Attitudes of Gratitude

M.J. Ryan is a wellness coach and New York Times bestselling author of several self-help series. With degrees in psychology and literature, she became CEO of Conari Press in 1987, where she published several famous motivational and positive psychology books. M.J.’s success didn’t stop there as she joined nonprofits such as Professional Thinking Partners and SheEO to help female and non-binary entrepreneurs become the strong leaders they are today. She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter.

“We have spent the last decades trying to have what we want. This inspiring book shows us how to rejoice in what we have. Ryan proves that, no matter how worried we are about the future, feeling and expressing gratitude allows us to celebrate and deeply appreciate the privilege of being in the precious present. Ryan graciously shows that if we’re going to ‘have an attitude,’ gratitude is the right one.”—Paul Pearsall, PhD, author of The Pleasure Prescription and The Heart’s Code“There is a powerful connection between being grateful, appreciating the gift of living well, and happiness. M. J. Ryan’s Attitudes of Gratitude reminds us that gratitude is an achievement and creates lasting happiness when we commit ourselves to this illuminated state of desire—mind and passionate ‘spirit-energy’ to live the best life possible.”—Alexandra Stoddard, author of Things Good Mothers Know and Choosing Happiness“Exquisitely reconnects us to the wonder and satisfaction that can be found in our daily lives.”—Judy Ford, author of Wonderful Ways to Be a Family“Attitudes of Gratitude is a most delightful feast of spiritual insights. The quotes at the beginning of each section are outstanding. The personal vignettes are deep yet written simply with the flow of love in each line. It is a book to be savored.”—Gerald G. Jampolsky, MD, author of Love Is Letting Go of Fear“Each section of Attitudes of Gratitude acts as a mini refresher course in the wisdom of focusing on what is really important.”—Sue Patton Thoele, author of The Courage to Be Yourself and Heart Centered Marriage“What M. J. Ryan has done for the world—and it’s no small gift—is to forever connect gratitude with joy.”—David Kundtz, author of Quiet Mind and Awakened Mind“The practice of gratitude is perhaps the most underutilized way to grow spiritually. It is also the fastest way to connect with the joy of being alive. M.J. Ryan provides the inspiration, tools, and heartfelt stories to help anyone make gratitude a wonderful part of their daily life. Honesty and practical wisdom shine throughout the pages of this important book.”—Jonathan Robinson, author of Communication Miracles for Couples and Shortcuts to Bliss“For me, this book could not have come at a better time. I have been working on bringing the ancient practice of gratitude to life in my life and finding that making a list just wasn’t enough. Here are hundreds of ways to soften and loosen, to celebrate and pause. Thank you, M. J. Ryan.”—Jennifer Louden, author of The Woman’s Comfort Book and The Woman’s Retreat Book“Thanksgiving is one of the most exciting and powerful antidotes to moral apathy and spiritual indifference available to human beings. The stories in this book testify to this wonderful value that all of us can practice—no matter our social, economic, cultural, or religious background. Gratitude is ours for the taking, but not to be taken for granted!”—Elizabeth Espersen, executive director, Center for World Thanksgiving“M. J. Ryan understands the human heart and how to release its power. Attitudes of Gratitude is a deeply touching and truly transforming guide for life.”—Hugh Prather, author of Notes to Myself and The Little Book of Letting Go

• ContentsForewordIntroductionMy ThanksChapter 1: The Simple Joy of Living from a Grateful HeartChapter 2: The Gifts of GratitudeGratitude Is the Mother of JoyGratitude Makes Us YoungGratitude Makes Us Feel GoodGratitude Promotes HealthGratitude Eradicates WorryGratitude Draws People to UsGratitude Is the Antidote to Bitterness and ResentmentGratitude Cures PerfectionismGratitude Releases Us from the “Gimmes”Gratitude Keeps Us CurrentGratitude Opens Our HeartsGratitude Spawns Kindness and GenerosityGratitude Joins Us to All LifeGratitude Connects Us to SpiritGratitude Opens Us to Moments of GraceChapter 3: The Attitudes of GratitudeLife Is a MiracleThe Universe Is FriendlyLet Gratitude Flow NaturallyThe Flashlight in Your Own BackyardIt’s All GratuitousA Habit of the HeartAttitude Is the Only DisabilityEnough Is EnoughAlways the First TimeIt’s OK to Have Good FortuneYou Are WorthyYour Soul Has a PurposeThe Solution in the ProblemThe Time Is NowThe Joy of LivingAn Ever-Increasing SpiralStart Where You AreChapter 4: The Practices of Gratitude 93Exercise DailyChoose Gratefulness “In Spite Of”Revel in the OrdinaryWhat Do You Really Need?Do the Work of ForgivenessPractice WondermentDon’t CompareTransform Expectations into No Matter WhatsDevelop a Good MemoryTake Time to Smell the RosesFocus on What’s RightBe Willing to Embrace What Shows UpLook for the Hidden Blessings of Difficult SituationsTeach Gratitude to Your Young OnesDedicate This MomentGive Thanks for Your BodyHonor Your TeachersHonor Your AncestorsSend Thanksgiving CardsGive Thanks at MealsSay “Thank You” as Often as PossibleLeave a Trail of HappinessWrite a “Thank You” to YourselfFall in Love Again and AgainAppreciate Your Kids Just as They AreLive as if Every Day Is Your LastChapter 5: The Deepening JourneyThe Top 12 Ways to Bring More Gratefulness into Your LifeAbout the Author