Thank You! With Deepest Gratitude: An Appreciation of Gratitude for Universe, Community, Individual

by Michael Floissac

You don't need another how-to book on gratitude. You need a guided tour through a life lived with gratitude, where you can absorb lessons learned through experience, and emerge transformed from the inside out.

From a sun-kissed childhood in the Caribbean, through world travels and homelessness, to the everyday trials of modern parenthood, prepare to be treated to an intimate yet relatable exploration of the power of gratitude to transform lives.

Part devotional, autobiography, and workbook, Thank You! With Deepest Gratitude will awaken you to new perspectives on life, and lead you down a path to increased hope, positivity, and appreciation for the world around you. Each standalone chapter in the book delves into the author's insights and personal stories, divided in to 15 topics such as nature, freedom, parents, friends, music, and time. Then, the focus turns to the reader, with simple questions and challenges to guide you through reflection and application of what you've learned. This easy-to-read methodical structure is smoothly complemented by the author’s poetic voice and wit, motivational quotes throughout, and charming original illustrations.

144 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2021

About the author

Working hard and wanting to be of service to others has been front and center in the life of Michael Floissac since he was a child. Originating from the small Caribbean Island of Dominica, Michael immigrated to the United States in his teens, and upon graduating high school, he embarked on a four-year active-duty tour in the United States Navy. This was a great opportunity to be part of a team frequently tasked with responding to crises and humanitarian emergencies around the world at a moment’s notice.

Upon accepting an honorable discharge from the Armed Services, he embarked on a college education which included a stop at numerous institutions of higher learning. He obtained a Bachelor's in Biology from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, a Master's in Public Health from University of Texas, Health Science Center – Houston, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. It was during this time that he honed his communication skills as a student researcher, presenting abstracts and other presentations at scientific conferences. From here, he continued on his path of public service, ultimately winding up in the Washington, D.C. metro area where he now practices law as a Federal Government Attorney.

Growing up, Michael was fascinated with nature, and this interest led to a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors. Even rainy days don’t stop him from watching the rain fall while out on the deck. In his downtime, Michael can usually be found in his nature garden reading, more often than not, a biography, for he believes everyone has a story to tell. As a self-described book enthusiast, Michael hosts his collection of favorite books in an at-home wine cellar converted “book cellar.” He also enjoys playing golf, visiting the beach, hiking, and spending time with his lovely wife and two wonderful kids.

When not blogging on michaelfloissac.com, you can find him connecting with his friends and followers on Facebook and Instagram. Michael welcomes hearing from his readers, so please feel free to reach out to him via his website or through social media.

Reviews

[Dorothy Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since January 2021, I have been keeping a gratitude journal. I made the rules for myself simple: write a few lines each day expressing my gratitude about whatever is relevant for that day. The gratitude can be large or small; that is not the point. The point is to record that gratitude each day. This modest goal has been beneficial to me.

When I read about Thank You! With Deepest Gratitude by Michael Floissac, I thought I should take a look at it. I have been faithful in keeping my journal except for a brief period after thumb surgery when I could not type or write. Still, I thought to myself that I could use some inspiration.

In introducing his book, Floissac explains that he believes “everyone has a story worth telling.” To that end, Floissac provides “workbook style questions” at the end of each chapter. For example, on page 11, the title is “Mother Nature – What is Your Story?” The questions follow such as “What are some of your earliest adventures in Mother Nature?” These questions serve as quiet prompts for the reader/writer.
Floissac also includes an action item with each set of questions. That is a challenge for the reader/writer. The first challenge is to spend five minutes in nature each day. Another item worthy of note lies in the quotations Floissac has chosen to sprinkle throughout the book. They are from a variety of well-known people such as Sylvia Plath, Leo Buscaglia, and Plato to people whose names I don’t recognize, but whose quotes are on target.

Readers will quickly find they can read Floissac’s book straight through, or they can dip into and out of chapters at will. It is also a book that will draw readers back for second and third readings.
Michael Floissac grew up in the Caribbean. He is now a Federal Government Attorney and lives in Washington, D.C. Readers will be happy to learn that Floissac is “a self-described book enthusiast.” He even converted the wine cellar in his home to a book cellar—a reader after my own heart!

I’m reluctant to recommend Thank You! With Deepest Gratitude for a book club’s discussion. However, perhaps paired with another book with gratitude at its core, it would work. Still, I highly recommend the book to anyone who wishes to write or continue writing a gratitude journal. Thank You! With Deepest Gratitude will provide inspiration.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about gratitude and making the world a better place. Split into 3 parts:
1) Universe
2) Community
3) Individual
Each part dives into how to express gratitude on a deeper level and bring a smile to people’s faces. A heartwarming book designed to make the world a better place. Each chapter is ended with an actionable step to help you express gratitude, find peace, and share happiness.

[Michael Floissac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being the Author and then reading the book as a self-described book enthusiast and not as the author was very interesting. It was nice to reconnect to the stories and to just have an appreciation and awareness of these moments in my life.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about gratitude and making the world a better place. Split into 3 parts:
1) Universe
2) Community
3) Individual
Each part dives into how to express gratitude on a deeper level and bring a smile to people’s faces. A heartwarming book designed to make the world a better place. Each chapter is ended with an actionable step to help you express gratitude, find peace, and share happiness.