Nurture Your Body, Mind & Spirit

Random Acts of Kindness ─ Inspirational Stories

Make a commitment to spread kindness wherever you go. Being kind doesn't cost anything, but it can mean the world to those around you.

What if all of a sudden everyone started performing daily good deeds? This inspiring collection presents true stories of people who've committed, received, and observed voluntary acts of kindness. Hearing their stories reveals how these simple, small acts of goodness can have a profoundly positive effect in the world. The true stories, thoughtful quotations, and suggestions for generosity in this book will inspire you to live more compassionately and be a kinder person.

Join the kindness movement. In 1995, a small group of people at Conari Press, including M.J. Ryan, Will Glennon, and Dawna Markova, came together around the idea that small gestures and simple acts can make a difference in people's lives. Thus, Random Acts of Kindness was born, but they had no idea how big this little idea would become. Soon, instead of the usual two or three letters from readers, they were getting bags of mail from readers submitting their own acts of kindness and stories of compassion. Now, twenty-five years later, over one million copies have been sold and it is a worldwide movement, with National Random Acts of Kindness Week, celebrated each February.

An inspirational gift of kind words. Sometimes the smallest gesture makes the biggest difference. This little book shows how to start—with the small, with the particular, with the individual—in order to make a difference in the world. It features:

• True stories about acts of kindness and generosity of spirit
• Suggestions for living more compassionately
• Inspirational quotes to get you started

Readers of motivational books and stories like Chicken Soup for the Soul: Random Acts of Kindness, A Pebble for Your Thoughts, I've Been Thinking…, or You Can Do All Things will love the encouraging, inspirational stories in Random Acts of Kindness.

“An eloquent reminder of the great truth that life is with people and none of us can be truly human alone.” —Harold S. Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People 

The world is changing at lightening speed—and as a result, meaningful connections are increasingly elusive. The Community of Kindness encourages us to create new ways of building community through the practice of kindness. It is through that effort that we become most fully connected, alive, and integrated. From the people who brought us Random Acts of Kindness, this insightful book can not only lift your heart, but fill it with the happiness that comes from feeling a sense of connection with the world and people around us.

Experience the Joy of Being Kind, Again

Inspirational true stories, thoughtful quotations, and suggestions for generosity revisited in a new edition of the book series that was a national sensation.

The magic of kindness. When Random Acts of Kindness was published, no one could have guessed the reaction and consequent movement it would ignite. After its release, the Editors at Conari Press were flooded with heartwarming stories about acts of kindness from people all over the country. This book is packed with stories from people who have observed or engaged in random acts of kindness, and their stories serve as motivational messages encouraging us to go out and be a force for good. Kindness inspires kindness—this is the magic fueling the movement.

All the inspiration you need. Not only is this book full of amazing true stories of everyday kindnesses, it also shares thoughtful quotes to provide some extra inspiration for the journey. Just as one simple, small act of kindness can change someone’s entire day, compassion can change the world—especially if we all join together. This book is proof of the power and magic of kindness. By sharing the stories of a few individuals, topped with inspirational words and ideas, it serves as a resource for those wishing to make a difference in our world for the better. Open up this sequel to Random Acts of Kindness and learn more about:

• How people from every imaginable background have witnessed and practiced kindness
• The difference that one act of kindness can make
• Ways to go out and be a source of generosity and love

Readers of books such as Chicken Soup for the Soul: Random Acts of Kindness, The Power of Kindness, Go Be Kind, and How Can I Help? will love the beautiful and moving stories found in More Random Acts of Kindness.

Say “Thank You” With a Happy Heart

“With this book, you’ll find yourself moving towards a happier and more fulfilling life. Gratitude is easy to embrace and very powerful.” ―Nina Lesowitz, bestselling author of Living Life as a Thank You

#1 New Release in Etiquette Guides & Advice

Discover why gratitude is important and the wonder of expressing gratitude daily. Gratitude brings abundance to you and to those around you—we all like to be acknowledged for our efforts. Author Addie Johnson shows us just how easy it is to improve your friendships and other relationships by expressing words of thanks. She offers us gratitude practices to grab on the run or to sit with and ponder, describes gratitude affirmations, and sets out to teach herself—and her readers—how to say “Thank You.”

This “Thank You” book is a small book with a great big heart. We all have things to be grateful for. Feeling gratitude is something that we can all relate to, and this theme runs throughout A Little Book of Thank Yous. From Winston Churchill to Barack Obama, from Shakespeare to Virginia Woolf to Meister Eckhart, Addie Johnson pulls the best gratitude quotes from people from all walks of life. 

Inside A Little Book of Thank Yous, learn about:

• Gratitude affirmations and practices to help keep a thankful mindset
  
• How to say thank you in a meaningful way, for almost any occasion
  
• Words of radiance from historical figures and everyday people
  

If you liked books such as Words to the Rescue, The 5 Languages of Appreciation, or Thanks for the Feedback, you’ll love A Little Book of Thank Yous.

Let It Go and Find Happiness

“Letting go—particularly of fear—has been my desire and goal for years. With the help of this book, I am finally beginning to do it!” —M. J. Ryan, author of Attitudes of Gratitude

2021 International Book Awards finalist in Spirituality: Inspiration

Life does not have to be as complicated as we often make it. Little Book of Letting Go shows us how to let go of the blocks that interfere with experiencing our natural state of wholeness, joy, and peace.

Let it go and shed what weighs you down. From long-harbored guilt to deep-rooted prejudices, many of us bear the weight of harmful tendencies in our daily lives. Whether we realize it or not, these things are actively holding us back from the happiness we long to attain. In this inspirational book, minister and counselor Hugh Prather provides a guide for mental cleansing. It is only in ridding our minds of the fear and judgments we cling to that we open the door for happiness.

Embrace opportunities as they come. The more we hold on to, the less room we have to take on more. If our minds are clouded by negativity, then we aren’t facing each day with the openness that it deserves. By facing each moment with enthusiasm, we pave the path for positive thinking and make the most out of every opportunity that comes our way.

Practical exercises and lasting tools. Changing how we think takes practice. This is why Prather doesn’t just tell us that it’s important to let go—he shares with us simple steps for how to go about letting go of things that hold us back. Through learning from Prather’s shared experiences and adopting the practices he offers, we can find happiness, peace, and a chance at spiritual renewal.

Inside discover:

• A simple 3-step process for letting go
• A 30-day plan for spiritual renewal
• Personal stories from Prather

Readers of Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender, It’s All Under Control, The Art of Happiness, or Love is Letting Go of Fear, will love Little Book of Letting Go.

The Meaning of Life as Told by Wild and Brave Women

Wild Women Talk Back is for any women out there looking for inspiration, empowerment, or even just a laugh. The iconic women quoted in this book are sassy, full of wisdom, wickedly funny, and just what you need to remind you that girls run the world.

Motivational words from the greats. These women—movie stars, politicians, musicians, and writers—remind us to be unapologetically ourselves. Their power-packed words cut to the truth of femininity and reveal what being a woman in this world looks like, not shying away from the harsh realities as well as the joys and pleasures. The inspirational women quoted here offer their own brash brand of counsel and commentary on themes common to women's lives and act as a guide, comic relief, and a source of empowerment for all women.

Rejoice in your wild side. This book is more than a compilation of inspirational quotes for women—it’s an invitation to embrace and live out your wild and beautiful feminine self. Not only will these empowering quotes lift your spirits, but they will make you stop and think about the meaning of life and women’s invaluable role in the world. Wild Women author Autumn Stephens introduces each section, shedding contemporary light on the collection of quotes from awe-inspiring and unforgettable women such as Madonna, Lucille Ball, and Mary, Queen of Scots. Open up this book packed with quotes about being a woman and learn more about:

• Insight into everything from sex to motherhood, physical appearance to self-esteem, and coping with a career to finding wisdom
• The hilariously and shockingly relatable experiences of women throughout the ages
• The timeless wit and wisdom that women have to offer

Readers of books such as Badass Affirmations, In the Company of Women, That’s What She Said, and Great Quotes from Great Women will love Wild Women Talk Back by Autumn Stephens.

Tidbits of Truth Guaranteed to Make You Think

Best-selling author and counselor Hugh Prather demonstrates how a subtle shift in perspective can change your line of thinking—for the better.

Intensely personal and universal. Lessons learned in life most often come from experience, our own or that of others. In this little volume by Hugh Prather, we dive into life lessons that stem from Prather’s personal experiences and encounters that can be applied universally. From mundane recollections to aphorisms and mantras, Prather examines things from a point of view that is both enlightening and refreshing. No matter where you are in your life journey, this book is packed with motivational thoughts that can lead to growth and change.

Perceive something different—about yourself and others. A simple shift in perspective can go a long way toward adapting our thinking and bringing about personal transformation. Prather introduces various phrases throughout his book that carry a great truth in a simple way—such as, “"I have to act the way I am before I can become something else." By calling on us to examine these little truths in a different light, we can more easily see how they apply to our own lives and the lives of those around us.

Learn more about:

• Yourself—this book promises an ongoing journey of self-discovery
• How a shift in thinking can change your life
• Universal life-lesson quotes that you can turn to again and again

If you enjoyed books like Heart Talk, The Mindful Life Journal, or The Gifts of Imperfection then you’ll love < em>Standing on My Head by Hugh Prather.

The Art of Living Well Year-Round

An abundant sourcebook of ideas, inspirational quotes, recipes, and activities, Simple Pleasures shows you how to appreciate the simple things that make up your daily life.

Secrets to happiness. Happiness in today’s frantic world is to learn how to enjoy less than we can afford. Rediscover the pleasures our grandparents knew when life was quieter and slower. When children without TVs knew how to amuse themselves. When pleasures were made not bought and enjoyed all the more because of it. From the recipe for a homemade herbal bath to quick and easy recommendations for an instant room makeover, the suggestions collected in this book offer a new appreciation for the everyday activities that nurture and comfort you.

Self-care made easy. Organized seasonally and full of touching stories, practical tips, and dozens of satisfying crafts, Simple Pleasures is both a guide to and a celebration of the art of living well. Inside, find self-care tips and learn how to:

• Make your own perfume and body lotion
• Create old fashioned sachets
• Bake the world’s best cookies

If you enjoyed other books in the Simple Pleasures series by Susannah Seton such as 365 Simple Pleasures, Simple Pleasures of the Home, and Simple Pleasures for the Holidays or books like The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care, The Self Care Prescription, or The Spirit Almanac, you’ll love 365 Simple Pleasures.

A Gift Guide Full of Ideas for Giving from the Heart

Stumped on what to give a loved one? Mary Beth Sammons is here to help. Giving meaningful gifts is made easy with Gifts with Heart. Your eyes will be opened to the many ways in which you can give of yourself through heartfelt gifts.

Concrete suggestions for getting started. When giving gifts to loved ones, we want them to be meaningful—whether they be birthday gifts or out-of-the-blue thinking-of-you tokens of our love and appreciation. Throughout this book, Sammons offers ideas for how to give with the kind of thought and emotion that doesn’t come with gifts bought from the shopping mall. From writing the story of your grandparents’ life, to creating homemade ornaments depicting fun memories, give your loved ones the gift that keeps on giving with the keen insight and compassionate help found in Sammon’s book.

Inspirational stories of giving. Of course, meaningful gifts don’t have to be material. Sometimes, the best thing we can give another person is being there for them when they are in need. In Gifts with Heart, Sammons presents a number of heartwarming stories of giving. Each of the motivational stories demonstrates how small kindnesses can go a long way in helping and touching the hearts of others—and encourage us to go out and share our own gifts of love and compassion with others.

In Gifts with Heart learn more about:

• How to give gifts infused with meaning
• The impact that giving of yourself can have on others
• The many different ways to show your appreciation for those you love

If you enjoyed books like How Can I Help?, Love Does, Find Your Artistic Voice, or The Kindness Challenge, then you will want to own Gifts with Heartby Mary Beth Sammons.

Reflections on the Struggles and Joys of Life

Our lives are full of ups and downs, and experiences that break us and fulfill us. Author, minister, radio talk show host, and counselor Hugh Prather explores the many facets of life and ponders the values of love, courage, and more.

Full of personal revelations. True to style, this book by Hugh Prather is packed with honest personal reflections and inspirational thoughts that provide insights into life. Prather records both his observations and sometimes startling personal revelations on his longings and commitments, his mistakes and anguish. By revealing his deepest thoughts from his diary, Prather welcomes us into a shared human experience and invites us to explore his perspective on life.

Simple yet profound, personal yet universal. Prather’s works comprise more than meaningful quotes—they ask us to question and explore our own thoughts on love and life. Their meaning is magnified because they not only inspire but change us. And, Prather’s unique ability to speak both personally and universally makes his wisdom accessible to all. Anyone seeking spiritual or emotional growth will find it in Prather's Love and Courage.

Learn more about:

• The values of truth and justice, friendship and generosity, love and courage and how they work in our lives
• Life experiences that have formed bestselling author Hugh Prather’s view of the world and our place in it
• The beauty of life, even in the midst of struggles

If you enjoyed books like The Book of Awakening, Welcoming the Unwelcome, or Soul Keeping, then you’ll want to read Love and Courage.

The Power of Heart-Centered Feminine Activism

Uniting women from all walks of life. While women’s individual experiences and stories differ, there remains to be a uniting factor that draws women from around the world together. In this book for women, author Jean Shinoda Bolen calls upon this uniting factor, this feminine spirit ingrained in the soul of each woman, as a source of motivation for activism. As a result, this activism focused on women empowerment is person-focused and heart-centered.

Contribute to great change. Each of us wields the power to make change. By channeling our passions into all that we do, our voices and our actions, we take this world one step closer to being a better home for all who live in it. But joining with others is key to this effort. Bolen emphasizes the importance of relying on a support system, particularly women’s circles, in order to grow in influence.

The beginning of a new era. The metaphoric millionth circle is the tipping point into a post-patriarchal era. It is through the process of a growing number of people changing their perceptions and behaviors that a new era will begin. Those in the circles feed the activism by strengthening each other, and in turn, the movement as a whole. This spiritual book for women serves as a practical and poetic call to action, inspiring women and others to follow a path with soul.

Open up Moving Toward the Millionth Circle and discover…

• A deeper dive into The Millionth Circle Initiative
• Words of passionate wisdom from an internationally known author and speaker
• A rallying cry for all women seeking change

Readers of Warrior Goddess Training, Women Who Run With Wolves, and Wild Mercy will find another source of feminine empowerment in Moving Toward the Millionth Circle: Energizing the Global Women's Movement.

An Inspirational Guide to the Sweet Things in Life

A perfect little gift for you or your loved ones that is filled with positive words of encouragement. Learn to see the beauty in simplicity and to celebrate each day with gratitude.

Honey is sweet, and sometimes we need a spoonful of it in our life. In this delightful, beautifully illustrated gift book, Mary Anne Radmacher shares the many ways we can add honey to our daily lives, celebrating the good things around us and in each other. This personal dose of sweetness reminds you to celebrate the little things in life with happiness and thankfulness.

Stop and capture the moment. Life can get overwhelming, and sometimes we forget to stop and breathe in the moment. It isn’t always easy to do, but Honey in Your Heart helps you do just that. An uplifting book both for your mental health and emotional wellbeing, Mary Anne Radmacher's inspirational guide includes:

• Original four-color lettering and art
• Motivational quotes
• Uplifting poetry
• Aphorisms about the good things in life

Honey in Your Heart connects you to your own rich and poignant daily experiences. Radmacher's lively original art and signature lettering make this book a keepsake and a sweet and perfect gift for any occasion.

If you enjoyed books like Good Days Start With Gratitude, Wreck This Journal, or Present, Not Perfect; then you’ll love Honey in Your Heart.

It's what we do with the life's bummers, how we look at setbacks, what we make of the lemons that counts. And in this lighthearted, spirited book, Addie Johnson invites us to make a myriad of different things from those metaphorical lemons.

When you're stuck in a difficult time you can change your outlook and your circumstances, you can stay healthy and surround yourself with love, you can seek out and find the hidden treasure to all around you in everyday things, and, perhaps most important, you can figure out how to be grateful for anything and everything that comes your way. You never know, maybe all it will take is a little water, sugar and ice before you're feeling much better.

A Course in Compassion

From the creators of the Random Acts of Kindness series comes this practical guide to kindness. Full of inspiring meditations, affirmations, and true stories, this book acts as a guide to creating real change in our world through acts of kindness.

Join the kindness revolution. All over the nation and beyond, people are realizing the power of kindness. With one act, you can change someone’s day—and make the world a better place. It doesn’t take much to offer kind words or deeds to someone, but it can change the whole course of their day. When we participate in random acts of kindness, we join the movement of building a better future. This book by the editors of the Random Acts of Kindness series, with a foreword by Rabbi Harold Kushner, presents readers with a motivational guide to living out kindness each day of our lives.

Inspirational stories and simple suggestions. From the wake of Hurricane Katrina to the tragedy of the tsunami to troops in Iraq performing acts of daily compassion, this book highlights the ways in which people are working towards creating a more benevolent world. It demonstrates the weight that a single act of compassion can have and how powerful our actions can be when we all join together. In addition to inspiring true stories, this “course in compassion” includes meditations, affirmations, and suggestions for how you can go out and make a difference. Filled with practical wisdom and motivational quotes, this book is your go-to guide for turning the kindness spark into a flame. Learn more about:

• How to practice random acts of kindness
• The impact that compassion has on our world
• Stories of kindness changing people’s lives

If you’ve read books like Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Power of Kindness, Go Be Kind, How Can I Help?, or A Year of Positive Thinking, you’ll love Practice Random Acts of Kindness.

Begin Each Day in the Right State of Mind

These morning meditations by author Hugh Prather are just what you need to start your day right. His words will put you on the path to living a more loving and fulfilling life.

Daily reflections to kickstart your day. Start each morning this year with the words of bestselling author, counselor, and minister Hugh Prather. Prather asks readers to consider the holistic nature of our lives—noting that how we start our day affects everything, from our mind and spirit to our family and work. If we start in an agitated mood, we face the day with a combative spirit. But when we begin in a peaceful mood, we open the door to welcome in more opportunities and graces.

Renew your determination to become a better person. With each page of this spiritual book, you are invited to live as if you think our world and the people in it are worth caring about and worth making time for. Because when we realize that they are, and that we are all united in a unique relationship (ourselves, others, and God), we wake up to our own responsibility for what happens to us. These daily meditations ask us to reflect on the spiritual task ahead of us.

Learn more about:

• The benefits of beginning each day with a peaceful mindset and a spiritual goal in mind
• Mindfulness meditations that awaken the mind and replenish the spirit
• How to start over and become a better person

If you enjoyed books like Power Thoughts Devotional, Good Days Start with Gratitude, Sacred Rhythms, or Little Book of Mindfulness, then you’ll love Morning Notes.