Living Life as a Thank You: The Transformative Power of Daily Gratitude

by: Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons

Published by: Viva Editions

Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton

What would happen if we made a conscious effort to live in a world without complaining? What if we forced ourselves to find something, in every situation, to be thankful for. An old saying is: In Everything Give Thanks…” so this idea is not new. However, it is something that we don’t do. People tend to find things to complain about easier than to find things to be happy for. The weather is too hot, too cold, too dry, and too rainy—we could go on and on.

The authors of Living Life as a Thank You propose that you look each day for something that you are thankful for. If there is a foot of snow outside and you are sick of winter, you could try being thankful for the beauty of the snow. Or if you didn’t get the raise you wanted, you could be thankful that you have a job. The list could go on forever.

Certain people, such as alcoholics, have a tendency to be depressed. Living Life as a Thank You shares the story of a man who had to make an effort every morning to push the negativity away and find the positive.

Many different stories from different types of individuals fill Living Life as a Thank You. Some you will relate to, some you won’t. But the theme of the book remains constant. Be thankful. Find something good in every situation. Share your thankfulness with others. If you are thankful for a park to walk in, tell the people responsible for providing it. And maybe make an effort to pick up some of the trash others left behind.

At the end of each section is a section called “Gratitude Practice.” It gives practical applications to practicing the ideas that each chapter puts into play. Some of the ideas are really good. I do have some issues with parts of the book, like the suggestion in some chapters as “imagine a higher power, and sending a blessing to a person…” and others. However, most of the ideas are right on, such as sending a card to someone, paying it forward, etc.

Living Life as a Thank You is a good book to read and to pass on. If you practice what is taught in this book, it will not only make a difference in your life, but in the lives of those around you.

Armchair Interviews says: Good book for your own reading and as a gift.