Update: The winners have already been chosen for this giveaway:
We all know the old adage “enjoy the little things,” but how many times throughout the day do you stop to actively enjoy them? Not just notice them, but absorb yourself in them, without letting your thoughts wander to something else you need or want to do?
When a baby unclenches his chubby fist and gives you high-five. When you see someone barbecuing and really selling it, like his skewers are his paintbrush and your burger the Mona Lisa. When you catch someone singing in the car next to you, and you both laugh and connect more than strangers usually do.
How often do you let go of everything else and submit to small pockets of awesome?
The Book of Awesome (adapted from the award-winning blog 1000awesomethings.com) identifies hundreds of these moments.
But Neil Pasricha does more than just list them; he notices more awesome details in each experience than most people observe or remember.
He doesn’t just appreciate all-you-can-eat buffets; he explains how to navigate them for maximum enjoyment. He doesn’t just acknowledge it’s cool when the parking meter still has time on it; he explains the different types of meter-feeding styles, and how awesome it is that they all exist.
The result is an encyclopedia of joy, from observations to interpretations to experiences. Some moments are silly, some poignant, some nostalgic—but everything is familiar. The book is a brilliant reminder of everything that inspires a smile without treading into saccharine-sweet, Pollyanna territory.
Despite my instinct to read a few entries each morning to start the day with a smile, I read the entire book in one weekend. Curled up in bed, hunched over on the elliptical, immersed in a hot tub, riding shot gun to a family function, and late at night, when I should have been sleeping.
I know I’ll read it again—and I’m thrilled Neil has donated two autographed copies so you can enjoy it, too.
The Giveaway
To enter to win one of two autographed copies of The Book of Awesome comment below telling us what’s awesome to you!
For an extra entry, tweet the following:
RT @tinybuddha Giving away 2 autographed copies of The Book of Awesome! Comment on site & RT to enter http://bit.ly/97VVig
Readers can enter until midnight, PST on Wednesday, April 15th (when the book is available in stores). I will announce the winners in a post on Thursday. If you can’t wait, order a copy now!
FTC Disclosure: I receive complimentary books for reviews and interviews on tinybuddha.com, but I am not compensated for writing or obligated to write anything specific. I am an Amazon affiliate, meaning I earn a percentage of all books purchased through the links I provide on this site.
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
Awesome is long late night phone calls way after high school. For Sure. 🙂
Awesome is when you can just stop, think and watch the world go by.
Awesome … that's a cup of tea on a sunny deck, sharing ideas and dreams with cherished friends … also sharing chocolate chip cookies!!
Awesome is hearing my little boy read!
When the cat, or other pet, curs up at the end of the bed to help keep your feet warm.
Awesome is watching my dog sleep on her back with all her limbs in the air!
Waking up feeling completely energized.
Awesome is when I wake up in the morning after a really good dream. It's a great way to start the day.
Awesome is when you overhear a stranger laughing and you can't help but laugh a little, too.
Awesome is seeing your child do something on their own for the first time.
what's awesome to me is taking my shoes and socks off after walking around all afternoon on a hot day…feeling the cool carpet beneath my toes = AWESOME
Awesomeness is being gentle and encouraging trust
awesome to me is dirt under my fingernails and window boxes filled with brightly-colored spring flowers I planted there.
The most awesome thing to me is this world in which so many people gather. Learning, affecting, loving and maneuvering together as we navigate this life together. People are intricate, beautiful beings, no matter their background, affiliations and/or beliefs. We all want and need love. I think just the simple fact that we can coexist, all be it with some difficulty at times, is an awesome thing. So this life, this world to me is awesome
I could absolutely use an encyclopedia of joy in my life. ^_^
Awesome is sitting in the sun with a cup of tea with my dog at my feet. Simple stuff is pretty awesome! Granted – the list is long and lovely.
Awesome is knowing you have great friends and family
Awesome is every activity, even the boring ones,when it is with your best friends, and you make it fun!
Awesomeness is being brought a cold iced tea – without even asking for it! – when you've been working hard outside all afternoon!
my daughter's enthusiastic delight in the world around her
I need to be more awesome.
Awesome is barefoot in the grass on the first day of spring.
Watching the sun set over the ocean as waves roll in along the shore. Being able to stand still and hear nothing but true nature. Being with true friends that understand and support you as much as you support them. Nature in general. All these are awesome to me.
Awesome = receiving the love of my dogs!
What's awesome to me is having a full life of work, school, and relationship and still making time to enjoy “me” time. Hanging with friends, doing arts and crafts; whatever it is that makes someone happy. Scheduling it in and making it a priority – THAT'S what awesome.
Awesome is sitting on the couch after a long day of doing what I wanted to do.
In the true sense of the word, awesome is when I find myself slipping out of reality and being dumbfounded by the simplest things, like steam rising from my coffee or the clouds moving through the sky. Awesome is the point at which those things make my heart pound, make me catch my breath as I come around; it's like waking up from a really good dream and finding that it's going on right now.
Awesome to me is allowing my creativity to flow – to release it in so many different ways! Gives me energy, joy, and a true sense of groundedness within myself.
Awesome is enjoy the day
Awesome is finding the perfect life soundtrack : )
One thing that's awesome to me is watching a squirrel leap so gracefully from a tree branch to one that's so flimsy you wonder how it keeps from breaking. Wish I had that kind of balance–and courage! 🙂
Awesome is smiling at a stranger.
I can't wait to read this!
Looking forward to reading
Sounds like an “awesome” book!
The book sounds great! I will buy it on Amazon. Thanks!
Finding beauty in the simplest of things!
Cant wait to read it!
Cant wait to read it!
I would have to say reading it will make your Heart Smile…
Building a fort out of couch cushions, pillows, and blankets! Yay!
Would love to have this book!
Yay book!
Waking up and realizing that I have another day to change the world, for the better is awesome to me.
A nice strong cup of coffee on a Monday morning.
waking up to my nieces giggling uncontrollably in the next room
Awesome is watching my 4 year old discover his sense of humor!
My favorite word…B-)
Awesome is getting your 2 1/2 year old to tell you she has to go to the potty BEFORE she pulls down her pants in the kitchen. *gah*
Walk bearfoot on the beach…..It's like a free spa!