Grateful Life: The Secret to Happiness and the Science of Contentment

by Nina Lesowitz, Mary Beth Sammons

The Grateful Life is a guide to discovering -- and achieving -- one's dreams by harnessing the power of a positive attitude. In years of research and practice, authors Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons have discovered that grateful living can transform lives. Grateful people are happier people. They are healthier and less stressed. They report much higher levels of satisfaction with their relationships and are less likely to credit luck with the good fortune of others.

This book contains inspiring stories about those who exercise gratitude as a spiritual practice to rise out of adversity to new life. It also shows how grateful living is central to the good life and to attracting abundance. Filled with motivational quotes, resources, and exercises, The Grateful Life helps readers on their journey to creating the life they've always wanted.

Taking the concept of Living Life as a Thank You to the next level, The Grateful Life includes absorbing and transformative stories from real people who unveil the secret to achieving successes both big and small.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Growth, Spirituality, Health, Psychology

312 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

Reviews

[Rebecca Elson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This post originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 11/10/14.

Here we are in November and soon those of us on social media will start seeing the public Thanksgiving thankfulness countdowns. I don’t know, maybe the people who do those feel they need to share what they’re thankful for with everyone as a way of holding them accountable, of being sure they do it each day. However if I learned anything from reading “The Grateful Life: The Secret to Happiness and the Science of Contentment” by Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammon it’s that for gratitude to be effective it can’t be seasonal, it’s a lifestyle choice. And just like making any type of lifestyle change, it can be easier said than done.

Fortunately “The Grateful Life” is full of real life stories of how people have learned the value of gratitude and have incorporated it into their lives. Many readers will find a person who they can emphasize with, or find a connection to. These stories end with a tip as to how those people incorporate gratitude into their daily lives. Often times there are links to websites for some of the altruistic projects the people are involved in.

Lesowitz and Sammons also take time to talk about some studies that have been done regarding gratitude and the effects it has on physical health. The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkley are building on findings that consciously choosing to focus on the positive can combat the release of stress hormones that compromise our immune systems and cause inflammation disease. The Greater Good Science Center, in collaboration with the University of California, Davis awarded $3 million in grants to expand the scientific understanding of gratitude. What I’m saying is these gals ain’t just whistlin’ Dixie.

How about this Thanksgiving instead of just a seasonal countdown of thankfulness you pick up a copy of “The Grateful Life” and consider doing the work of making a real change?

[Mo Coghlan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to finish this book, but couldn't. I was looking for something to give me perspective and maybe help me hate my shitty job less, something to inspire me to be more positive. But, unfortunately, this is a series of very forgettable "Chicken Soup for the Soul" type stories. Barf.

[Corinne Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://everydaygyaan.com/the-grateful...

[Janine Kovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

With inspiring stories and practical tips,The Grateful Life reminds us that gratitude is as much a part of a healthy lifestyle as diet and exercise. Practicing gratitude is like taking your vitamins--you don't just take them when you're sick; you also have to take them to stay healthy. So often conventional positive practices urge us to turn our backs on the bad and focus only on the good. But to do so is to shut out life as it really is. The Grateful Life, through its relatable stories, practical advice, and vetted resources, reminds us that our lives are full and rich when we choose to see them that way.

This is a book to savor. Its inspiring stories and practical tips will either nurture your existing gratitude practice or encourage you to start one.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always a bit skeptical of these self-helpish looking books. My Nan bought it for me as a little pre-christmas present (am I that ungrateful when I unwrap presents?). I was pleasantly surprised. It was refreshingly sincere without being overly gooey. It's nice to put a little bit of thankfulness into my life, especially when news around the world is so grim. Not life-changing for me, I'm afraid, but well worth a read, especially for New Years resolutions. Spread a little kindness.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of inspirational stories and solid spiritual practices.

[Tania Quigley]

The Grateful Life is a guide to discovering -- and achieving -- one's dreams by harnessing the power of a positive attitude.

With inspiring stories and practical tips,The Grateful Life reminds us that gratitude is as much a part of a healthy lifestyle as diet and exercise. Practicing gratitude is like taking your vitamins - you don't just take them when you're sick; you also have to take them to stay healthy.

[Pug · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was grateful when I STOPPED listening to this audiobook.

So many of these chapters [dragged on] were downers. It's wonderful that people overcame their personal challenges and tragedies, and learned how to be grateful!!! But yikes, I had to muddle through a lot of horrible, and horribly sad, stories.

[Samantha von Delvaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give it 4 stars if not for the title. It's not that I didn't enjoy it. I just thought this book would have more science and learning. The stories make for great real-life examples on when and how to show gratitude and the book leaves me feeling uplifted. It's more of am anthology than actual science.

[Joye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book would be more research and science oriented. There was mention of research but most of it was anecdotal and somewhat cheesy. I believe being grateful can change your attitude toward life and adversity and give you a better sense of well being. I guess I wanted more science out of this book. Oh well, I am grateful I read it! :)

[Lynette Caulkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic topic and information. This fits well in the anecdote-driven Chicken Soup for the Soul genre. I was just looking for more academic substance in view of the promotion bits. Still, something everyone should read to learn ways to combat depression and anxiety and build a better microworld around you.

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cool. It talks about all these people with horrible, awful, problems and how they rose above them and became better people.

[Natalie Priester · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just anecdotes. Lots of religion and charity. I had to turn the audiobook off.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some good quotes and advice but was mostly stories and some were not inspiring to me at all- I almost quit reading it a few times because of them.

[Garette Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. Guilt is not gratitude.