Gratitude and Trust: Six Affirmations That Will Change Your Life

by Paul Williams, Tracey Jackson

Paul Williams is an alcoholic.

Tracey Jackson is not.

But together, these two close friends have written Gratitude and Trust, a book designed to apply the principles of the recovery movement to the countless people who are not addicts but nevertheless need effective help with their difficulties and pain.
Williams, the award-winning songwriter, actor, and performer, has embraced a traditional alcoholism recovery plan for more than two decades of sobriety. Jackson, a well-known TV and film writer—and veteran of many years of traditional therapy—has never been a drunk or a drug abuser, but she realized that many of the tenets of Williams’s program could apply to her. In Gratitude and Trust, Williams and Jackson ask: What happens to those who struggle with vexing problems yet are not full-blown addicts? Are there any lessons to be learned from the foundational and time-tested principles of the recovery movement?

Whether you’re tethered to your phone or you turn to food for comfort; whether you’re a perfectionist and can’t let things go or are too afraid to fail to even try; whether you can find intimacy only on the Internet or you’ve been involved in a string of nasty relationships—the first step toward feeling better about yourself and your life is the realization that you are what’s standing in your way. Williams and Jackson have designed a new, positive program, based on a half-dozen new affirmations, that can help conquer your vices, address personal dysfunction, and start to brighten the darkest moods. Gratitude and Trust is an essential, inspirational, and uplifting guide to identifying and changing maladaptive behaviors in order to uncover your most productive, healthiest self.

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

7 pages, Audible Audio

First published September 16, 2014

About the author

Librarian note: There is more than one author on goodreads by this name.

Reviews

[Steppie Royes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was chosen, on FIRSTTOREAD.COM to read this book before its release date.

Does something in your life have to change?
Than it's probably you.

This book offers six modernized affirmations that can be applied to daily struggles, unwanted habits and emotional issues. The insights and experiences shared by both Paul Williams and Tracey Jackson give an un-sugar-coated look into the parts of their lives that were less than perfect and the problems that surfaced from each situation. As they share their journey down the path of enlightenment they reveal a reliable and effective way to self improvement.

Without being overbearing or preachy, they share the methods to help you review your actions, feelings and goals and offer ideas that help develop an attitude that's dependent on gratitude and a trust in yourself, a higher power and what's to come. "Gratitude And Trust" is a great book that offers growth and renewal in all aspects of life.

You don't have to be an alcoholic or drug addict to seek a life-changing personal transformation or to benefit from the affirmations. If you're faced with recurring self destruction or there's something you're not satisfied with, it is your responsibility to take that first step towards change and betterment.
I recommend THAT first step to be to READ THIS BOOK!

There's even a bonus. They continue to share great examples of the use of affirmations, the importance of self awareness and the power of a grateful heart on their website and blog (GratitudeAndTrust.com).

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seldom does a book that claims to change your life seem worthy of that description, but in this case...believe that it will guide you to personal freedom if you want it.

On so many levels Paul and Tracey use the foundation for recovery that has helped millions with addiction in a manner that is so simple, yet profound and universal to every person everywhere. The affirmations are not just theory; they are meant to be daily practices that are integrated into one's being in order to live life on life's terms.

With humor and humility, the "steps" are laid out clearly on how to identify your problem with honesty, change self-destructive behaviors and poor choices with the help of a higher power that works for you, right the wrongs you have committed, and leads you toward your own truth path.

Gratitude and Trust also provides ways to deal with difficult people described as "Nasties" and detach with love for those people in your life who may suffer from addiction who are not yet ready for recovery.

This book is inspired and one that I will share with others who are open and willing to live a life in love and service, gratitude and trust.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Raven Bandicoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to FTC Guidelines, I must disclose that I have received a copy through GoodReads First Reads.

This book was very inspirational and helpful. It gives advice that can be used for anyone; whether you have an alcohol problem, anger problems, can't let go of your past, etc. It helped me realize some problems I had that I never even knew I had before; however, now the problems are getting solved, thanks to the helpful advice in this book, as well as the author's own personal stories and examples. Highly recommended to anyone that needs help with even the smallest of problems.

[Stacy Christoffersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. They explain how we all could benefit from the steps used in drug and alcohol recovery - even if we don't have addictions. And, actually, everyone has something in their life they need to work on.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gratitude & Trust was written by songwriter & actor, Paul Williams and TV & film writer, Tracey Jackson. Paul Williams has been sober for more than 20 years; from alcoholism and drug abuse. Tracey Jackson has never been an alcoholic or drug addict. Together, they have written a book for those who are not recovering addicts, but who face certain obstacles due to dysfunctional family issues, emotional eating, dealing with negative people, etc... They have created affirmations to be used daily in controlling or ridding ourselves of these self-sabotaging behaviors.
In the beginning they have you go through a list of 'learned' behaviors, identifying how your childhood experiences mold you into the adult you are today; i.e. are you a 'workaholic', 'rageaholic', 'a victim', etc....
Once you identify what your particular category is, they present you with the six affirmations:
1. Something needs to change, and it's probably me.
2. I don't know how to do this but something inside me does.
3. I will learn from my mistakes and not defend them.
4. I will make right the wrongs I've done whatever possible.
5. I will examine my behavior on a daily basis.
6. I will live in love and service, gratitude and trust.
I followed their advice and read the book, from here, straight through. I will certainly go back and re-read the sections that I feel I will find most beneficial to me going forward; making notes, highlighting, etc...
I have never seen a book like this before, where it is accessible to both recovering addicts and non-addicts. People like you and me who may need some guidance in finding out what issues/behaviors may be holding us back in our personal or professional lives. And then giving us the tools to work through it/them. You discover that you overeat at certain times, breaking the diet you've worked so hard on. You discover what has been triggering that self-sabotage, and you now have the affirmations and tools to begin helping you stop this behavior. That's just one example. I also liked the section on how to deal with difficult people; people who push your buttons whenever you're around them. Family members or co-workers or bosses.
Also, inter-woven in each chapter, are personal accounts and experiences from Mr. Williams and Ms. Jackson. I liked reading their experiences, good and bad. It gave the book a personal touch that made them more 'accessible' - not reading a book written by a doctor or someone who you may feel is talking down to you. You're reading honest, heart-felt accounts by two people who work hard to live a good life and honestly what to help as many people as they can live better lives, too.
Really good book!

[Brian Gryphon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors present a six-step approach to improving one’s life. My sense is that although the wording may be different, each of their steps is similar to one or more of the iconic Twelve Steps. Perhaps the book would be redundant for an addict active in such a programme or it may well serve as a powerful supplement; I can’t say. As I have only just begun to implement their six steps in my own life I can not say they work for people with compulsive or other self-destructive behaviours. An update will be provided down the road.

It may be argued that none of their approach is truly ground-breaking. Perhaps there is nothing new at the core of any ‘Self-help’ or ‘personal improvement’ programme; each new one just uses different language and packaging. Perhaps. And quite logical since we are, despite centuries of change, still very much a primal beast at our core. If a particular author’s approach, fame or personality appeals more to someone, if changed packaging leads people to make constructive changes in their lives, the world may well be better off for it.

One of the struggles we all face is how to remember what we need from our past without it trapping us and preventing us from moving forward. The authors suggest “Look upon the scars of your broken past as bookmarks to a bit of text you need to remember.” (page 235).

For me, Gratitude and Trust: Six Affirmations That Will Change Your Life is far more than just ‘a bit of text’ and certainly is material that I need to remember and practise regularly.

The above is an excerpt- see my full review on my blog at http://briangryphon.com/index.php/201... (c) copyright 2014 Brian Gryphon

[TheGirlFrom404 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free through Goodreads First reads.

Something needs to change and it's probably me. That's the first affirmation of personal freedom Paul and Tracey created and it's a very important step. The only thing more important is to come to the realization that there is something in our lives that we are unhappy with and that we want to change it. We have to want to change first before we can reach the first affirmation and say something needs to change and it's probably me.

When I signed up for this book, I thought it would make an interesting read. I didn't really think that it would have anything for me in it, but now that I've read it I realize that I have some changing that need to do. I have used some of the affirmations they talk about in the past. There have been times when I realized that I said something to someone that hurt them and I have have tried to go back and right my wrongs of them. Now though I realize that if I stop and examine my behaviors on a daily basis I can stop these behaviors and not hurt others. I can stop and tell myself that while I might not know how to do something there is something inside me that does.

I know that I will start on a path to using these affirmations now so that I can change. More importantly to me I know several people in my life who could use these affirmations as well. They struggle with things and maybe if they knew them it would get them to stop for just a second and realize that something needs to change. I will ask my HP to give me opportunities to present the things I read in this book to them so that they can start to change if they so wish. And I really hope some of them do.

[Editor Chiron Publications & innerQuest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracey Johnson envied people in recovery who had AA and other 12-Step programs upon which they could rely. She set out with Paul Williams, the singer/songwriter, to write a book that would introduce the best of 12-Step recovery to those who may not be addicted to a substance but who nevertheless are recovering from something. The book does an admirable job of refraining from too much AA jargon while respecting the traditions that time has proven work. So much of what "Gratitude & Trust" deals with are universal afflictions and this book delivers what the authors intended, a guide for recovery.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ebook of Gratitude and Trust from firsttoread.com

This book is similar to the 12 steps in addiction recovery, but this book applies it to any type of addiction: drugs, food, gambling, unhealthy relationships, etc...

Some of the book seems repetitious, but I think they are trying to hammer these steps into your head. I did like the way the chapters were laid out.

[Barbara Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength giving word's

When in need of a life lift, read this book. Two people who have been there done that and came back positive better persons for the experience and paying it forward. I will read this book again when times get me down and I feel hopeless and lost. Thank you Tracey and Paul for your honesty.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

No nonsense talk about personal accountability and continuing to grow. The personal stories of Williams and Jackson add a lot to the book. Williams has transformed himself from an attention-seeking has-been celebrity from the 70's and 80's to sharing his hard-won wisdom.

[Jaimief · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the idea that even though one is NOT an alcoholic or addict "you" can work yourself into the same type of rut. They devised a plan of gratitude to he'll the recovery of the non addict. I found many useful ideas.

[Corey Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the uncorrected proof. This should be a must read for all! Very dynamic and well written

[PF O'Friar · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can feel the authors passion in helping people.
This book is AA for a non-religious and non-deep-end person.
How to rehabilitate yourself if you're not that terrible.
this is how...

[Tracie Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I should have read the text of what this was about before downloading this one. I had done a search on "affirmations" and this was the only audiobook that wasn't checked out. I am big on "surprise me", so usually do not read what a book will be about and because I am compulsive about sticking with a book I have started, this is sometimes a problem.
I don't want to criticize 12 step programs, because those who turn to them and adhere to them are greatly helped. But this book reminded me of the things that bug me about them.
I disagree, for example, with those proponents of these programs that there is a "one size fits all" in the paths that lead to self-destructive behavior and the paths away from them---not everyone, for example, was filling some psychological hole with their addiction, or became terribly mean and rude before deciding there was a habit they were struggling to replace with something better. And I'm not convinced that a sponsor-sponsee relationship is completely healthy. The dangers I think I see in it are that the sponsee submits to chastisement by the sponsor, who is often someone who assumes that he (pick a pronoun for this and all subsequent he/hims) has the exact same history and motivations as himself, and so often seems to feel he is fulfilling his duty as sponsor by speaking to the sponsee with the disrespect he feels he himself deserves. Meanwhile, the sponsee too often projects onto the sponsor the responsibility of eradicating his bad-habit behavior, so that he comes to think he is doing it for the sponsor rather than himself, and the goal can shift to keeping secrets from the sponsor--because it's perceived, once there is backsliding, that it's the sponsor that cares about habit breaking more than the sponsee does. I am also bothered that the mantra of each of these programs is that the program is needed and always will be. To my way of thinking, this drives the problem into the subconscious and thereby keeps it locked in. Wouldn't it be more useful to look for every example of one's self being strong, resisting the bad habit? We need examples of our strength to grow stronger, not of our weakness. When someone wants to overcome stage fright, they are not advised to repeat every day over and over "I am a coward who trembles and stutters" or to share stories of the manifestations of this fear to a group of like-minded cowards to remind themselves of just how fearful they are. They are generally advised, rather, to remember every time they experienced courage, to consider icons that represent what they want to become, and to fill the imagination with visions of strength and courage. Likewise, athletes are not told to rehearse each previous stumble or fall; they are advised to envision themselves performing perfectly.
So, in this book, the only affirmation that I noticed being pointed out strongly, despite its apparently containing 6, is "Something needs to change and it's probably me." Always a good thing to consider when one is unhappy in an environment they want to remain in. I had been hoping though to find a nice inspiring book with positive self-affirmations. This felt like the opposite, too full of the kind of talk that makes someone feel stupid for who they are and for ever having tried to change without the help of the group.
But like I said before, I have seen people benefit from 12 step programs, as of course there's also the pro side. Like, that a huge group of people understand the common devastating results of the addiction, and the seriousness of the desire to quit; the members, particularly those willing to be sponsors, will often withstand a great deal of inconvenience, going out of their way to help their fellow sufferers at the drop of a hat. And, most importantly, there's great power in the group consciousness that a higher power that is accessible to anyone who seeks it offers salvation.

[J J]

Not rating this because I know one of the authors...but I do think that I can give an informative review as someone who's been interested in mental health and self improvement readings, for I find that absorbing deep thought and prescriptive information through books had been the most contributive to any EFFECTIVE revelations I've ever had about how to best live this life and how to relate with others.

An almost naive positivity is re-enforced throughout this book in a motherly fashion that is just short of being preachy or overbearing. This effect is resoundingly counterbalanced by extremely revealing and relatable shares by the authors themselves of darker times. Of course, this is the element I just plain enjoyed the most.

Those who are ready for change may really be aided by this simultaneously philosophical and methodical book. The writers manage to simplify all life-destroying vices into a single enemy that can be dismantled - with effort - by a streamlined six-prong attack. The cynical or contrarian might have trouble opening their minds to simplicity of this and and quieting complexity within, but is this not the case with any course of improving self-care? Let's face it - most of us just want to be enabled in our old ways while thinking we're becoming better people. It's just not that easy. The book that can overturn baked-in cynicism or instill the fundamental motivation to do the WORK to change for the better...that is the book that will end all questions about existence and morality.

What I appreciate even more than the authors' horrorshow tales of Life Before is the whole premise of the book, which is that tons of people have habits just as persistent and life-limiting as do hard core addicts...It's just that non-addicts pass in society, whereas addicts have consequences all hanging out to be helped and addressed as much as they are shamed and shunned. This book does the noble and attempts to address the common denominator of humanity that needs the exact same accountability and help in order to live a better life and to be far better to others.

A similar revelation had dawned on me last year while at an Al-Alon meeting for one friend and an open AA meeting to accompany another. My prevailing takeaway from those experiences wasn't just "there but for the grace of god...," but that all of these recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, these supposed untouchables drowning in the deep end of existence, were often completely normal people who slipped through the cracks because of society's selective prioritization of how to cope with often traumatizing experience of simply living and were abandoned by the mainstream.

It was timely for me to read the evidence that, not only had this thought already been had, but that it was fantastically articulated in a book by famous, admirable people with pasts as poor and rough as anyone's. At best, this book will help people get to the next level of life-optimization and sustain it for the rest of their days. At worst, it'll give you a really good feeling and make you trust that not only does someone care, but that they actually have lived through what they're talking about.

[Crystal Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.

This is definitely a life changing book. The advice given by the two authors can apply to virtually anybody.


Well written and inspirational. I especially enjoyed that one author was sharing how these strategies can be applied to addiction (since he is a recovering alcoholic) whereas the other author had other aspects of her life she wanted to improve rather than addiction.

The book has quite a few religious references and is loosely based around the 12 step program. Overall, this is essentially a version of the twelve step program that can be applied to addictions/problems that aren't drug or alcohol related

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating wise, it is hard to place this book, somewhere between three to four stars. There were many parts of this book that really hit the mark, made you think about your life and be reflective. We all take what we choose and or see from books. This book isn't just about addiction, it is about how to live your life, how to keep your spiritual bucket in check and what to do on a daily basis.

What set this book back was, the parts that really resonated with you were few and far between, and, was quite a bit of work to get to and find.

[Michele Pfrogner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a difficult read--not because of the subject matter, but the page lay-out. The white text on gray, meant to hi-light or summarize points, was a challenge. Often, I just skipped those sections, and came back later when I had more patience and more natural light.
While I certainly appreciate the honesty of both authors, I wanted to read more about THEM. The personal anecdotes and examples of Williams and Jackson are powerful; however, to stay more engaged, I needed to read more about their own experiences, and less repetition of the affirmations.

[dana hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gratitude for Gifts

I’m so grateful for the dots that connect in life. I was listening to an older Super Soul Sunday podcast when I came across Tracey and Paul interviewing with Oprah. That interview lead to this book and this book is life changing for me. I resonate so deeply with Tracey. I’m thankful for their gifts and all those who supported their idea. Passing this recommendation to everyone! It’s not just for addicts but to anyone who ever got angry, felt abandoned, has or had toxic relationships especially in families.

[Astral_puppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest to god guide to becoming a better person. I always wondered how the AA program actually recovered people in such a lifechanging way, now i can see how. The six affirmations and everything written on this book trully works! This is no self-help nonsense. If your habit wiring inside you could use a bit more twitches and notches, whats described in this book might be what you are looking for: A rehab guide for non-addicts.

[Candice Minks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This no-nonsense book presents six affirmations and accompanying practices to solve the “revolving door” syndrome of life’s improvement journeys. No matter what sort of addiction you or your loved ones may be facing that is holding you back and impacting your life, this book can help set your path while making you realize there is an issue and that you alone are the one who needs to conquer it all the while realizing it’s a lifelong journey, not an overnight solve.

[Doravmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for everyone desiring to live an emotionally and mentally healthy life. Paul Williams and Tracey Jackson reveal their stories of transformation in this positive call to a more joyful life. And for those that say, "One day I will . . .", it only takes one day, everyday. Read it and get started!

[Kaila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a wonderful and important overarching message, but the organization was hard to follow. External references to spirituality and addiction also felt left-field and could have been more clearly mentioned in the opening chapter. A summary that clearly listed and numbered the 6 affirmations would have been helpful, too.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Going through a transition and needed to shift my thinking and this book helped with all of it. It is also useful in helping me to not repeat previous patterns with a short list of questions to check in with myself at the end of every day.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I have often thought similar thoughts about Alcoholics Anonymous: it would be so helpful if there were a way for the rest of us to work through our dark places. Well done and adapted to us non-alcoholics in the crowd!

[Gloria E Meunier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so appreciate the practical steps to respect and dignity while I curtsy out of evolutionary perspectives since I believe in Creator Jesus making One Race:Human; (Humans that should be kind to animals. )

[Kristin- Kristin's Bookstack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great pick for a Book Club discussion! It was very insightful and inspiring. The authors shared wonderful examples from their lives of how they put the six affirmations to the test. It is a great book to read if you desire more happiness and peace in your life!

[Kelli]

Grateful that I heard an amazing interview with Paul Williams (of Muppets fame) on the Nerdist podcast that encouraged me to read this book.

[Christine Jolley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read a little every day before prayers/meditation. 3 1/2 stars. Some very moving parts, some weaker sections. Overall feel better for having read this.