Update: The winners for this giveaway have already been chosen. They are:
It seems like just yesterday I wrote, “It’s a pretty exciting week in Tiny Buddha world,” before crafting a massive year-in-review post for the site’s first anniversary.
Yet here we are again, a full year later.
So much has happened in this year, but instead of creating a lengthy year-in-review list, I’m just going to recap the five biggest highlights, for the site and me personally. I’ll also provide a selection of posts from the year that you may enjoy reading if you’ve missed them. But first I’d like to thank you—every last one of you.
This site is what it is because of you. I am continually inspired, humbled, and flat-out blown away by the vulnerable, generous, insightful blog posts many of you submit. You really put yourself out there, and it changes people’s lives—more than you may realize.
For those readers who haven’t written for the site, you also make the site what it is. For your heartfelt comments, here and on Facebook; for your willingness to learn and grow; for being exactly who you are and bringing that light here, thank you.
Lastly, thank you all for your help in keeping Tiny Buddha up and running. Earlier this year when the site crashed, signaling it was time to get a dedicated server, many of you sent thoughtful emails and generous donations. I saved all of those emails, and I refer to them whenever I need a reminder that what I do makes a difference. There are no words to describe my gratitude for your kindness and support (well, except those ones).
The Giveaway
To celebrate the site’s 2-year anniversary, I’d like to offer 5 readers a free copy of my eBook, Tiny Buddha’s Handbook for Peace and Happiness.
This is a compilation of some of my most popular posts, including a few posts that you won’t find on the site. If you’ve already purchased a copy, you can enter to win a copy for a friend. I’ll be happy to send it to them instead! To enter:
- Leave a comment on this post, including something you’re proud of from 2011 so far.
- Tweet: RT @tinybuddha Giveaway and Review: the 2-Year Anniversary of Tinybuddha.com http://bit.ly/oQKkxU
Please note this is an electronic book, meaning you will receive a PDF file through email. If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can still enter by completing the first step.
You can enter until midnight, PST on Monday, September 12th. I will choose the winners using randomizer.org, and contact them on Tuesday, September 13th.
Top 5 Highlights from the 2nd year
1. Tiny Buddha, Simple Wisdom for Life’s Hardest Questions
Shortly after the 1-year anniversary, I started writing my first print book, Tiny Buddha, Simple Wisdom for Life’s Hardest Questions. Previously, I had asked a handful of difficult questions on the @tinybuddha Twitter page, including, “What’s the meaning of life?” “What does it take to be happy?” and “Why are relationships hard?”
Featuring nearly 200 of these responses and stories from own experiences, Tiny Buddha offers numerous perspectives and ideas for an empowered life, even in a world with so much uncertainty.
I’m thrilled to announce that Tiny Buddha is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com! It will be officially available through Conari Press, an imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser, just after the New Year. I look forward to planning some exciting events leading up to the launch!
2. The Tiny Buddha Quote Widget
Thanks to Michael from Pliable Press and Joshua Denney, designer extraordinaire, I launched the Tiny Buddha quote widget in February, 2011. This allows you to display the Tiny Buddha daily quote right on your WordPress blog.
3. Tiny Buddha’s Handbook for Peace and Happiness
Once again, with the help of Joshua Denney, I launched Tiny Buddha’s Handbook for Peace and Happiness, a compilation of my most popular blog posts, in March, 2011.
I’ve revised and improved the eBook numerous times since it first launched. If you purchased my eBook before August 8, 2011, and you’d like the most current version, please contact me at email(AT)tinybuddha(DOT)com, and I will be happy to send you one. Please include the email address you used to purchase the eBook so that I can look up your account.
4. Tiny Buddha, the Nokia Ovi App
Earlier this year, Nokia contacted me about creating a free app for their Ovi store. If you have a Nokia device, you can download that free app here.
5. The Intent Web Award for Spirituality
Last month, Tiny Buddha won the second annual Intent Web Award in the spirituality category. Many thanks to everyone who voted! If you haven’t visited Intent.com before, I highly recommend checking it out.
Most Popular Posts from the Year
As of right now, there are 927 posts on the site, meaning there’s a lot you may have missed! Some of the highlights from this past year include:
Top Posts about Happiness
- How to Sustain Happiness (by Catherine Li Stevenson)
- 3 Lessons from Traveling that Lead to Everyday Happiness (by Ehren Prudhel)
- 10 Simple Tips to Live Wild, Happy, and Free (by Lynn Zavaro)
- 7 Things That Influence Happiness That You Don’t Need to Have (by Francis Tapon)
- The Beginner’s Guide to Simple Daily Happiness (by Scott Dinsmore)
Top Posts about Mindfulness
- 8 Ways to Make Meditation Easy and Fun (by Goddess Leonie)
- Feel Happy and Stress-Free: 7 Simple Tips to Stay in the Now (by Henri Juntilla)
- 7 Obstacles to Mindfulness and How to Overcome Them (by Henri Juntilla)
- Being Present When Life Falls Apart (by Sonya Derian)
- Leting Go of Fear by Stopping the Stories in Your Head (by Angela Gunn)
Top Posts about Passion and Purpose
- What You Need to Live a Life of Purpose (by Scott Dinsmore)
- Lifestyle Design: How to Create Your Life as You Want It (by Angela Severance)
- 50 Questions to Create the Life You Really Want (by Lynn Zavaro)
- Discovering Happiness through Purpose in 3 Natural Steps (by Scott Dinsmore)
Top Posts about Self-Love
- How to Love Your Authentic Self (me)
- 21 Tips to Release Self-Neglect and Love Yourself in Action (by Tess Marshall)
- How to Feel Comfortable in Your Own Skin (by Mary Dunlop)
- 3 Steps to Stop Making Comparisons and Start Valuing Yourself (by Margie Beiswanger)
- 3 Causes for Judging People (and How to Accept Yourself) (by Jarl Forsman)
Top Posts about Friends
- 21 Ways to Build Strong Friendships (by Cynthia Hughes Lynch)
- Conflicts with Friends: 13 Ways to Communicate without Drama (by Nicole Franco)
- 25 Ways to Be a True Friend (me)
- Staying Friends When You Wanted More (by MK Miller)
Top Posts about Relationships
- How to Maintain a Relationship with a Loved One Who Has Hurt You (me)
- How to Set Healthy Boundaries: 3 Crucial First Steps (by Britt Bolnick)
- 10 Ways to Create a Strong, Intimate Relationship (by Lynn Zavaro)
- How to Help Someone Who Won’t Help Themselves (me)
- 7 Vital Choices for Happy Relationships (me)
Top Posts about Change
- The Power of Change: How Leaving Home Can Bring You Home (by Erin Lanahan)
- Changing Your Reality: Turning Hurts into Lessons (by Brandy Harris)
- How to Make a Difficult Decision: 30 Tips to Help You Choose (me)
Top Posts about Peace of Mind
- 4 Simple Steps to Freedom (by Jackie Vecchio)
- 6 Questions That Will Make You Feel Peaceful and Complete (by Lynn Zavaro)
- This Moment Does Not Define You (by Lisa Stefany)
- Be Stress-Free: Eliminate 5 Common, Unnecessary Stressors (by Juha Kaartoluoma)
- The Gift of Anxiety: 7 Ways to Get the Message and Find Peace (by Ariella Baston)
- Worrying About the Future: On Trusting in Uncertainty (me)
Top Posts about Letting Go
- How to Forgive Someone When It’s Hard (me)
- 20 Things to Do When You’re Feeling Angry with Someone (me)
- 4 Reasons to Let Go of Jealousy and Celebrate Your Greatness (by Kayla Albert)
- How to Let Go of Fear to Live Passionately & Authentically (by Cat Li Stevenson)
- Let Go of Control: How to Learn the Art of Surrender (by Amy Johnson)
What’s Next
Going into the third year, you can expect to see a more social Tiny Buddha. I hope to announce some exciting new developments a little later this month!
In October, Tiny Buddha will feature a Sounds True book store—meaning you can purchase a wide selection of books on happiness, peace, and mindfulness right here from the site.
In January, Tiny Buddha, Simple Wisdom for Life’s Hardest Questions will officially be available for purchase.
But most importantly, Tiny Buddha will continue to be a place for community—a space where we all have the same authority and ability to share what we’ve learned and learn from each other.
Sending you much love and light!
Photo by Joshua Denney
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. 
Congrats on the 2 year anniversary of Tiny Buddha, Lori! 🙂
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary! I read a blog everyday to put a smile on my face. It is a great way to start the day and I carry it with me throughout.
I am a 21 year old senior in college. So far this year I’ve dealt with the stress and anxiety of dealing with school, interning and life itself. I have gone down new avenues to calm myself and feel happiness. This year has opened my eyes to how fortunate I truly am. I have started the year out strong and plan of finishing it that way :).
Thank you for all you Lori and other authors on this blog have done.
All the best,
Catherine
It’s fantastic that you made it two years with the blog – many blogs don’t make it that long. I’m glad you have. 🙂
This past year, I bit the bullet and went back to university (I started college right after high school but had to drop out due to some life situations that came up). Against the odds and the discomfort of being a 25-year-old university freshman in a sea of 18-year-olds, I held it together and walked out with a 3.99 GPA. There were so many rough patches that I’m extra proud of how well I’ve done. 🙂
Happy birthday ! I’m really happy to have discovered the pearls of wisdom that are on this website. This is one of the things I’m grateful in 2011, with: – I started as a blogger on happy-soul.fr – I started as a vegetarian – Stop smoking – Much more … Thank you, and be happy.
Congrats on two years Lori. I remember following the blog shortly after it started thanks to a mutual acquaintance of ours, and I was very pleased with her recommendation. I’ve found many of the posts helpful not only to me but to others as well.
As for my most proudest moment, it hasn’t happened yet. But this year I signed up for my first half marathon. I’ll be running it in December under the lights of the Vegas strip with some wonderful friends.
I just want to say I love reading this blog. I can always find some sort of tranquility for the day that relates to exactly what I’m going through. I’m proud of myself for getting back up after life has knocked me down several times this year. It would have been easier to lay down and give up, but I’m no quitter, and this blog helped me get through the rough points. So thank you ^_^
I don’t know what I’d do without reading this daily! Helps me to get in the right mind frame to begin my day. Hope I win!
Congrats on the two year anniversary! I am proud of myself this year for quitting my “safe” job that was killing me to take a chance at creating the work of my dreams!
Congrats on 2 wonderful years!! I love coming to this site every morning, as it starts my day off on such a positive and happy note! 🙂
What I am most proud of in 2011, so far, is the mother I have become. I have struggled with P.P. depression since my daughter was born. I knew I didn’t want to rely on prescription medication to feel better, so I turned to Buddhism and vitamins/supplements,a little over a year ago.
There are no words to describe what those things have done for me. I will say though, that I am finally a happy, calm and proactive mother. I’ve learned to enjoy this journey, instead of fret over the future.
Thank you Tiny Buddha, for being apart of my journey!! Xoxo
Jennifer
I am grateful, thrilled, delighted to be a part of the Tiny Buddha community!!! Thank you Lori for this opportunity to stretch my wings and fly! Thanks all, Lynn Zavaro
Many congrats on the 2-year anniversary.
I am proud of the fact that I am caring for my mother during her 2-year battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is heartbreaking and she is the final stages of the illness and yet, somehow, I can still make her smile and I can still smile her despite the ravages of her illness. Hospice has been a blessing, a help and an inspiration. I also take my inspiration from a multitude of other sources, including this site. We must all look for the blessings in life and death and every moment in between.
I am proud that I am doing a better job of eliminating mental clutter, and I’m starting on improving my physical surroundings as well.
Great work, Lori! Thanks for all of your devoted energy to make TB such a success. This is a special community and I love being a part of it. Onward and upward!
I really enjoy the posts and it’s uncanny how timely so many of them are, each day. Thanks and congratulations!
Oh – I’m proud of having ended a relationship and done the work to run a whole mile. By next spring, I will have “cleaned house” and will be able to run three!
Congratulations on another year! I am very happy to have finally taken the necessary steps to leave a big stable company and moved to a young, fast-moving start up. I am now involved with my kids, since I cut my commute from 1 1/2 hours each way to a 15 minute walk. It tough to break out from an easy routine, but I am much happier in all aspects of my life. Thanks for the encourage through your posts and those of your members.
There’s so much I’m proud of for 2011, but if I had to pick I would pick that I’m proud that I have started exercising regularily and getting my kids involved in it. I’m also proud of them for picking it up without a fuss and being so encouraging.
Congratulations on the anniversary; I am grateful for the ongoing encouragement I get from the emails. I am proud that I am finding more and more things to celebrate about my “everyday life” and realizing not only do I not have to save the world, I am not supposed to! Thank you.
Congratulations on your second anniversary!
So far for 2011, I’m proud of myself for finally realizing that it is OK to put myself first sometimes and I can open up and rely on others for support.
Congratulations! So far this year I’m proud of the steps I’ve taken to forgive others and myself, especially after an unexpected and particularly painful experience of being “dropped and blocked” by someone I thought was a close friend.
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for this site. You have helped me through several dark moments this year. I have mentioned you on my blogtalk show, The Ripeness, several times. blogtalkradio.com/evelynalvarez.
Congrats! I hope you will continue for many years to come! It’s amazing what an effect little quotes and words of wisdom has had on my life.
This year, I am most proud of having the courage to fight past my anxiety, and to move to a different country to attend Graduate School. I never thought I’d be able to get my Masters Degree, but I was wrong! 🙂
happy birthday tiny little buddha – thanks for all the wisdom and spiritual guidance this past year : ) it has been a great guidance for me and our new non-profit sfsmiles and so happy that i could share with others : ) many happy smiles
I love what you do here. Have had many days where the Tiny Buddha posts liftd me up. Continued success to you!
I am so happy that I came across TinyBuddha – In my transformation with helping myself see my life in a different manner, TinyBuddha came in right at the right time. You’ve become part of my every single day – I spend a lot of time sharing the blog with my Facebook community (a following of over 2000) of people that I have either learned a lot from or my dear dear friends.
Thank you for all that you have done in my life – I look forward to seeing what the future brings for TinyBuddha and all of us as we grow together! 🙂
Happy Birthday! I use some of your posts as an end to my yoga classes (especially the ones that I can not use a “traditional om” to close. In 2011 I am just grateful I have many more souls that I have touched through yoga…
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary! I rarely comment, but I do enjoy reading your blog very much. I always take away something to think about.
I wish you continued success Lori!
Firstly, congrats on your anniversary!! Secondly, I want to give you a big cyber hug of thanks for all you do. Whenever I need inspiration, you are there with ideas. Whenever I’m on a little pity-trip, you are there to pick me up!
In 2011 my pride swells each moment I look at my little grandson. He’ll be 1 year October 18th. His mother and I haven’t always gotten along so well, but boy howdy did she create the most magnificent human being. I guess I’m pretty proud of her too. 🙂
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary. Every time I read a post on the blog – i feel like it is something posted just for me…although you write far more eloquently…I feel like you are on the same page.
I am proud of turning 40 and finding a peace and confidence that I have worked hard to achieve
Thank you for your profound sharing here….it is read every day and so very appreciated.
Many blessings in the years ahead,,,
Lynn
First, I would like to say Thank you. I get so much from reading your blog. It makes me think and feel. 2011 has been a tough year for my family and myself. I know that is the case for many of us. Major health issues for my wife and some major difficulty with my 15 year old son. I would have to say that I’m learning to be a better parent, I have had some major help, and I’m getting there. Taking each day one day, one hour and one moment at a time.
Mark
Wow, time flies! I love reading Tiny Buddha daily on Twitter 🙂
I achieved my goal of living in Italy this year (though brief) and it also had me realize my grad degree was not for me- thankfully, only 1 semester in. Now I’m persuing what I really wanted to do!
Congrats, I am so glad you are here! I look forward to every email from you. Something I am proud of in the year 2011? Oh there are so many. I guess I am proud that I have been able to rearrange my work schedule to watch my little Grandson as much as possible because that is very important to me.
Here’s to many more years!
Sheri
Congratulations on completing another mindful and insightful trip around the sun!
This year I opened myself up to so many possibilities, and I’m proud to say that by silencing my inner critic and having faith and trust in my own creativity and the benevolence of the universe, I published a work of my art in a major magazine and had two one-woman shows of my art, one last April and the other hanging right now in a local cafe. I create art every day, even on the hectic days when work or other troubles compete for my attention. My creative activity feeds my spirit and the practice gives me time to pause and reset my clock.
Thank you for another year of inspiration and best wishes for the year to come.
All the best to you are you start your third year making a difference in people’s lives, like you did mine..
My success this year and the last 14 years is in raising 4 fabulous kids as a single mom. They are wonderfully well adjusted, Eldest daughter got her MBA this spring, other daughter is in College and my twin 14 year olds just started high school…
And finally, I am truly happy and healed from my divorce.. in part, thanks to you. Now onward to finishing one of my novels.. and getting it published. All good things, Sky
First of all, its very surprise to hear that 2nd anniversary is on the way nearly…thats indeed a great thing to hear and wholeheartedly want to wish you lori for the great work done by you….your blog has been the greatest reminder to me and frequent visitor as i definitely relieve from stress and discontentment..
I love Tiny Buddha… you have given me something to think about on many an occasion… thank you x
Yay! Sending virtual cake, Lori, for you and the team (and for all your writers – plenty of virtual cake to go round!). I’m proud of having my articles published here this year, and of starting my company http://www.writingourwayhome.com with my husband Kaspalita. Oh, and getting married! (better not leave that one out…) Here’s to another wonderful year…
Congratulations on your 2nd Anniversary. I try to read your blog as much as possible and I am using it to help me gain peace as my SIL & niece & nephews are staying with us and as you know, sometimes it gets a bit interesting…
I love tiny Buddha. I’m a subscriber, so yay entering the give away!
Congratulations on bday number 2, tinybuddha! Your blogs are constant reminders to be a better me.
My proudest 2011 moment happened just yesterday: I let go of the fear and insecurity that were holding me back and took a leap towards a new job, one that will allow me to grow and learn, although it means letting go of the financial stability I have at my current job, where I am no longer growing. It’s a risk, it’s scary, but I’m worth it.
Thank you for the constant inspiration, I HEART TINYBUDDHA!
Thank you for dedicating 2 years and more to this site! it truly is wonderful!
something i am proud of: Taking the dive and studying yoga philosophy and training to be a yoga teacher! And Tiny Buddha continues to help me along this path in more ways than you or i even know! 🙂
C-O-N-G-R-A-T-S on your 2 year Anniversary tiny buddha!!!! Your readings and quotes are inspirational and wonderfully helpful on my daily journeys in life! As 2011 is winding down, something I’m proud of for this year is the adaption of positivity in my life. I always knew that keeping a positive attitude was important but the full embrace of this very thought was executed this year. And with tiny buddha and other positive websites have helped me on a daily basis to keep mindful of my attitude and actions. Knowing these things and putting it into action makes a huge difference in one’s life. So thank you tiny buddha for your exceptional efforts to keep peace and happiness a continuous road to enlightenment 🙂 It’s greatly appreciated!!!
I just found your blog today, I could have reading this for 2 years! I have a lot of catching up to do! I really find your blog helpful for me to stay positive. It is not always easy to see the positive in all things, but that has been my goal for this year. I need all the inspiration I can get and your blog is a great tool for me to add to my collection. Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary.
Katherine
i almost forgot! I’m proud of birthing my baby girl under difficult circumstances back in March.
Congratulations on your second anniversary!!!!
2011 is being an interisting year for me, I’ve been having anxiety and panic attacks for 3 years, unable to go out to street alone, and last year, thanks to yoga, I discovered Buddhism and meditation, it has changed me. I still have to struggle with anxiety and fears but I have come back to work, after 2 years without being able to do it, I’m not afraid of love anymore, I’m a happier person now than I was before, even before anxiety, I’m more optimistic, healthy, I’m a totally new person. I still can go outside all alone but I’m getting much better, now I can travel, work, do sport, walk my dogs, hang out, meditate, so many things! And the best is that I think this horrible thing called anxiety had to happened to me to discover this new philosophy and way of life, this gratitude way, beacuse, despite all, or maybe beacuse of all this I’m very very thanfkul.
By the way, I’m @EstefiYogi:disqus on twitter 😉
Namaste!
Congratulations on year two! I always look forward to the beautiful email from tinybuddha … as well as the great content. 🙂
Congrats on the Anniversary! I am non-traditional (30 years old, wife and first child in another city) law student in Houston Texas trying to juggle my studies, a job, and a distant family. My body can handle the demands that I place on it however it is my mind that sometimes needs some peace. I’m proud that I’ve been able to look within at what is stressing me and dealing with those issues instead of brushing them aside.
TB has helped me view the world from a different perspective, a peaceful one, and share that with others. I have frequently offered your articles to my peers who are in need of peace, understanding, dealing with stressful situations, or need a guide on dealing with situations life has put them in. Thank you.
Wow..2 years you have impacted my life and have opened my mind to see the beauty that surrounds me, and have also taught me how to have a positive mindset that has only enhanced my life. When things around me have seem to feel as if it was all caving in on me, Tina Buddha has helped me back to see the truth.
I have found that when you stay positive, the things around you start to have a positive impact. You have changed my life in ways I will not be able to full express, so a big thank you and Congratulations and I look forward to more wisdom that can only help me grow further.
Best of luck to you and the future of Tiny Buddha
Carmen
I LOVE LOVE LOVE TinyBuddha!
I am most proud of the fact I quit a job I hated and moved from Oregon to Arizona. It was a leap of faith and trust. It was a good solid decision.
Congratulations on the 2-year milestone. When I came across tiny buddha, I couldn’t stop reading the articles! They definitely relate to a lot of issues I face and reflect the learning that I’ve gone through.
2011 has been a fruitful year for me so far but the one thing that makes me truly happy is that I finally managed to let go of an anger that I’ve held for the past ten years. Though the incident has taken place and I cannot change it, I no longer feel anger and resentment when I talk about it. I’ve started to appreciate the lessons I learned from it. Since then I’ve moved forward and become more positive and peaceful.