What do you think?
In the Garden of Thoughts: Be Your Best Self
Beloved by hundreds of thousands from every walk of life and in every corner of the world, Dodinsky strikes the perfect balance of delightful whimsy and powerful emotion, inspiring you with the power to be your best self. When I reach the place of my dreams, I will thank my failures and tears. They too, kept me going.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2013
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 18, 2017
I like In the Garden of Happiness, published in 2015, slightly better. In the Garden of Thoughts was published in 2012. The books have different illustrators - beautiful illustrations in both, but In the Garden of Happiness is a better executed volume.
Read in 2017, 2023 and 2026
Related Works: The Gifts of Imperfection
Favorite Passages:
I survived my insecurities and though the road is daunting, I have learned being true-to-oneself is good company.
_____
A mind preoccupied with thoughts of resentment and bitterness cannot change the past. Nor do those thoughts wound anyone but the soul that beholds them.
_____
If others want to define you, don't linger in their pond. Swim away from their ignorance and find your ocean.
_____
May you embrace the moonlight with your dreams.
_____
The horizon, to remind you of your courage, sends its gentle waves of confidence to kiss your feet.
_____
When you own your imperfections and you embrace your life, you become a better person.
Life is about turning obstacles into pedestals.
______
Do not become a stranger to yourself by blending in with everyone else.
Your road to happiness should be memorable for the scenery as well as the destination.
_____
There is a place called happiness, it is just an arm's length away from your fears and a few steps beyond your misgivings.
To get there, sometimes you need to take the path of courage down to the street of never-give-up, until you reach the field of dreams.
_____
If you are not hurting anyone with your actions, keep moving forward with your life.
_____
Every morning I start with a drink from my cup of sunshine, to remind myself of who I am before I step into the world of "this is who we think you are."
_____
No matter how far the distance you have traveled or the failures that have gathered, hope would still meet you anywhere.
_____
I hope you see the luster in the simplest of things and heed the whispers of the heart.
After all, there is a part of you that knows that having less can mean living more.
_____
Do not plant your dreams in the field of indecision, where nothing ever grows but the weeds of "what-if."
_____
To be at peace, your opinion of yourself must outweigh the assumptions of others about who you are. It is a conscious decision that their words no longer have the ability to keep you down.
_____
Your value is the product of your thoughts. Do not miscalculate your self-worth by multiplying your insecurities.
_____
Growing old with someone else is beautiful, but growing old while being true to yourself is divine.
_____
A Doormat's Perspective
A muted existence
to anguish in silence,
it's nearly impossible
for the doormat
to find release.
I doubt if it knows
the key is hidden right under it,
so very close,
always within reach.
_____
Knowing who you are is the best defense against who they think you are.
_____
If you travel in a path that makes you happy and you are misunderstood by many, I hope you consider the opinion that carries the most weight - YOURS.
_____
A great many battles I have won are those that I have walked away from. They have strengthened my character, helping me learn that, in life, it is not always necessary to prove you are right.
Know that there are people you can never please and questions you simply don't need to answer.
_____
When I reach the place of my dreams, I will thank my failures and tears. They too, kept me going.
Read in 2017, 2023 and 2026
Related Works: The Gifts of Imperfection
Favorite Passages:
I survived my insecurities and though the road is daunting, I have learned being true-to-oneself is good company.
_____
A mind preoccupied with thoughts of resentment and bitterness cannot change the past. Nor do those thoughts wound anyone but the soul that beholds them.
_____
If others want to define you, don't linger in their pond. Swim away from their ignorance and find your ocean.
_____
May you embrace the moonlight with your dreams.
_____
The horizon, to remind you of your courage, sends its gentle waves of confidence to kiss your feet.
_____
When you own your imperfections and you embrace your life, you become a better person.
Life is about turning obstacles into pedestals.
______
Do not become a stranger to yourself by blending in with everyone else.
Your road to happiness should be memorable for the scenery as well as the destination.
_____
There is a place called happiness, it is just an arm's length away from your fears and a few steps beyond your misgivings.
To get there, sometimes you need to take the path of courage down to the street of never-give-up, until you reach the field of dreams.
_____
If you are not hurting anyone with your actions, keep moving forward with your life.
_____
Every morning I start with a drink from my cup of sunshine, to remind myself of who I am before I step into the world of "this is who we think you are."
_____
No matter how far the distance you have traveled or the failures that have gathered, hope would still meet you anywhere.
_____
I hope you see the luster in the simplest of things and heed the whispers of the heart.
After all, there is a part of you that knows that having less can mean living more.
_____
Do not plant your dreams in the field of indecision, where nothing ever grows but the weeds of "what-if."
_____
To be at peace, your opinion of yourself must outweigh the assumptions of others about who you are. It is a conscious decision that their words no longer have the ability to keep you down.
_____
Your value is the product of your thoughts. Do not miscalculate your self-worth by multiplying your insecurities.
_____
Growing old with someone else is beautiful, but growing old while being true to yourself is divine.
_____
A Doormat's Perspective
A muted existence
to anguish in silence,
it's nearly impossible
for the doormat
to find release.
I doubt if it knows
the key is hidden right under it,
so very close,
always within reach.
_____
Knowing who you are is the best defense against who they think you are.
_____
If you travel in a path that makes you happy and you are misunderstood by many, I hope you consider the opinion that carries the most weight - YOURS.
_____
A great many battles I have won are those that I have walked away from. They have strengthened my character, helping me learn that, in life, it is not always necessary to prove you are right.
Know that there are people you can never please and questions you simply don't need to answer.
_____
When I reach the place of my dreams, I will thank my failures and tears. They too, kept me going.
April 14, 2013
I'm not usually a fan of gift books but the review pitch for In the Garden of Thoughts came at a time when I was feeling down in the dumps. I needed some positivity in my life right then and I really liked the look of In the Garden of Thoughts (ItGoT), so I decided to check it out.
And I'm glad I did--it is such a cute book. By the time it arrived, I wasn't so down anymore but when I read Dodinsky's messages, some did bring a smile on my face and made me think.
There are about fifty (if I counted right) inspirational messages in this book and each are accompanied by an illustration--sometimes a large one spanning two pages. There were some inspirational quotes in the book that I just want to rip out from the book and frame so that I can read it everyday, like: "Your value is the product of your thoughts. Do not miscalculate your self-worth by multiplying your insecurities."
But there were also a few that left me scratching my head, like this one that goes "The horizon, to remind you of your courage, sends its gentle waves of confidence to kiss your feet." Huh?
My favorite part of ItGoT were the watercolor illustrations which were beautifully done by Amanda Cass. They are just so whimsical (sometimes bordering on weird but still pretty cute) and brought a smile to my face.
Although many of the messages can be appreciated by both men and women, I do think this gift book is more aimed towards women.
Overall, if you are a fan of gift books for your self or you're thinking of giving one to your girl friends (it can be given in almost all special occasions), look no further than ItGoT--it is full of positivity, lovely illustrations and nicely bound with a [heavier] glossy paper.
Originally posted on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks
And I'm glad I did--it is such a cute book. By the time it arrived, I wasn't so down anymore but when I read Dodinsky's messages, some did bring a smile on my face and made me think.
There are about fifty (if I counted right) inspirational messages in this book and each are accompanied by an illustration--sometimes a large one spanning two pages. There were some inspirational quotes in the book that I just want to rip out from the book and frame so that I can read it everyday, like: "Your value is the product of your thoughts. Do not miscalculate your self-worth by multiplying your insecurities."
But there were also a few that left me scratching my head, like this one that goes "The horizon, to remind you of your courage, sends its gentle waves of confidence to kiss your feet." Huh?
My favorite part of ItGoT were the watercolor illustrations which were beautifully done by Amanda Cass. They are just so whimsical (sometimes bordering on weird but still pretty cute) and brought a smile to my face.
Although many of the messages can be appreciated by both men and women, I do think this gift book is more aimed towards women.
Overall, if you are a fan of gift books for your self or you're thinking of giving one to your girl friends (it can be given in almost all special occasions), look no further than ItGoT--it is full of positivity, lovely illustrations and nicely bound with a [heavier] glossy paper.
Originally posted on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks
April 3, 2013
This cute little gift book contains about fifty inspirational thoughts that are uplifting and empowering, encouraging the reader to be his best self. They are accompanied by whimsical and pastel-coloured illustrations by Amanda Cass. This is a book that makes one reflect, and the messages will help the person who has suffered judgement, has been put down, has been or going through great obstacles in life, has fears holding them back, is down in life and so forth. I think everyone can relate to these positive thoughts.
Author Dodinsky first started sharing these thoughts online as a way of coping with his ordeals and before he knew it he was getting emails from people of all walks of life telling him how much he inspired them. Although it can be read in fifteen minutes, the inspirational thoughts make one stop to think. They are deep and poignant. Here are two that touched me:
To strengthen the muscles of your heart,
the best exercise is lifting someone else's
spirit whenever you can.
If you stumbled today,
remember where and how it felt.
Tomorrow, take a different path.
Life flourishes from its pain
and the lessons we gain.
This collection of positive messages would make a great gift for anyone who may be going through a rough spell, even young ones and especially teens. Or perhaps for that friend who has been there for you, that co-worker who is helpful to everyone, or that person who always knows what to say to cheer you up. The book is attractive and could be left on a coffee table where it is sure to be picked up, leaving the reader with thoughts on which to ponder and meditate.
Author Dodinsky first started sharing these thoughts online as a way of coping with his ordeals and before he knew it he was getting emails from people of all walks of life telling him how much he inspired them. Although it can be read in fifteen minutes, the inspirational thoughts make one stop to think. They are deep and poignant. Here are two that touched me:
To strengthen the muscles of your heart,
the best exercise is lifting someone else's
spirit whenever you can.
If you stumbled today,
remember where and how it felt.
Tomorrow, take a different path.
Life flourishes from its pain
and the lessons we gain.
This collection of positive messages would make a great gift for anyone who may be going through a rough spell, even young ones and especially teens. Or perhaps for that friend who has been there for you, that co-worker who is helpful to everyone, or that person who always knows what to say to cheer you up. The book is attractive and could be left on a coffee table where it is sure to be picked up, leaving the reader with thoughts on which to ponder and meditate.
May 7, 2013
I think that people should read picture books more often. For many reasons. Probably too many to go into for this book.
However, I liked this picture book, it had a lot of good thoughts and just lovely things. Such as, "those who do not fear darkness, have learned to light their own candle".
I would recommend this wee book as a 'pick-me-up' or just for a quick read. Definitely a bedside table book.
April 10, 2013
Sometimes a special little book comes along that makes you smile. The Perfect gift to give someone who may be going through a rough patch. Uplifting and beautiful illustrations. I loved this little book.
April 23, 2013
A great little book laced with simple but poignant tidbits to enjoy and survive life. The illustrations that accompany the passages add to the whimsical, yet effective quotes Dodinsky offers the reader. A nice addition to any bookshelf or coffee table.
September 12, 2013
Amazing inspirational quotes that should be kept in mind every minute of every day! Huge fan of Dodinsky and I look forward to reading more of his work!
March 17, 2017
Love all of the quotes and the illustrations that go with them. Highly recommend and think that this is the kind of book that would make a great gift and a great book to read over and over again.
May 8, 2014
Ok, I just read this wonderful little book I bought very quickly. I have to say the words in this book is so uplifting and a lot of them applied to me! I let the outside world influence me too much. I'm glad to have this book to look back on from time to time.
Also, the illustrator is wonderful! I love every picture she put in this book. I would recommend this book to anyone that needs a little uplifting thought from time to time.
Also, the illustrator is wonderful! I love every picture she put in this book. I would recommend this book to anyone that needs a little uplifting thought from time to time.
April 30, 2018
Sometimes you are in the mood for a brief yet positive pick me up. This book does that and more.
The illustrations are wonderful. I would love to have Amanda Cass' artwork on my walls.
The thoughts are not offered in any specific order, so open the book at random and read. I am sure whichever saying you find will speak to you. It is a gentle reminder to appreciate yourself and what you can enjoy about life. Take time to smile.
The illustrations are wonderful. I would love to have Amanda Cass' artwork on my walls.
The thoughts are not offered in any specific order, so open the book at random and read. I am sure whichever saying you find will speak to you. It is a gentle reminder to appreciate yourself and what you can enjoy about life. Take time to smile.
December 4, 2022
This year was a diffiult one for me for many reasons and when someone gifted me this book, I didn't really expect it to offer much in the way of comfort. I was wrong.
Dipping into this book regularly and absorbing the positive affirmations has really helped me to navigate my mental health - it's like a nother tool in my armoury of depression busting weapons.
'Consider your heart a cocoon from which dreams emerge like butterflies to wander in the garden.'
Dipping into this book regularly and absorbing the positive affirmations has really helped me to navigate my mental health - it's like a nother tool in my armoury of depression busting weapons.
'Consider your heart a cocoon from which dreams emerge like butterflies to wander in the garden.'
April 14, 2026
I have read this book to both of my boys umpteenth times. It was given as a gift to my oldest son by my boys' Granny on Easter weekend. It is so compelling, inspirational, positive, relatable, deep, at times dark but realistic in wording, tone and life lessons. The wisdom in this book is straightforward, bluntly honest, educating, and important. Every word resonates and with reflection as well as insight. This book pulls no punches. Nothing is sugarcoated. A book for all ages.
December 2, 2018
What drew me to this book was the complete title IN THE GARDEN OF THOUGHTS, THE ONLY PLACE YOU CAN FIND THE POWER TO BE YOUR BEST SELF. This is so true! What you think controls how you feel physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are often our worst critic. Dodinsky, accompanied by Amanda Cass's wonderful illustrations gently remind us to put ourselves back onto the path to our best selves.
December 16, 2020
One of my favourite quote by dodinsky “The soul does not absorb negativity by accident, only by choice”.
This book comes with colourful pages and I like illustrations that accompanied the beautiful quotes.
Relaxing myself with this light reading before picking up another read.
5🌟 for this beautiful book.
This book comes with colourful pages and I like illustrations that accompanied the beautiful quotes.
Relaxing myself with this light reading before picking up another read.
5🌟 for this beautiful book.
January 31, 2021
I'm so into self-help books recently.
Didn't realise that I really NEEDED 'help' until I read them...
This book is really good.
Filled with encouraging quotes that surely help me to stay 'sane', which is really good for my mental health.
The illustrations are also so beautiful 🤍
I'm so glad that I bought this.
Didn't realise that I really NEEDED 'help' until I read them...
This book is really good.
Filled with encouraging quotes that surely help me to stay 'sane', which is really good for my mental health.
The illustrations are also so beautiful 🤍
I'm so glad that I bought this.
November 25, 2020
“When you are looking at a mountain, marvelling at its beauty and strength, realize it is looking right back and admiring you. Embrace your own greatness.”
Upon reading this book, I stumbled at this very first sentence. This book is a very light yet meaningful book for me.
Upon reading this book, I stumbled at this very first sentence. This book is a very light yet meaningful book for me.
January 3, 2023
Maravillosa lectura, el libro cumple su propósito y la finalidad es asertiva. Realmente me ha ayudado a realizar una introspección. Las Ilustraciones son hermosas, me han ayudado a cavilar, a crear una perorata, y a establecer corolarios para abrazarme a mi mismo. Qué Bonito!!
September 11, 2023
Be there for others, but never leave yourself behind.
If you are not hurting anyone with your actions, keep moving forward with your life.
When I reach the place of my dreams, I will thank my failures and tears. They too, kept me going.
If you are not hurting anyone with your actions, keep moving forward with your life.
When I reach the place of my dreams, I will thank my failures and tears. They too, kept me going.
January 29, 2024
in these crazy times, sometimes all you need is a self-help pick-me-up book. the visuals are cute, the words are good. some quotes kinda left me “huh”-ing a bit, but it’s a really nice book to grab for a quick and light read before bed and to shut those voices in your head. also, it‘d make a great gift book for your friend or just to remind yourself.
November 18, 2019
Quick, easy read. Great life advice.
February 16, 2020
The book is a small book of inspiration
November 29, 2020
Such a wonderful little book. Really recommended for anyone who love philosophy & need some inspirational quotes for their daily life.
December 19, 2020
The general ideas are good but there’s a lot of malarkey that just sounds good but isn’t very deep or meaningful.
January 3, 2021
Excellent gift inspirational book, good illustrations, positive affirmations
August 29, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 7, 2021
really motivated love it!
March 23, 2023
A perfect book for night reading to keep in mind every word that is written. The illustration really suits the lines, and the color choice is gorgeous; I didn't realize the book was over.
May 11, 2023
Simple illustrations with easy-to-understand words. Profound meaning and aim at the heart 🥲
September 9, 2024
Awakening quotes
June 26, 2026
amazing
I love dodnisky. I have read this books over 10 time and it hits different every time. Thanks Dodnisky for this beautiful illustration book.
I love dodnisky. I have read this books over 10 time and it hits different every time. Thanks Dodnisky for this beautiful illustration book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews