so popular? however, i dont think that the ideas
   are original. you can find the same prescriptions for
   a better attitude---such as more sense of humor, less
   attention paid to difficult people, things are not as
   bad as you think, the future is unknown and so do
   stress yourself too much over it---in so many other
   books in the self help section. it is old wine in a
   new bottle. you can even get the same advice from a
   wise old relative if your family is fortunate enough
   to have one. it is also like listening to a friend
   who knows something of life that you havent
   realized yet. the format is easy. the book is pocket-size.
   the chapters are very short, and the phraseology
   non-technical. the cost is minimal. practically,
   the lessons contained in this book can apply to
   both males and females. if you are looking for your
   first self-helpbook, then you have found a good one.

5 comments about You Can Be Happy No Matter What: Five Principles Your Therapist Never Told You.

1. This book is absolutely revolutionary in its ideas and concepts. It will completely help anyone who worries. This book is so simple and yet its ideas ring true. I am telling all my friends that if they need a book to read, this is what they should get and share with thier friends as well. This book has helped to change the way I think to a more positive healthy way. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.



2. I have been reading Richard Carlson's books for about 8 months now. I started with this one. I have been struggling with depression for years. Looked everywhere and tried a lot of different things. Carlson's books have slowly over 8 months turned my life around. I usually read a little from one of his books everyday (I have several). Try it! You'll like it!



3. I don't think there is anything revolutionary here but there is some good common sense. Yes, we have an inner voice constantly talking away and, yes, it's good to realize when to discount that voice and, yes, we need to realize other people have their own 'thought systems' and inner voices going all the time and, yes, we need to live more in the moment. Perhaps I'm too happy already, but I didn't find much more here than some good reminders and the writing, while clear, was average.



4. Like the Secret I gave to my wife since she thinks these cds are helpful. So from what I can tell she likes listening to all the self help just a different way of looking at help and positive thinking.



5. I read this book about 10 years ago and applied his principles as much as I could. I found that I was able to be a lot happier by setting aside unpleasant thoughts and feelings. I was able to get in the habit of postponing problem solving till I was in a good mood. So I was able to implement the changes in this book, and it helped me feel better, but I believe it harmed me in the long run.
   
   I became so good at ignoring unpleasant thoughts that I became intolerant of any unpleasant feelings, and the thoughts that caused them. I became unable to solve problems, because I couldn't tolerate thinking about the problems and the bad mood that came with it. If you stop thinking about difficult things, you stop growing, and before you know it, 10 years have gone by and your stunted growth starts to show.
   
   I think my situation was comparable to what AA calls the "Dry drunk". A dry drunk is someone who no longer uses alcohol to numb the pain, but still runs from pain in other ways. This book taught me how to avoid pain as effectively as any alcoholic can, and without the expense, legal problems, and physical addiction that come with substance abuse, but with the same stunted growth that a long-time addict faces when he's in recovery.
   Thanks for listening. Your mileage may vary.

5 comments about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...And It's All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things From Taking Over Your Life.

1. In his book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all small stuff", author Richard Carlson, PH.D. offers witty and accessible stories emphasizing how life can be so much more fun by living a worry-free existence. Who knew? Carlson's philosophy makes so much sense. Instead of giving each and every situation a `life and death' urgency, Carlson suggests a gentler approach to life. He actually insists that life can be fun, and free from the mechanical, ritualistic reactions to every day life situations. In one of my favorite chapters in the book, Carlson discusses the relevance of `boredom'. He explains that we spend far too much energy distracting ourselves with superficial engagements, filling up our appointment books while we neglect to nurture our souls. Spending quiet time alone or with loved ones and enjoying each and every moment in life can be sufficiently engaging indeed.
   
   Two of my favorite authors, Ariel and Shya Kane, also offer wonderful, engaging stories that help inspire me to lead a more fruitful, enriched life in their new book "Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment". In one of my favorite passages, Ariel and Shya discuss the importance of slowing down in order to be fully present within each moment of our lives. The Kanes suggest that instead of rushing through our daily activities, we can have greater fulfillment and enjoyment by "taking our time and being where you are". These truly enlightening books by Carlson and the Kanes suggest that life can be fun by taking the time to enjoy every moment of it! It seems easy- and guess what, it is!



2. I think the title says it all, overall great book! I also recommend Mr Instability and which way both excellent reads.



3. This book could have easily been titled: Basic Zen Buddhism for Suburbanites. If you look at the principles Richard Carlson teaches they are absolutely Zen 101 (albeit specifically tailored to a modern, western audience). Ideas such as living in the moment, non-attachment to the transitory nature of life, taking time to sit quietly each day (or as a well-known Soto Zen teacher once said, "Don't just do something, sit there"), contemplating your own mortality as a method of keeping the events of your life in perspective... all of these are a part of basic Buddhist practice. While anyone who has practiced one of the eastern contemplative disciplines will find this old hat, these lessons are invaluable for the average person - I bought this for my new wife who tends to get obsessive when it comes to the little things. There's a reason these ideas have been around for thousands of years - they work!



4. This book got me through my divorce without any emotional scares! Need I say more... This is a must read for just learning how to appreciate what you have in life rather than focussing on what you could have. Definitely a must read.



5. I've owned two copies of this book over the years. The first copy I lent to a friend who in turn lent to a friend and so on. Needless to say that this great little gem of a book never found its way back into my eagerly waiting hands.
   
   I've purchased another copy since then and read chapters from it from time to time. We all tend to stress about the little things in life, and I'm no different. Whenever I find myself getting unduly frustrated or uptight, a read of this book always helps me put things back into perspective.
   
   I'm a firm believer in not sweating the small stuff: Not just the book, but the principal of it. Life's way too brief and fleeting to always be tied up in minor details and insignificant issues. Save it for the big problems, I say.
   
   This is a handy little guidebook that does well to serve as a constant reminder to keep things in perspective. I believe every household should have a copy of a book like Richard Carlson's 'Don't Sweat The Small Stuff".
   
   Real Life Dramas - Volume One
   
   Darren G. Burton

5 comments about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work: Simple Ways to Minimize Stress and Conflict While Bringing Out the Best in Yourself and Others.

1. Some of the "advice" is a good, although it is presented in a very simplistic way. I guess the author wanted all audiences to understand the meaning.
   
   Some of the advice is redundant, other is good.
   
   I purchased this for myself to if I can learn how to reduce some of the stress at work, but now we are using it in the office.
   
   I have to say that the chapters that really pertain to you get you a bit upset. (truth hurts I guess). I found that applies to more people than just me when we started reading in the office. :-)
   
   If you are looking for a brake-through book this is not it. If you are looking for some simple self-improvement advice as it pertains to the work environment, you may find some guidance in here. Don't read too much or expect too much from this book. Although it is somewhat helpful if you accept it for what it is.



2. Much of the stress we experience comes not from the workplace but from our reactions to our workplace. Most of Carlson's little book focuses on how we need to change our attitudes in order to minimize stress. For instance, work should be seen as something that we get to do rather than something that we have to do. Enjoy life now--don't wait for retirement!
   
   Problems should be seen as speed bumps to negotiate gracefully, not barriers to be resented. One should recognize that life is full of hassles, and that these should be handled in stride. One should lay off the ego, because constant comparison with others will only raise one's stress. Workplace meetings, instead of being stewed at as unnecessary or boring, should be seen as challenges to learn something new.
   
   Carlson also gives some practical pointers for minimizing work-related stress. For instance, if we feel hurried in the morning, we should get up earlier to give us more time to get ready for work. Long commutes to work, instead of being hated as a waste of time, should be profitably spent listening to books on tape. To avoid the stress caused by constant phone calls, we should have a "no phone" time when we don't answer the phone. Voice mail should be used more often. To dissipate general stress, we should spend ten minutes each day doing absolutely nothing. And, since vacation trips themselves can be stressful, we should spend more of our vacations puttering around at home or visiting local events and places.



3. It is possible to pooh- pooh self- help , power of positive thinking books or to try and learn from them. I take the latter approach. My idea is always that if I learn one good thing from them I have profited.
   This is particularly engaging and helpful self- help book. There are one hundred small essays on such topics as 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff' 'Relax' 'Breathe before you speak' ' Allow yourself to be bored' 'Repeat to yourself, " Life is not an Emergency" , 'Lower your tolerance to Stress', 'Become more patient' 'Surrender to the fact that life isn't fair' 'Let others be 'right' most of the time' ' Choose your battles wisely' ' Look beyond behavior' ' Become a better listener' ' Set aside quiet time every day' 'Imagine that everyone is enlightened except you' ' 'Smile to strangers, look into their eyes and say hello'.
   What is surprising is though you think you might know most of this stuff you will probably be induced to practice a bit more by reading the work.
   I very much liked this book. Its aim is to make people better and happier. I think it can do that.
   What is nice about it is that the major ideas are given in the chapter- titles and then the small essays illustrate them and slightly elaborate upon them.
   A few more of the chapters are as follows:
   " Practice Random Acts of Kindness' ' Spend a Moment every day thinking of someone to thank' 'Learn to live in the present moment' ''Resist the urge to criticize' 'Choose being kind over being right' 'Search for the grain of truth in other opinions' ' Read articles and books with entirely different points of view from your own and try to learn something''Stop Blaming others' ' ' Get comfortable not knowing ' ' Lighten up'' Don't interrupt others or finish their sentences''Remember that everything has God's fingerprints on it.'
   One problem of course is that a lot of this is easier said than done. 'Take fill your life with love' That's a hard one for many who have been trying and getting nowhere. Nonetheless the intention and direction are good.
   They are in the spirit of my own attitude in reviewing books, " Try to find something good in it, and something good to say about it. And only criticize it if it is absolutely necessary.'



4. 
   The book was sold as great condition and it was not even in fair condition. Book was stained and old.
   
   Shipped from Florida



5. How often have you said "I have to go to work"? Not, I want to.., but I have to. It's the mindset of the slave, whether slave to a boss, a deadline, a stack of bills, or a self-image. Richard Carlson, in his sensible, smart, and kind way, helps to break those bonds. Applying the strategies and principles in each brief chapter will result in true self-esteem, effective interpersonal relations, and higher levels of productivity more effectively achieved. Similar principles are explained in other expert sources, such as Intentional Living: Lessons from the Tree of Life

1 comments about Creating Miracles Every Day: How to Turn Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Experiences.

1. I think I've read every book by Richard Carlson (DON'T SWEAT
   THE SMALL STUFF and DON'T WORRY, MAKE MONEY, to
   name just a few) and have long been inspired by his writings . . . so
   imagine my surprise when I came across a Nightingale-Conant
   program just available on audio cassette: CREATING MIRACLES
   EVERY DAY.
   
   I loved every minute; in fact, my only disappointment is that there
   were only two cassettes.
   
   As the subtitle implies, by listening, you get ideas for HOW TO
   TURN ORDINARY MOMENTS INTO EXTRAORDINARY
   EXPERIENCES . . . it really got me thinking about how I could
   do just that--and gave me specific suggestions on what's needed
   for me to view the world differently.
   
   Among them:
   1. To put yourself in a state of gratitude, ask yourself,
   "Could this be the last day of my life?"
   
   2. If the person knows you appreciate them, it brings out the
   best in them.
   
   3. Describe the average American in two words or less:
   Easily bored.
   
   4. Be sure to tell people in your family how much you love them.
   
   5. Life is rarely exactly as we meant it to be. The sooner
   we accept this, the happier we will be.
   
   6. Life will not be easier or make us happier when things
   change. Life is the way it is.
   
   7. We are all here for a purpose.
   
   8. We are all special and deserve to be treated that way.
   
   9. Everything that happened in your past is just a thought,
   and you can let it go.
   
   10. Your life is not your enemy, but your thinking can
   sure be.
   
   11. It's a lot easier to change your thinking than the nature of
   life.
   
   12. Imaging yourself at your own funeral allows you to be very
   reflective about what you want your life to stand for.
   
   13. If you practice being negative, you'll be a very negative
   person. Better to practice positive thinking.
   
   14. Ask at dinner: What was the best thing that happened?
   What did you see that inspired you? Did you see somebody
   being nice to somebody else?
   
   15. Mother Teresa said, "We can't do great things on this
   Earth. But we can do small things with great love."