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Maria Shriver

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I've Been Thinking . . .: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life Kindle Edition

by Maria Shriver (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.7 3,817 ratings

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INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“[I've Been Thinking…] is beautiful...I felt your soul on these pages.” –Oprah Winfrey

“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

The ideal book for those seeking wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and inspiration on the road to a meaningful life.

As a prominent woman juggling many roles, Maria Shriver knows just how surprising, unpredictable, and stressful everyday life can be.

In this moving and powerful book, she shares inspiring quotes, prayers, and reflections designed to get readers thinking, get them feeling, get them laughing, and help them in their journey to what she calls The Open Field--a place of acceptance, purpose, and passion--a place of joy.

I've Been Thinking . . . is ideal for anyone at any point in her life. Whether you feel like you've got it all together or like it's all falling apart--whether you're taking stock of your life or simply looking to recharge, this is the book you will turn to again and again. Spend the weekend reading it cover to cover, or keep it on your nightstand to flip to the chapter you need most. Like talking with a close friend, it's the perfect daily companion—an exceptional gift for someone looking to move forward in life with hope and grace.

Print length

239 pages
Language

English
Sticky notes

On Kindle Scribe
Publisher

Pamela Dorman Books
Publication date

February 27, 2018
File size

2234 KB
Page Flip

Enabled
Word Wise

Enabled
Enhanced typesetting

Enabled
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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“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

About the Author

Maria Shriver is the mother of four; a Peabody- and Emmy-winning journalist and producer; a six-time New York Times bestselling author; and an NBC News Special Anchor reporting on the shifting roles, emerging power, and evolving needs of women in modern life. She creates socially conscious television, books, films, and digital media to produce positive impact in the world.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

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.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0746719H6
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pamela Dorman Books (February 27, 2018)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 27, 2018
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2234 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 239 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #521,855 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #913 in Spiritual Growth Self-Help
- #1,046 in New Age Mental & Spiritual Healing
- #1,675 in Christian Meditation Worship & Devotion (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.7 3,817 ratings

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Carol A. Castaneda

Maria Shiver book

Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2024

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Really enjoyed reading this book. Very inspirational and a book I would re-read several times.

Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024

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Very pleased! Books were in very good condition!

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Boulder Mom

Binge-read this book yesterday. Loved it, needed it and will share will others--in spite of a few disconnects.

Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2018

Verified Purchase

I really needed a book like this after too many weeks of terrible news on the internet, tv and at work (too many talented colleagues laid off from a local, big IT company in the last month). The last month, on top of a lot of grief-issues my husband and I have been dealing with for so many years, has helped me take refuge in a terrible "mental funk." My inner-voice keeps telling me, "Don't give up! Things will get better. Hang on!" While I could relate to nearly all of the chapters/meditations in this book, I know I have family/friends I'd like to share this book with who will very likely be offended in some of the thoughts shared because they view their world through a very different lens than Maria and my immediate family do. I have a lot of relatives and old friends who love the ability to engage in a virtual religious and/or political fight-fest, with so much anger and vitriol directed towards issues and posts that they do not take the time to research and respond to in a thoughtful and caring manner. Also, while my heart aches for the loss that Maria has experienced via the death of so many lovely, supportive elders in her life, I was happy to know that she had those people in her life--because so many people have never experienced the family devotion she did. If I had the chance to connect with her when she's getting teary about the loss of one of her children moving to another state, and too far away for her liking, I would ask her to remember that all four of her children are alive and pursuing their dreams while too many loving mothers and fathers are trying to live day-to-day--trying to accept the reality that they'll never have the joy of seeing their child(ren) during holidays or special visits because they are no longer alive, for whatever important reason. The reason I'm drawn to Maria's writing and her special segments on the media is because I truly believe she is very caring and open to other people's opinions. I wish I knew someone like her who could help me tell my family's story! In spite of the few chapters that made me think, "She's been hurt, but doesn't understand 'rock bottom' because she hasn't lived it, yet, and hope she never does"...I would truly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a way to take control of the optimism and action we all are responsible for cultivating in our personal life.

4 people found this helpful

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Lynn K. Van Deusen

Some very good advice and helpful suggestions

Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2023

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Very personal feel like as if she were talking with you. Lots of things to think about and use in your everyday life. Helpful and an enjoyable read. Her forthrightness and honesty rings throughout.

One person found this helpful

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Lynn Ruel

So Encourang!!

Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024

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My son gave this book to me for Christmas. I've since bought several copies and given them as gifts to my female friends.

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Amazon Customer

A book to read and reread

Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2023

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Very well done a series of essays on life and its challenges joys and heartbreaks i keep it on my nightstand and often reread the ones that resonate with me. Not everything does but as she says take what works and leave the rest…..

One person found this helpful

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Carolyn M. McKneight

very encouraging and thoughtful

Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2018

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I love this book. The title is perfect because Maria tells what she's been thinking and it is so relatable to what many other women are thinking, too. I'm currently doing a bible study to answer the big questions also found in this book - who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose? At a time when the world is creating havoc with actions, words, misguided thinking, thoughts being directed by those with selfish agendas, and friends/family acting in aggressive ways, it is getting harder to have peace. When I am affected by outside influences and those in my circles are also impacted by negative influences, it is no wonder we are troubled and find ourselves in conflict. To counter the negative influences, it is easy to become busy trying to help right the wrongs. In doing that, we sometimes become aggressive ourselves and things can get all tangled. This book has guided my thinking and allowed me to go to quiet more than noise. Maria was able to empathize with us as humans trying to be ourselves in tandem with our faith and yet, recognizing our own shortcomings. I have read the entire book and marked sections that spoke to me with a date. I will read again and again to stay on the path God intended me to walk to fulfill His purposes through me. I will stumble, but hopefully revisiting this book and re-evaluating my situation will help me stay on course. Thank you, Maria for this gift to me and so many others.

8 people found this helpful

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Lucy

I've Been Thinking

Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023

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This book is a wonderful reflection of Maria Schriver's life. It is thought provoking and I love the prayer at the end of each chapter.

2 people found this helpful

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Carolina

Small chapters with lessons

Reviewed in Mexico on August 29, 2019

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I thought it was a book to read but I found out that it is rather a book with small chapters and small lessons that you can pick up on whenever you need to. I’ve come back to it every once in s while and it’s cute. Not what I expected though but still nice!

joy della vita | joydellavita.com

Naja

Reviewed in Germany on April 7, 2020

Verified Purchase

Das Buch ist praktisch ihr in der Vergangenheit versendeter Newsletter, aneinandergereiht. Hätte man sich diesen damals rechtzeitig abonniert, hätte man sich das Geld (& Zeit) für das Buch sparen können.

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Arlene Wallace

Maria's down-to-earth reflections.

Reviewed in Canada on March 28, 2018

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As a regular reader of Maria's Sunday newsletter, I appreciate that many of her thoughts and meditations have been brought together in this compact-sized book. Some I recognize immediately and others are new to me. I always imagine someone such as Maria to be so busy, but her thoughts are so current - and I am able to consider her point of view. I particularly like to open it randomly at bedtime and reflect both on her words and on my day.

2 people found this helpful

Ria Dawar

A motivational and optimistic book

Reviewed in India on October 2, 2018

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It makes you understand the meaning of life and helps you accept what brings it to you happily.

MISSRAD66

I saw a clip with Maria with Oprah Winfrey and ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2018

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I saw a clip with Maria with Oprah Winfrey and she said something about being in transition and this resonated with me - so I bought the book. Reading now for the second time

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