I've Been Thinking . . .: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life - Couverture rigide

“This book is full of hope, inspiration, wisdom--from a woman [who] embodies all that she writes. Such a wonderful read.” —People

“Shriver tackles motherhood, faith, acceptance, and more in her search for how we can all live a more meaningful life. With quotes, prayers, and personal anecdotes, this book feels like a long walk with a close friend.” —PopSugar

"An uplifting collection. . . intimate and thought-provoking.” —goop

“Sometimes, we could all use a read that makes us feel good and inspired. . . .  a collection of moving quotes and reflections from Maria Shriver designed to get you through whatever journey you’re on.” –Hello Giggles

“The honesty of this uplifting book will please Shriver’s established readership as well as new readers looking for inspiration.” –Publishers Weekly 

“Maria Shriver is a beacon of compassion and understanding—a life force.” —Tom Brokaw
 
“This book is superb. Shriver teaches all of us in the graduate program of life to seek meaning through the joy of following your heart. Just the kind of advice a heart surgeon cherishes.” —Mehmet Oz, MD
 
“In I’ve Been Thinking . . . Shriver serves up golden nuggets of wisdom, honesty, and inspiration that take us out of our individual worlds and connects us to what’s important, true, and meaningful in the journey of being human.” —Mark Hyman, MD; director, Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine 
 
“Maria Shriver is a person of unusual compassion, intelligence, and honor. If you want to feel uplifted, inspired, and comforted, read it. This book, like its author, is a precious gift to the world.” —Martha Beck
 
“Thought-provoking, spirited, a deep and personal message to help one discover a meaningful and joyful life.” —Deepak Chopra
 
“If you are feeling stuck, lost, or you just need a pick-me-up, this is the book for you. Shriver’s wisdom will fill you up.” —Hoda Kotb, coanchor, The Today Show
 
“There’s so much noise in the world, so many distractions, responsibilities, choices. Shriver’s soulful words of wisdom, guidance, and strength are both beautiful and invaluable.” —Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder, Omega Institute

“Maria Shriver has always been a voice of hope, unity, equality, and love—a wise, steady voice calling us to become our best selves. Here, she gives us her hard-earned wisdom, tenderness, courage and wildly gorgeous, inclusive, accessible faith. . . . It’s a book every person should keep close.” —Glennon Doyle, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love Warrior

“A gem. . .  a spiritual and emotional gift to everyone who reads it.” —Joan Chittister

“This book will fill up your inspirational tank until it overflows! Essential for anyone needing to restore peace, purpose, and passion.” —DeVon Franklin 

The Power of Gratitude

“Gratitude is a flower that blooms in noble souls.” —Pope Francis

I believe strongly in the power of gratitude. And scientific research backs that up. It shows that making a daily conscious effort to be grateful does in fact make you a happier, more hopeful person.

There are those lucky ones who come by their attitude of gratitude naturally. It seems like they were born happy, optimistic, and grateful. But most of us have to work at having a positive frame of mind. I’ve found that the best way to get that is to have a daily gratitude practice.
So every morning when I open my eyes, and before my feet touch the ground, I thank God for the gift of my life. I give thanks for my health, my family, my friends, and for the country I’m blessed to live in. I’ve found that starting out that way makes for a better day and, in turn, I believe it makes for a better life.

I seek out people who have a gratitude practice. I love talking with them and learning from them. They look at the world through a clear lens. They’re more joyful. When adversity arises, they bounce back faster. They know and feel that they have a good thing going. And they do.
The truth is, you can never be grateful enough. So it’s worth seeking out people who are like this and asking them how they stay that way: their practices, their principles, and how they put those into action.

The power of gratitude can turn a bad day into a good one. It reboots your spirit. It makes you look at your life in a different way. Being thankful can make all the difference in your day.
So start your very own daily gratitude practice. Write down what you’re grateful for, reflect on what you wrote, and carry the gratitude into your day. It’ll make all the difference in the world.

Dear God, thank you for all the times when I am blessed by the kindness of others. You have surrounded me with people who care for me and bless me every day with kind words and actions. Help me to show them the same kindness they have provided. Help me to know how deeply I appreciate them and to know that I treasure them as a gift from you to me. Amen.