“Gratitude helps us to return to our natural state of joyfulness,” Ryan writes, “where we notice what’s right instead of what’s wrong. It makes us feel complete, that we have everything we need, at least in this moment.”

Included in the book are many stories of noted, as well as ordinary people, many who had gone through sometimes unimaginably difficult hardships. A Buddhist monk who lived through several wars in Vietnam expressed that, “Suffering is not enough. Life is both dreadful and wonderful […] How can I smile when I am filled with so much sorrow? It is natural — you need to smile to your sorrow because you are more than your sorrow.”

In this important, now classic bestseller, Ryan shows us that it is a measure of our humanity to have the freedom to choose one’s own attitude, in any circumstance that life may throw at us.

And that makes all the difference.

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First up is A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose.  The author of the incredible The Power of Now, Tolle’s A New Earth is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and was chosen by Oprah Winfrey for her book club.  In this book Tolle gives us the tools to get us to the place where we understand the benefits of raising our awareness, and more importantly, he actually gets us to want to do go do it.

From Publisher’s Weekly:

According to Tolle, who assumes the role of narrator as well, humans are on the verge of creating a new world by a personal transformation that shifts our attention away from our ever-expanding egos. This idea is well realized through Tolle’s remarkably well-paced narration. Naturally, the author understands his material so thoroughly that he is able to convey it in an enjoyable manner, but Tolle’s gentle tone and dialect begs his audience’s attention simply through its straightforward approach. Something about this reading just seems profoundly important, whether one agrees with the material or not, and listeners’ attention is sure to be captured within seconds of listening to Tolle’s take on the universe in which we live. Originally released in 2005, both book and audiobook were reissued when Oprah Winfrey chose the title for her book club this year.

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“Here are two ways to put ourselves in control of our lives imediately.  We can make a promise – and keep it.  Or we can set a goal – and work to achieve it.  As we make and keep commitments, even small commmitments, we begin to establish an inner integrity that gives us the awareness of self-control and the courage and strength to accept more of the responsibility for our own lives.  By making and keeping pormises to ourselves and others, little by little, our honor becomes greater than our moods.  – Stephen Covey

Although it might feel at times that our economy and society seem to be controlling the circumstances of our lives, only we have the ultimate control of our experience and outcome.  Take control of your life today by taking small steps  toward who you want to become, or a goal you want to achieve.   For a better tomorrow – take action today!

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Isn’t it about time we acknowledge the greatness that is in ourselves?  Have a truly fulfilling day.

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