My Pocket Gratitude - A Reivew

Today I'm reviewing My Pocket Gratitude by Courtney E. Ackerman.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - My Pocket Gratitude



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Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 429,000 views.

This book is a good size to be tossed into a backpack or bag for a quick trip. It is a soft cover book that has an elastic band around the back to mark your spot or keep the book closed.

The contents are divided into six chapters that focus on way to cultivate self gratitude and mindfulness into one's daily life. The first chapter consists of exercises that one can incorporate as a daily mantra if you will, to improve the ability to remain present.  Things like, leaving a note for yourself or scheduling a date with yourself are ways this author is providing a means to induce self care at a fundamental level.
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - My Pocket Gratitude


The second chapter focus on a topic that I have been known to struggle with.  This chapter is a deep dive into cultivating gratitude towards the body.  From yoga sessions to times set aside for meditation and reflection, this book provides real world techniques for spending time with the body and understanding just what ever "body" needs.

Chapter three goes into caring for others.  I like the placement of this chapter. So many times we as empaths forget that we must take care of ourselves before we can help others. The techniques provided include writing letters of thanks, creating a list of all the people you love and give a gift to those you love.  To me, I love this part. I have some very special friends who are like family to me. Throughout the year I collect small gifts for them. Just small things, maybe a book or a figurine. Things that remind me of them. Then at Samhain I mail those boxes out and hope that when they open them they feel the joy and love that I have packed into each one. A gift doesn't need to be expensive to have impact. Choose with love and it will always be sent with the care of the most expensive gift in the world.
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - My Pocket Gratitude

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - My Pocket Gratitude

So many times we get so busy with daily life that we don't have time to really appreciate where we have come from or where we are going. Chapter four speaks directly to this. Taking time to meditate on the past and think about reasons to be proud of what you have accomplished are key to creating a well rounded path for traveling into the future. We don't want to dwell too long here but we do want to be able to look back and take what we need to move forward with dedication and pride as we graduate to the next chapters of our lives.

In Chapter five we discuss how to cultivate gratitude for our surroundings. I have to say this for me is key in creating a space for calm wellness to grow. I have a certain set of songs that are playing all the time in my home.  I have special incenses that I use for different occasions.  The author shares with us ideas for how to get in touch with our surroundings using our senses as we walk around our abode. Inspiration is all around us. We just need to slow down and listen.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - My Pocket Gratitude

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - My Pocket Gratitude


The final chapter helps us learn to cultivate gratitude in difficult times. This is hard for many of us. There are times that we may want to fall down into the pity party and sit wallow in self misery. We need to grab some of these great techniques such as creating a catalog of lessons learned, go hunting for the positive and commit to the flexibility it may take to change the current direction of life.  While sometime is to be said for going with the flow, we also don't want to be washed away by the tides. Taking a stand here to not only understand where we have been, but also to change our direction by working through our issues and putting our best foot forward are key!

Overall this is a great book for a birthday, housewarming or graduation gift. I can see where many would benefit from taking some time to focus on the things in life that really matter. And this book will help with that.  

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