A Life of Gratitude: 21 Days to Overcoming Self-Pity and Negativity

by Shelley Hitz

During a season of transition in my life, I found myself overwhelmed with negative emotions like self-pity and a complaining spirit. It was as if a dark cloud had descended over me. I prayed and asked God for wisdom on how to overcome these negative emotions. As I did, I sensed Him leading me to do a 21 day gratitude challenge.

Over the course of the 21 days, God began to change me as I spent intentional time being grateful for all I had been given. I did this through writing in my journal each day and also sending a hand-written thank you note to someone different each day. This also led me to writing out 21 prayers of gratitude and compiling 21 stories of gratitude.

I want to share what I learned with you in the pages of this book.

What to Expect On Each Day:
Read my personal stories, struggles and reflections.
Read one scripture and one quote about gratitude.
Apply one personal application step from the challenge.
Read one prayer of gratitude
Read one story of gratitude

Get Accountability and Encouragement

Along with the 21 day challenge, I also started a private Facebook group to provide accountability and encouragement for myself but also for others who decide to join me in the challenge. You will get access to this group as well. It has been amazing to see God at work in each of our lives.

Will you join me on this journey to gratitude?

Genres: Religion, Ebooks, Christian

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2012

About the author

Shelley Hitz is an author of over 50 books. However, most importantly she is a wife, daughter, sister, friend and follower of Christ. She has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998 and her main passion is to share God's truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.

She is also the owner of ChristianBookAcademy.com where she helps pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian entrepreneurs get published and market their books.

Shelley's openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her books will inspire and encourage you.

==> Connect with Shelley online at her website, www.ShelleyHitz.com.

Reviews

[Amanda Penland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make your whole attitude change about things. Instead of complaining about things that happen and such. We are to start looking for positive things in the situation and thank God for them. 21 Days of the authors on experiences with her taking time each day to journal one thing she's thankful for. Each of her journal entries are followed by a real challenge that encourages you to apply it in your own life. Beautiful prayers and scriptures are followed by stories of lives you couldn't imagine going through. But, those people thanked God in the midst of it all. This book made me look at the messes in my life and how by thanking God those messes can be turned into a sweet message.

Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone like myself, sometimes cynical about life, occasionally crying out to God for instant answers to my problems, this book is tremendously inspiring. In essence, the author is challenging us to spend 21 days finding something each day for which we can thank and praise God. By doing this, she says, our problems and worries will become much smaller. And it actually works. I thank the author for this lovely book, and have no hesitation in recommending it to others. Please note that I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an encouragement to read how negative thinking can be turned into positive. Shelley does great job of reminding us of that in this book.

(Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review)

[Litany Lineberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually read self-help, Do you know God, type books whether christian or not but I decided to give this book a try the title is what caught my attention when the author asked me to choose a book to read. I thought A life of Gratitude sounds catchy. So I read it. Below is my review.
God Bless,
Prayerofhope

The Author starts out with an introduction that gives major insight on not only who they are but how this book came about. This intrigued me because I for one love when Authors don't just talk about but be about it meaning if they wrote a book on 30 days of fasting I would hope they know what it entails from experience and not just something to put down on paper for a book deal. Author Shelley Hitz have lived "A Life of Gratitude". I love how she let us know she went through a transitioning season but now is prepared for gratitude and thankfulness.

Now to the meat and potatoes of the book.

Day #1 talks about the 21 Days of Gratitude and what that means. So for this she talks about having a gratitude journal where you write prayers, what your thankful for or names of people you want to give a thank you note to. Day #2 Entails writing a handwritten thank you note that you can send through the post office(It is more personal than just a quick text or an email.) to someone that you care for and appreciate.

As you can see there is a pattern forming with each day. And within each day she gives a synopsis, a Challenge, and also a specialized prayer for that day. What I really like about it is she includes other people Stories of gratitude which really made me want to do this Gratitude challenge. Although I had to do a super condensed version for this review(reading the whole book) I got a lot out of it and now that I am done with the review I will be doing it day-by-day.

The best part was the "in Closing" chapter. The last part of the book that ties everything together letting you know that no matter your circumstance, keep the faith because even in times of tragedy you can still have Gratitude in the Midst of Pain.

I was provided this book by Body and Soul Publishing in exchange for my honest review

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Life of Gratitude is a three-week daily devotional. I'm not a good judge of this genre because I despise daily devotional books. The theology tilts too reformed to be comfortable reading. I kept wanting to argue that God isn't like that and circumstances aren't entirely regulated by God's sovereignty. Because of that perspective, I don't recommend the book. However, there are some good stories that a speaker could harvest for sermons or devotionals at meetings or the like.

[Leanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the same book

This is the same book as prayers of gratitude. With people's personal stories added to it. I my reason I gave it 4 stars. I can admit I'm less angry and I have more of a grateful heart. I'm going to continue to work on myself and may read it again.

[Lisa Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Paula Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

With solid writing on a topic sure to benefit everyone, Shelley Hitz, the author of A Life of Gratitude, shares her personal journey of faith and lets the reader see her vulnerability and how she questioned God. Like the author herself states, I echo her sentiment: “This challenge has really changed my focus from the negative things happening in life and to focus on the good.” This book is full of practical advice on seeking out those things in our lives for which to be grateful. Her advice is more than simply making lemonade when life gives you lemons – it encourages you to make positive changes in your thinking and attitude and to magnify God in all things. In addition, Shelley provides Scripture verses supporting a quest to become more positive.

I struggle with complaining in my life, guarding my tongue, training myself to see the glass half-full instead of half-empty, and reading this book helped me focus on accentuating the positive. I found the concepts in this book encouraging me to be grateful, even amidst the low moments and the negativity bombarding me from all directions. Now throughout the day, I am reminded of the blessings in my life instead of always looking for things to judge, criticize, or complain about. As a result of praising God throughout the day and thanking Him for the big things and the little things too, my mood has become better, and my sense of humor has returned.

Shelley also emphasizes the importance of spending time with God each day. I appreciated the Biblical references and stories, and the prayers of gratitude which brought me closer to God in a personal way as I became more aware of His individual attributes such as His grace, unconditional love, the Holy Spirit, peace, guidance and direction, protection, and the list goes on and on. Shelley illustrates how to pray the Bible verses as well in a way that becomes personal for each individual.

Making me more aware of the good things going on around me, this book gave me pause as I became more conscious of my thoughts and speech and reactions to the negative things going on around me. I was reminded to be grateful for those things I take for granted, such as the Bible, freedom, salvation, the air I breathe, laughter, my pets, even my daily chores and the ability to perform them. I will refer to this inspiring book time and again and will continue incorporating it into my daily devotions. Shelley’s message will resonate with me for the rest of my life, and is a lesson I want to teach my children.

This book contains 21 powerful lessons on gratitude. Take advantage of reading this book today – you’ll be thankful you did!

Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Debbie Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. It was also free, along with The Gratitude Journal, 21 Stories of Gratitude, and 21 Prayers of Gratitude.

“Beth Moore explains [gratitude] well in a quote from her Patriarchs study, 'I have been told many times, 'Beth, I can't change the way I feel.' But we can change the way we think, which will lead to a change in the way we feel. That's the essences of the renewed mind.'” (pg 9)

I felt like I could use a boost in the gratitude department since it has been a while since I read 1000 Gifts. This book was a good boost, though I did not do all the assignments. I did not write any thank you cards... though I have some I want to write in the near future and I continued writing three things to be thankful for each day in my 1000 Gifts journal which I have been doing for 2 years now.

Here is a quote from the book... to show you how good it is.

“I struggle to feel and understand Your unconditional love because I don't experience it anywhere else in my life. Others will always let me down or disappoint me at one time or another... However, You are not like any of my other relationships. I can put my full trust in Your love and know that You will always be there for me and love me unconditionally, no matter what I do or what happens to me... Empower me to grasp how high and deep and wide is Your love for me. Your love is not just a generic love for the entire world, but is also a very personal love directed to me as well. You love me. Let me repeat that to allow that truth to sink into my mind, heart and soul. You. Love. Me. And Your love knows no limits, bounds or conditions. Thank You, Lord, for Your unconditional love for me. Amen.” (pg 26)

Oh how I need this, Lord.
You. Love. Me.
You. Love. Me.
You. Love. Me.
“Let that truth sink into my mind, heart and soul.”
You. Love. Me.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW:

I liked the book because it makes you realize that you are not the only one who goes through times of struggle and sorrow. There are others with similar problems. They can be overcome but we must stay positive. It is so easy to let negative thoughts bog down your reasoning.

The encouragement that the author gives is so heart warming. It makes you feel that you are not alone. Sometimes you feel like no one understands how you feel. The dark cloud that hangs overhead can be overwhelming. The author shows us that the dark cloud can become a shining star if we just let it. We so easily accept the blessings that are given us. We take for granted.

The book is easy to read but I found that it was somewhat repetitive. It's not easy at all. I feel that we are more grateful for things that we have to work for. It's so very easy for someone to say they understand and know how you feel. They can't possibly unless they have been there. This book does give encouragement, which I felt was the best thing about the book. There are also some very beautiful pictures which tends to brighten the soul. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs the little bit of encouragement to keep a positive attitude and not take for granted anything or anybody. It lifts the spirits and puts a new outlook on things.

Stop and think before you do. Sometimes we want a miracle cure and that doesn't exist. The author writes of her own problems and how she worked to overcome them. This isn't exactly a 21 day learning event, it's lifetime of working hard at improving yourself.

I would give this book 3.5 STARS.


(Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review)

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have got to tell you I have been changed already and I have only started 3 days ago.
What a difference my thoughts have become.
As I follow the simple guidelines Shelley shares in this book. Who wouldn't want to be happier and more grateful!?!
Shelley pours out her honest feelings as she went through some changes in her life.
Thank God she prayed and asked God to help her….because if she didn't this book would not be in my hands.
Each chapter has the following:
A Gratitude Challenge
Prayer of Gratitude
Story of Gratitude
Write in a Journal, prayers of gratitude for Spiritual, Relational and Physical
There are several links where you can join others in your 21 days challenge of gratitude also!!!
Just reading the introduction of this book got me started thinking how negative I was and I needed to change!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!!!!!!
God is the center of all our seasons to be grateful and Shelley shares His Love throughout this wonderfully written book that I recommend to EVERYONE!!! We all need to be grateful for God being God every day and He is in charge how can we not learn to thank and praise Him Daily!!!
Shelley you rock because you lift up Our Rock, Christ Jesus and this book Glorifies Him on every page!
God bless you and your beloved husband CJ. Numbers 6:24-26 In Jesus Matchless Name Amen.

Please visit CJ and Shelley here www.ChristianSpeakers.tv

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say?? I read this book 3 times because I didn't want to overlook something I may have missed before. And each time,I did indeed learn something new. I highly recommend this book to anyone who,like me,is searching for more. If you allow it,this book can be life-changing.It changed my heart,my outlook,my hopes. I am still learning everyday how to be truly grateful for all things.When you are truly grateful,it is hard to be down,bitter,lost. I look forward to reading more books by this author,who is sensitive to spiritual things.
"Please note: I received this book free for my honest review"

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent reminder to look for ways to be thankful in our every day life. In all situations we should be looking for the good in them and find a way to overcome the negativity.

Hitz gives several concrete ways to do this by writing thank you notes to people who have been special in our lives, putting reminders on our mirrors or refrigerators, making a "gratitude board", etc. This would make an excellent Bible study.

[Tera L. Kirksey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life of gratitude

I choose this rating of 5 for this book because it was an excellent read. I read it along with The Gratitude Journal. This was a really good challenge. This was another inspiring work from this author. I would highly recommend this book to others. It shows the importance of being intentionally thankful for all you have been given. This challenge truly blessed my life.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories moved me & made me think, the verses & the challenges were perfect & encouraged me. I must admit I didn't always stick to just one day @ a time. I wanted to keep going.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book prompted me to begin my own 21 day journey to being more grateful and less negative. After just a few days, I am already reminded that I am incredibly and abundantly blessed!