Books like The Art of Gratitude

I am grateful for the friend who bought me this book, who hasn't seen me in who knows how long, but still holds compassion for me. To find friends like that that care regardless is something I still struggle with on a daily basis as a person with pretty low self-worth.Anyway.I want to preface this by saying that I did not fill the books journalling requests. I read it in one sitting and am writing this review immediately afterwards. I adore the concept of keeping a journal, but it's one of those things that surprisingly isn't for my creative fingers, I get too wound up in it being perfect and looking nice that it causes me undue stress. So I tried to think about each of the prompts within Gaston's book instead and found myself accepting that whilst I wasn't the right demographic for this book, I would more than happily share it with others, and encourage participation with it."Gratitude is officially defined as a the quality of being thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. In my eyes, gratitude is a way of life." (12).Meredith Gaston's "The Art of Gratitude" is one of the sweetest things you will find. Immediately you're drawn in by the gorgeous cover, and as your fingers fold over the pages you find yourself immersed in more artwork that compels you to consider, think and feel safe. This is the kind of artwork that I want to decorate the corners of my brain, my heart and toes with.I found that I agreed with a variety of chapters, such as the one on Expressing Gratitude (78) where Gaston discusses sharing gifts with people almost feels like she's the one receiving. This is actually something I've been taking upon myself, it's only small but commenting on friend's instagram posts with positive things. It makes me feel better when I see their replies and I hope that it makes them feel nice as well. This is something I definitely implore alongside Gaston.However, I often find myself struggling with books such as this one that consistently remark that we have "the power to choose happiness." I often feel as though it ignores vital aspects of mental health and illness that do not allow even a choose to exist. I wish more books such as this one encouraged its readers to know that you can be sad and tired and that's all there is, the strain put on one's self to "be happy" is a lot. Sometimes simply to be is enough and that's beautiful in itself?Nonetheless, Gaston does what many authors would not, and touches on this very lightly and encourages that "people in profound distress seek help as they may benefit enormously from a combination of medical intervention and mindfulness/relaxation therapies" (177). Acknowledging that medication and therapy must often work in tandem is something I think needs to be addressed more and more. Perhaps then the stigma of medication would not be as fraught and young people who are suffering would feel more inclined to take it upon themselves to seek further help. Gaston in this area, takes a step that many self-help book authors do not.Gaston also includes within her book, a range of resources and lists. Anyone who has met me knows that I am a sucker for a list. This was a highlight in reading it, alongside the colour-coded pages for each different area of gratitude.What I like about this book is that it doesn't try to be anything it's not. It's simple and honestly a pleasure to read. I consider myself to be a grateful person anyway, but I hope that some of the lessons and encouragements further this for me as well. I'd also like to commend the book further as not only an Australian read, but one from the Mornington Peninsula, my home strip. Reading books by local authors is something that makes me feel like I have the opportunity to do something more with my life. I am grateful for this.If you're looking for a pick me up, a book of life and softness, Meredith Gaston has what you're looking for. If you don't find salvation in the words, the artwork is your next best bet. This is nothing less than a sweet apple on the tree of life.3.65/5 stars.