The Gratitude Explorer Workbook: Guided Practices, Meditations, and Reflections for Cultivating Gratefulness in Daily Life

by Kristi Nelson, A Network for Grateful Living

A Network for Grateful Living curates this collection of quotes and reflections aiming to help you discover that the roots of happiness lie in gratefulness. Inspiration from well-known minds such as Maya Angelou, Confucius, and Anne Frank is combined with original reflections and practices that will help you recognize the abundance of everyday opportunities for gratitude and joy. Hand-lettered art makes this beautifully designed collection a gift to treasure, regardless of whether you keep it for yourself or give it to a loved one.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Psychology, Inspirational

128 pages, Paperback

Published December 21, 2021

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesterday, I was on the verge of losing my mind in miserable traffic with distracted drivers all around me. The interior of my car was full of hand gestures and profanity, and I was just getting started. While stopped at a red light, I saw a woman and a child, overtaken by grocery bags, literally risking their lives trying to cross this horrendous six-lane road full of stupid-head drivers. I don't know the woman's situation. Maybe she had no choice or maybe she did...but it made me pause and reflect that I wouldn't want to spend my afternoon completing that task on foot and I reminded myself to be grateful for the car I was sitting in, grateful that I have the choice to transport groceries by vehicle, grateful that I did not have to pray to every higher power there is that one of those knuckle heads would not run over my child. I practiced gratitude and my anger dissipated. Just. Like. That.

I have seen plenty of reading material on goodreads themed with gratitude but I have yet to read anything on the subject. But after yesterday's incident, I knew I needed to find something asap. I saw Netgalley was seeking reviewers for Everyday Gratitude: Inspiration for Living Life as a Gift and I took it as a sign. The advance reader's copy I was provided features a collection of almost three hundred combined quotes, corresponding questions, and practices that all steer the reader towards the values involved in grateful living. Each page of this ebook is artistically beautiful, simple but full of awareness, and minimal enough to require only a few minutes per day. My hope is that, with practice, I can find some peace in this chaotic world. Everyday Gratitude isn't mind blowing in its concept or execution but it was presented to me when I needed it and I am grateful. Seems it's working already!

Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Everyday Gratitude: Inspiration for Living Life as a Gift. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Kristi Nelson
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Pub Date: April 03, 2018

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyday Gratitude is a collection of quotes from authors, spiritual leaders including monks and rabbis, and other well known people from history along with some I’d never heard of. Intended to make you think about your own life, each quote is accompanied by a question that encourages you in one or more of the following:

“1. STOP: Pause and awaken.

2. LOOK: Become aware of the gifts and opportunities around you.

3. GO: Take action based on gratefulness and great-fulness.”

“Though you may not change it, you can handle an ugly situation beautifully.” - Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan

This book used watercolours extensively. Looking at the backgrounds I remembered playing with watercolours in preschool; how the colours would blend together on the page and there’d be splotches of more intense colour amongst the watered down areas. That’s the feeling the backgrounds gave me, although unlike my works of ‘art’ these looked like they had purpose. Some were lines of colour, some were circles and others were more abstract.

“The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” - Jon Kabat-Zinn

Personally I wasn’t a fan of the questions put to the reader under each quote. While some did make me think, the majority seemed to either be simply rewording the statement of the quote into a question or didn’t appear overly related to the quote at all. I expect some readers will appreciate the questions as a tool for introspection as they mine the quote for meaning. I prefer to ponder quotes without guidance, deciding what they mean to me at this time in my life or applying them to a specific circumstance.

“Everything can be taken … but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” - Viktor E. Frankl

Some of the quotes in this book are ones I’d expect to see on a poster in a pokey little store that sells tie dye clothes, Buddha figurines, smells of incense, and most likely also sells this book. While there were some quotes that I expect will stay with me for a long time there were others that made me question whether they belonged in this book.

“Life does not accommodate you, it shatters you … every seed destroys its container or else there would be no fruition.” - Florida Scott-Maxwell

I can see Everyday Gratitude as a lovely gift or coffee table book. I wouldn’t have the discipline to use it as recommended, by reading a quote and its question each morning and then thinking about it throughout the day, but there will be those who have that discipline and I expect they’ll get a lot out of it. I doubt anyone could overdose on gratitude and am sure the world would be a more positive place to be if more people spent more of their time focusing on what they’re thankful for.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go out and do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storey Publishing, LLC for the opportunity to read this book. As I read an early copy of this book some of the quotes in my review may be changed in the printed version. I just pulled out some I liked to share with you.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this would be a nice book to read between fiction as we can all do with a little inspiration from time to time. Beautifully colourful and bursting with quotes from well-known minds such as Maya Angelou, Confucius and Anne Frank, this uplifting book reminds you to cherish what you have and take advantage of the opportunities that may arise in future - the original reflections and exercises will help you in that journey.

I can't help feeling that it would make a great gift or coffee table book to dip in and out of whenever the mood takes you.

Thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this would be a nice book to read between fiction as we can all do with a little inspiration from time to time. Beautifully colourful and bursting with quotes from well-known minds such as Maya Angelou, Confucius and Anne Frank, this uplifting book reminds you to cherish what you have and take advantage of the opportunities that may arise in future - the original reflections and exercises will help you in that journey.

I can't help feeling that it would make a great gift or coffee table book to dip in and out of whenever the mood takes you.

Thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is an excellent self-help guidebook that can help everyone learn how to be more grateful and hopeful in their lives. The self-directed worksheets, asking you to consider different aspects of your life (gratitude, awareness, etc.) is really well written. I also love the stickers, messages, and bookmarks at the back of the book that the reader can take with them to put reminders in their daily life of ways to be more grateful and aware.

I received an e-ARC of this book by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've practiced gratitude journaling for many years and this workbook makes a great way to add depth to your gratitude practice. It's interactive and gets you thinking about your life from different perspectives. It's also laid out beautifully and practically, making it great for those who are new to gratitude or those who are looking to revive their experience to something beyond simply listing a couple of things each day.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Selina Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I’ve been slowing reading this. One page of inspiration per day. Such great quotes and questions to make you think. Helped me with journaling my gratitude as well. Incredibly helpful given the pure shit year we have had - losing Sadie and the pandemic. The pages are BEAUTIFUL! Love the colours and design.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent workbook with thought-provoking questions and prompts on increasing gratitude in our daily lives. I loved the quotes and colorful backgrounds inserted throughout. A powerful guide for a powerful, transformative practice.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[K Saju · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my search for maintaining a gratitude journal I must have gone through lots of blog posts, videos and books and while a few of them pointed me in the right direction, it was when I got my hands on this book by Kristi Nelson that I felt I could now experience and maintain the discipline.
The workbook is ideal for those who are struggling to get into or maintain their daily gratitude discipline. It has been filled with good insights, numerous prompts and deep quotes wich you can go back again and again to reaffirm and strengthen your belief.
I sincerely recommend this book and am thankful to Netgalley for providing me an advance copy of this book for my unbiased opinion.

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This workbook was a great way to practice mindfulness and cultivate gratitude in everyday moments. It is full of prompts designed to make you pause and look within. The way it's structured makes it easy to incorporate into a daily practice,and it is very beginner friendly.

It offers a lot of opportunities to reframe your thinking, and take pleasure in the ordinary. It invites you to welcome and appreciate 'negative' emotions, and accept all feelings. Most notably, the workbook is designed to build gratitude not only in what surrounds you, but everything that is within you. It is a lovely book.

[chasingholden · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever looked for a Gratitude Journal, you'll know what an overwhelming selection there is. Most gratitude journals are rather similar and simple, this one however is extraordinary.

I received a digital copy to review thanks to NetGalley, and I really can't wait until I can purchase a physical copy. Whether you're a seasoned gratitude journal keeper or a new comer you will not be disappointed by this book.

It's beautiful and much more interesting in the prompts and the layout. Using the book every year is something I would love to be able to do.

[Rachel Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've made it a ritual to read at least one quote or passage or do one activity the book recommends every morning and it has never failed to make me smile and appreciate everything around me.

[Doreen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I thought it would be the perfect book to help cultivate gratefulness as we approached Thanksgiving. While I did like some things about it, it wasn’t the book I was hoping for.

This is a book of quotes meant to help you “connect with the gifts of life.” Underneath each quote is a question to get you thinking more on the topic. I liked the bright colors in the book. I liked a few of the quotes like this one….”If we take the time, no matter how crazy and troubled we feel, we can find something to be thankful for” (229).

It felt like this book leaned more towards a “new age” worldview. I felt many of the quotes were too verbose and full of gobbledy gook rather than real substance. For instance, “All that is necessary to awaken to yourself as the radiant emptiness of spirit is to stop seeking something more or better or different and to turn your attention inward to the awake silence that you are” (223). What?? I felt that as a whole, this book missed the mark. If like me, you want to cultivate gratitude in your life, I would recommend Ann Voskamp’s “One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are” rather than this book.

Thank you to Storey Publishing for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Beth Diiorio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paperback edition - Such a beautiful and rich chunky compilation chock full of quotes pertaining to Inspiration and Gratitude! Gorgeous watercolor pages. Highly recommend! :-)

Some of my favorites:

"Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being." ~Albert Schweitzer

"I want to be famous in the way a pulley is famous, or a buttonole, not because it did anything spectacular, but because it never forgot what it could do." ~Naomi Shihab Nye

"Life does not accommodate you, it shatters you...every seed destroys its container or else there would be no fruition." ~Florida Scott-Maxwell

"Grief and gratitude are kindred souls, each pointing to the beauty of what is transient and given to us by grace." ~Patricia Campbell Carlson

[SusanTalksBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kristi Nelson's The Gratitude Explorer's Workbook is a visually lovely workbook, filled with stylized inspirational quotes on watercolor backgrounds (including a section of removable stickers and notecards with more of these quotes at the end of the book), question prompts to guide the reader to fill in blanks on various topics, star stickers for when you do certain writing tasks, and chapters explaining different components to living an emotionally healthy and grateful life.

I have adopted a journaling practice for over a year, and am slowly layering new habits on top of that one - incorporating named gratitude thoughts, meditation and yoga, to name a few. I think there are a lot of people like me, who are trying to create positive emotional health practices into their daily and weekly lives that are sustainable. This workbook supports those efforts.

With that said, the workbook is a non-starter in digital form - you cannot write in it and the kindle version specifically had formatting issues that made it hard to read, and did not include the beautiful quotes on watercolor backgrounds (only the backgrounds). The PDF version (read on my laptop) did show the beautiful graphics, so that is what I used! Of course the digital book also did not include the removable stickers or cards with inspirational messages and quotes. So, this would need to be a book purchased in physical form for sure! OR, it would be awesome if the PDF version could be sold in some way that is not for Kindle, but for the laptop and let you electronically fill in the blanks online and print the inspirational quote cards at home - a different approach for sure, but very useful for many people!

The other concern I had is that the book is not set up to be an every day activity like most journals. It was really a cross between a journal and a 1-time workshop style workbook, where each section had a handful of blanks (with dates) to fill in, so maybe a week's worth of entries. I don't think most people will refer to a workbook for a week and then let it go, but it isn't really set up to be used daily. So, it would be best used by someone exploring each topic of the book for a week at a time and make it a 2-3 month activity to develop new practices. But then it really should be marketed that way - maybe as a 90-day exercise and more explanation in the book to that end.

3 stars because the book covers a relevant topic that many people are interested in, and it is really beautiful (in the PDF / physical versions). Thanks to #netgalley for allowing me to review #TheGratitudeExplorerWorkbook!!

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a feeling that this book isn't quite the same one as others have in their review. For one thing, there's no worksheets, and no hand-lettered art. There were also no stickers or postcards. (What!! How did I miss out on that? If I had, that might've raised my review by a star, depending on what they were.)

But some of the authors quoted sound similar. I think what I have is a simplified, shortened, less elaborate version of it. Sometimes, that happens. When a book is a success, then simpler editions of it arise as flip calendars or gifts or coffee table books.

But I'm not entirely sure that this is another edition of the same book, so take my review with that caveat.

I didn't like it. It didn't make logical sense in places, and just didn't connect with me in others. I usually like books on gratitude, and have read a collection of them over the years. I had thought this book would extend the Thanksgiving feelings of gratitude throughout the year, but ... ugh, nope. I just couldn't get past the inconsistent thought flow and lack of sense. In the end, I dreaded reading it, and started to skip parts.

I realize that most people expect warm fuzzies from a book on gratitude, and not logic, but they should go together, or it's lost my interest. I don't usually go for just heart-warming. I like heart-warming with substance.

It's possible, if I have a shorter version, that it would've made more sense if I'd had the whole, but I doubt it, since I think it included some of the same quotes.

So I feel ungrateful for this book on gratitude, which is a little odd. But I would recommend other books on the same topic over this one, such as Christin Ditchfield's "A Thankful Heart" and Dee Brestin's "A Woman of Contentment." Contentment isn't exactly the same as gratitude, but I find the two concepts related.

Other reviewers comments that I thought also pertained to this version:
* It's better than the more traditional, "Today I am thankful for ..." lists.
* It talked about the importance of gratitude without much help or practical application.
* It was repetitive, which made it harder to wade through.
* One reviewer who didn't like it recommended Ann Voskamp’s “One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are.” I haven't read anything by that author, but have heard positive things about her, and am including it here to remind myself of it as a future possibility.
* It's "new-ageish." I would've said that it had some Buddhist elements. Probably, more accurately, it had a mish-mash of everything.

[Mechthild · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do not only want to read about gratitude but also work on it
Kristi Nelson presents her workbook "The Gratitude Explorer Workbook. Guided Practices, Meditations, and Reflections for Cultivating Gratefulness in Your Daily Life" published by Storey Publishing, LLC. The book is divided into three parts: 1) Become Present, 2) Seek Perspective, and 3) Awaken Possibility. Every part is started with a short introduction. The book finishes with the "Tools for Expanding Gratitude" (Gratitude Extras). In the introduction of the book Nelson writes: "Practicing grateful living helps you become more mindful of opportunities, and it shifts your awareness to the things that awaken and serve you" (p. 6). Furthermore, she states: "The practice of introducing simple moments and experiences of gratefulness into your day is profound. When you remind yourself of this practice throughout the day and string these moments together, you discover that these subtle internal shifts impact your sense of well-being. The commitment to living gratefully itself will yield tangible gifts and guide you, over time, to greater joy and peace—both for yourself and others" (p. 7).
One needs to be aware that this is a workbook. Readers who are looking for basic information about gratitude need to look elsewhere. The book is presented with a great design and is inspirational. It also contains many quotes from various personalities (e.g., Aristotle, Natalie Goldberg, Thomas Merton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and others). I highly recommend to get the printed copy because of the "Gratitude Extras" (Stickers, Postcards, Bookmarks, and Conversation Starters) that are included in the end of the book and because it is a workbook that has a lot of space to write in the answers / thoughts to the various tasks. I recommend it for readers who want to become actively engaged in their gratitude and for readers who want to get new inspiration for their gratitude lists / journals.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheGratitudeExplorerWorkbook #NetGalley

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for providing me with a download copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I have recently started the practice of meditation, mindfulness and gratitude. I wanted to review this book to see if could get away from the really repetitive simplistic gratitude journals already on the market and I think Iv found it!

I must admit I was a little lost at first, Iv spent the best part of my early practice being heavily guided and following step by step journals or day by day instructions.
This workbook is a little different.
Instead of making you go through weeks and weeks of the same repeated pages of “today I am grateful for....” and summarising that week with a goal list (like all the other journals out there) this book gives you all the tools and techniques plus the reflective space to write, but with more freedom to fit that in as you wish, around you and your own experiences.
If your looking for something that gives more prompts and guidance for gratitude than simply thinking about what your grateful for, then this is the book for you.

I loved the quotations throughout the book they are beautifully vibrant and break up the sections of the book nicely.

The conversation prompts, bookmarks and affirmation stickers are an added bonus and I think would come in really handy when prompts are needed in life.

I do however felt a little more guidance surrounding the use of the workbook could be included.
If your well practiced in meditation or gratitude this book is amazing for more ideas on how to explore those thoughts. For those a little more unsure or newer to the process and possibly to make this book more accessible, I would love to see some more information on routine and when these activities can be achieved or integrated into the users life.
Much like the chapter about mindfulness while you wait, I feel it would be beneficial to include ideal times of day to carry out some of the exercises as this could help as an additional prompt.

Overall it’s definitely a book I’d look at as a physical copy to extend my mindfulness practice.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyday Gratitude: Inspiration for Living Life as a Gift is a beautiful book in all ways. Visually appealing (colorful and multiple script types), the book offers a collection of quotes each with a corresponding question to challenge you to look at your own life with regards to the quote's context. There are also simple practices to encourage gratefulness, and the values of kindness, interconnection, compassion, sufficiency and love. The author explains that each quote, question and practice reflects at least one step on the path to grateful living:
STOP - Take a moment to pause and awaken to the many reasons you have to be grateful
LOOK - Look for the opportunities around you to make a change
GO - Take action based on your recognition of those opportunities.

I liked that this book pointed out many times and in many ways that everyone makes a difference in the world with everything we do; awareness of that forces you to choose what type of impact you would like to have, and moves you towards actions that will support your decision.

I found this book quite inspirational. Anytime you need to get your perspective back, all you need to do is pick up this book and turn to any page. Most likely, you will find something that speaks to you. This would make a great gift or addition to anyone who enjoys quotes and/or inspirational books.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

I

[Ashley Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gratitude Explorer Workbook is by Kristi Nelson, the executive director of A Network for Grateful Living, a non-profit organization. I decided to get a copy of this book after seeing a review by Liz on Lemons But No Lemonade Recipe.

This workbook has lots of journalling prompts and plenty of writing space. It’s visually lovely with a watercolour theme, and there are quotes interspersed throughout. At the end of the book, there are also stickers(!!!), bookmarks, postcards, and conversation starter prompts.

The book is divided into 3 parts, the first of which focuses on becoming present. It includes acknowledging and making room for emotions, loving your quirks, and celebrating being both broken and whole.

Part 2 is about seeking perspective. It suggests giving yourself credit and finding ways to reframe obligations as opportunities and envy as inspiration.

Part 3 explores awakening possibility. There are quite a few exercises focused on living from your values. This part also looks at ways to be a citizen rather than a consumer and taking a stand for what matters.

I’m not into over-the-top positivity, but this book was realistic about it. It will help you tap into what’s good in your life without trying to convince you that everything is completely wonderful. I quite liked the approach, including the emphasis on accepting yourself as you are. Plus it’s pretty and it has stickers, so how can you go wrong? This is a fabulous little book.



I received a reviewer copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a while, I have been hearing and reading about the benefits of journalling, practicing gratitude and mindfulness, but have convinced myself that I just don't have time to fit it into my busy lifestyle.

As soon as I saw that this book was available to review I jumped at the chance, and I'm so pleased that I did. The Everyday Gratitude Companion is a really nice book and one that doesn't feel as busy and overwhelming as some others I've seen. The text is broken up with numerous beautiful and thought provoking quotes on a watercolour background. I also found it really helpful that there were only small amounts of text to digest at a time, this was then followed by an interactive element. I really liked how the book showed the reader how to easily transition some of these techniques and ideas into everyday life. There are suggestions of things to think about and things to do, you can then colour in the stars when you have completed the task. Personally, I LOVE books that have things like this, as I can easily see what I have accomplished.

Overall, this is a lovely book - both in terms of how it looks and it's content. I already have this on my wishlist to buy the physical copy when it is released and I very much look forward to filling it in.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderful little book delivers exactly what it promises. It's bursting with meditations and mindfulness exercises that are written in such a simple and straightforward way that make the reader actually want to give them a go. I really enjoyed the thought provoking questions at the end of each meditation or mindfulness exercise, and found that having a journal on hand to ponder some of those questions really helpful.

The writing prompts were great, because even though I have a gratitude practice, there are times that I forget where to begin, so having those prompts to guide me was an additional benefit.

I think this is a fantastic book for those who are hoping to start a gratitude practice or perhaps people who already had one and need some help getting back on the gratitude path again.

The 'Become Fully Present' is incredible. It's one of the most simple yet most effective ways to ground yourself and become aware of the present moment. I'm so glad Kristi included it in the book.

"Show up with your heart open, knowing that it costs you nothing and affords you everything."

What a gorgeous book, filled with so much wisdom. I think this will be deeply helpful and thought provoking for lots of people. Loved it.

[Vera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyday Gratitude: Inspiration for Living Life as a Gift is a beautifully illustrated book full of uplifting quotes.

It’s not a guide per se but rather an inspirational book.

Every page has a visually appealing quote from likes of Maya Angelou, Anne Frank and many more.

At the bottom of each quote is a question that prompts you to think about what you just read and how it could be applied to your everyday life.

I think Everyday Gratitude could be an excellent coffee table book as you could pick it up whenever you would need some inspiration. I thought its presentation was excellent and I will definitely be coming back to it from time to time.

I do not see this book as a guide to cultivate your gratefulness practice though but rather as everyday inspiration that can lift your spirit when needed.

I think it could be a perfect gift for someone who loves inspirational quotes interpreted in a lovely visual way.

Thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading it and will be coming back to it.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think having interactive self-help books is the way to go. Especially with something like gratitude practice, which is so simple in theory but often challenging to maintain. The Gratitude Explorer had a lot of great prompts to help reframe your thoughts. This is not something that should be read straight through, it is useful to have time to simmer on the questions and try out different suggestions. I think the physical copy would be even better, with the postcards, stickers, and other items - and it would also be easier to view the watercolors.

I ended up highlighting what basically felt like half the book. I especially liked the section regarding figuring out your core values, and using them to guide your actions and thoughts. And also fully acknowledging well-rounded emotions, and allowing yourself to be grateful even when not feeling great (holding wellness and illness, challenge and ease, vulnerability and gratefulness, simultaneously). I am looking forward to going back through and reflecting on different sections.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a guided gratitude workbook that is divided into three parts: Become Present, Seek Perspective and Awaken Possibility.

Some sections have dates that you can log an activity against, others are lists, some are lined spaces for writing your thoughts in respect to the prompt. Also, there are stars that you can use to stick onto some of the pages when you feel you have achieved the prompt - this bit feels a little childish to me.

Throughout the book, there are colourful pages that have quotes from people like Aristotle, David Lloyd George, and many more (quite a few I haven't heard of). These are also available as postcards at the rear of the book too, along with bookmarks, affirmation stickers and conversation starters.

This would be a good workbook to go through, exploring each part as writing down your thoughts and goals, be it when you wake, sleep, when you have things to do in the week, acknowledging the earth's generosity, serving others and more.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to both #NetGalley and Storey Publishing, LLC for providing me an advance copy of Kristi Nelson’s spiritual guidebook, The Gratitude Explorer’s Workbook, in exchange for an honest review.

#TheGratitudeExplorerWorkbook is exactly what its title implies: a spiritual, self-help workbook. I would recommend reading this as a physical copy because it is more of workbook than anything else. There are short blurbs at the top of each journal page concerning topics, such as being present, mindfulness, and so forth, but you will need the physical copy to write in it and to use the stickers in the back of the book to track your progress.

Overall, while the prompts are newer, it is nothing readers have not seen before. If you are not willing to put in the work, then this book is not for you since there are no huge passages on how to mediate. If you are looking to stick to a habit and you enjoy answering journal prompts, then I would recommend it.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept is very good and pretty promising and I felt the idea was pretty good, plenty of mindfulness and meditation techniques, I'm thinking physically the journal with stickers, cards and the watercolour pallette.

There were some really beautiful pictures and quotes that I found to be inspirational but I feel that I'd have gelled better with this journal if it was a physical one.

It's a very nice book, but I'm not sure it'd be something I would pick for myself, though I'm glad I've had the chance to have a read of it and explored it for myself.

I do think it would be really good for some who practice therapies such as mindfulness professionally or with mental health, because gratitude is always a great healer and also a great thing to practice.

With thanks to Netgalley, the publishers, and the author, for this free ARC in return for my honest opinion.
All opinions are my own.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine keeps a gratitude journal. But she is extremely organised and a natural list maker. I am not. This book gives me hope that I too can keep a gratitude journal.

The journal features beautifully coloured pages with quotes to inspire and many, many different prompts for reflection. So if one page doesn’t suit you, inspire you or match your mood, don’t get stuck or give up—simply turn the page.

I must admit that I felt a bit cynical when I saw that I could give myself a gold star for completing an action. But the good-natured and sincere charm of this journal won me over. Go ahead and yourself a gold star—why not?

That very shift helped me reflect on how we can easily become hardened by the world and can benefit from softening, little by little, page by page, day by day,

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

[Amelia Maness-Gilliland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storey Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was happy to receive the ARC “The Gratitude Explorer Workbook”. I am a big fan of gratitude practices and experiential journals. This workbook is beautiful, it is aesthetically pleasing with just the right amount of art work without becoming distracted by it.
I found that the three sections of the book, “Become Present”, “Seek Perspective” & “Awaken Possibility” felt intuitive for growing a gratitude practice. The journal prompts, meditations and self-explorations questions brought me into the present moment and encouraged my practice.

The author does a wonderful job of introducing and explaining a gratitude practice and underscores the importance of it in our all too often hectic lives. I would recommend this journal to someone new to a gratitude practice as well as someone who has experience with it. I plan to purchase it when it comes out in hard copy.

[Teela Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most times, individuals don’t take the time to stop and look around at the beauty that surrounds them. To just be present to the experiences and to be GRATEFUL. This workbook is the stepping stone to that. Showing ways to guide your heart and mind through exercises, brief meditations, and positive statements. So with that being said, to fully get the best experience, a physical copy would be needed.

The workbook is visually beautiful and adorned by quotes that are thought provoking. However, falls short with repetitiveness;which could hinder how committed someone might be to completing it. For myself, I do believe this workbook fosters growth. So I would recommend anyone looking for ways to incorporate consistency and gratitude into their life to get it.

Thank you NetGalley and Storybook Publishing LLC for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.