Update: The winners for this giveaway have already been chosen. The winners:
If you enjoy touching, uplifting stories, you’ve likely stumbled upon the Chicken Soup for the Soul series at one time or another.
What started with one book two decades ago has expanded to more than 200 titles, providing motivation and inspiration to millions of people of all ages, from all over the world.
The newly released 20th anniversary edition includes all of the original stories from the first book and 20 new ones from writers including Deepak Chopra, Dr. Mehmet Oz, don Miguel Ruiz—and me!
When publisher Heidi Krupp-Lisiten contacted me with this opportunity, I was honored and beyond excited. And now I’m excited to share it with you.
The Giveaway
To enter to win 1 of 5 free books:
- Leave a comment on this post sharing the most inspiring thing you’ve heard lately. It can be a quote, something a loved one said to you, something you saw on TV or heard in a song—anything you found inspiring.
- For an extra chance to win, tweet: Giveaway: Chicken Soup for the Soul 20th Anniversary Edition – RT & comment on the @tinybuddha post to win! http://bit.ly/18GFU0F
You can enter until midnight PST on Friday, August 23rd.
Learn more about Chicken Soup for the Soul, the 20th Anniversary Edition, on Amazon.
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. 
I met a girl with a tattoo that was saying: “Dum spiro spero” which in latin means “While I still breath, I hope”. I found this quote extremely inspiring 😀
The most inspiring thing I have heard was today, right here on this website. It was that instead of comparing myself to others, compare myself to myself, but how I used to be. This will help me see how much I have grown and changed. It’s unfair to compare ourselves to other people because EVERY BODY IS DIFFERENT. It is that simple.
K
x
“Forget mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you’re going to do now and do it.” ~William Durant. I think that this sentence reminds us to live happily in the present.
The most inspiring thing I’ve heard lately is the song “Holes” by Passenger. It discuss two scenarios where life became difficult, but the individuals persevere. My favorite part says, “Well sometimes you can’t change and you can’t choose
And sometimes it seems you gain less than you lose
Now we’ve got holes in our hearts, yeah we’ve got holes in our lives
Well we’ve got holes, we’ve got holes but we carry on.” It just reminds me that no matter what diffcults I face I will carry on.
The most inspiring thing I experienced lately has been my own sudden inspiration to get a tattoo with the words ‘I am love’ on my wrist or somewhere on my arm. I was so damn excited about this! 🙂 I had wanted a tattoo since a long time but also wanted some really lovely Truth to be etched on my body. When I got the idea of getting a ‘I am love’ tattoo, my quest just felt over. Now, I use this phrase during my meditations and also repeat it throughout the day and it just grounds me and brings me back home- to love and to peace.
Wishing u all the very same 😀
Esha
The most inspiring thing I heard recently was “Thank you” from an Italian customer I helped at work. I was absolutely thrilled because 1) Noones ever bought me flowers before so…. 2) ‘Someone to buy me flowers’ was on a little list I’ve been keeping of things I’m hoping to attract in my life 3) It happened in front of my manager… 4) she was just absolutely lovely! 🙂 and I wasn’t expecting it at all!
Most inspiring things I’ve heard lately was during a conversation with my therapist yesterday. We were talking about spirituality, letting go and personal philosophies. He commented that every time we meet I’ve gone through visible changes involving concepts of self-esteem, love, relationships, and understanding my purpose in the universe. He mentioned that a possible direction for me was the “freedom from the self.” It was moving to hear this at the time. I had to put down a beloved pet the day before and had been thinking about how finite our time and energy on this planet really is. Everyone has goals, aspirations, some more idealized than others. We also tend to let ourselves get in our way. “Freedom from the self” to me means having the strength to let go and be who you are truly meant to be. To be fluid and open-minded, to not be attached to the outcomes of hard work (or at all) and to become the realized kind of energy and being you want to see in the world.
Hi! I am Ria and I’m Filipino. Today we celebrate the death anniversary of our modern day hero Ninoy Aquino. After years in exile, he was assassinated while going down on a plane here in the Philippines. This quote of his inspires me the most – “If it’s my fate to die by an assassin’s bullet, so be it. But I cannot be petrified by inaction or fear of assassination and therefore stay in a corner. I have to suffer with my people. I have to lead them because of the responsibility given to me by our people.” Amidst the threat of death, he went back to be with his people and to fight what is right. This paved the way for the infamous people power or EDSA revolution here in the Philippines in 1986. A truly exceptional man whose courage, wisdom and life are worth sharing to the whole world 🙂
For me it has to be something I heard Nigella Lawson say in one of her programs. I’m on the first vacation in years and keep worrying and feeling guilty about spending so much money on myself, on pleasure, while I should be enjoying the gorgeous sunsets at the Croatian coastline. Everytime these worries enter my mind I try to remind myself of what Nigella said: “I don’t have any guilty pleasures because I don’t think pleasure is something you ever should feel guilty about.”
The most inspiring thing i have heard recently is that “Let love be love itself, don’t tamper it by giving names to it”
Just the other day, I took a little book from my husband’s bookshelf and used it to kill a fly. I didn’t think of it much but when I looked at the title of the book (How to Live Life Content, Blessed and Worry-Free by Eduardo O. Roberto), I immediately sat down and read it. Who wouldn’t want that life, I thought to myself. It was 24 little pages of salvation. I cried in the middle of every page and I was so inspired, I wanted to share it with friends immediately.
After I read it, I realized that I used it to swat a fly. I literally judged the book by it’s cover. Little did I know that this dirty, cheap/free, seemingly useless book will give way to my salvation and possibly others after me.
God works in mysterious ways!
What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Quote credited to Ralph Waldo Emerson
The most inspiring thing I have heard lately is this quote from Mike Dooley: “Usually, the best way to find the yellow brick road of your life, is to start out on the dusty, dirt one.”
You are special
YES YOU…
…the one reading this…
“it always seems impossible until it’s done” – nelson mandela
inspiring quote – helping me through my domestic violence court dates. what a mess a life can become. but every battle gets me closer to winning the war.
The most inspiring thing I’ve heard lately is: “The more one judges, the less one loves.” said by Honore de Balzac. :* Thank you for the chance to win the book! <3
Is that all that God ask of us is that we love Him body mind and soul, with all that we are think we are, and all the we do.
I think these inspiring words or quote that I chose to post here is just right on time after I read the link that my friend gave me for the Book Giveaway: Chicken Soup for the Soul 20th Anniversary Edition
this is a daily devotion application that I subscribed in my facebook account. And it says:
“Your heart is your compass. Set a course in the direction that your heart commands and it will lead the way to God. Follow it, and you will always be on the correct path in life.”
For me this really inspires me since I want to do something for my professional growth and for my family and I know it’s gonna be a tough battle but I know I can do it with the the Lord’s guidance. And yes I know that is what my heart’s desire but it’s the Lord’s decision that I will still follow because I know he only wants what’s the best for me.
Thank you for the chance to win the book. ^-^
The moment you say yes to acting on your desire is the real beginning. ~ Danielle LaPorte
This is the most important thing I’ve learned. It’s a great quote.
I know people who feel like they’ve wasted years of their lives because of poor choices. They spent years in a relationship that was toxic, years with an addiction, years at a job where they weren’t fulfilled. But you have to realize, nothing you have been through is ever wasted. Your past experiences, good and bad have deposited something on the inside of you. Those challenges have sharpened you to help make you who you are today. When the enemy brings hardship into your life, God has a way of taking that experience and turning it around for your advantage. You may think you’ve hit a dead end, but if you’ll stay in faith, you will see God begin to open up a new route. He’ll put the right people in your path, the right opportunities, the right circumstances to move you forward toward your God-given destiny.
Today, don’t focus on what’s happened in your past, focus on what God will do in your future. He wants to restore your soul and revive your dreams. Keep believing, keep expecting, keep hoping because God has a new route for your future!
Below is the link to it.
http://spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com/post/42444247245/i-know-people-who-feel-like-theyve-wasted-years
I love the song “Same Sex”…the one lyric..”I can’t change, even if I tried, even if I wanted to” is on replay in my heart and mind. I have always been full of love and light and have been fascinated with and tapped into energy movement. My family criticized me and that became my norm; but I still loved nature and energy and continued to be the light in the room. I became so used to what I heard, I couldn’t see my own light for so many years…even when I could see it so naturally and readily in others. Only recently may I see it, and now I have built a business sharing what I have learned and my family still doesn’t approve. I know it’s a different message than the song, but I think the feel of wanting to be loved, just for being, is the same. This line has inspired me to keep stretching and growing and healing, knowing I am living my heart-truth.
Hi Lori, how exciting that you have a excerpt in the 20th Anniversary Edition, that is really exciting! 🙂 Actually the most recent inspiring thing I read recently was in a post i just read…was great! “Instead, with my castle-of-blocks leveled by crisis, I was suddenly free to build an entirely new castle.” …I LOVE this perspective and analogy! 🙂
“This too shall pass”. This simple quote that has given me strength over the past few months to endure the many emotions while moving on from the loss of our unborn child.
The most inspiring thing I have read lately is the statement ‘Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind’. This statement is so very true for the people who really care are there for me and it gives me a sense of peace to be myself with them always.
Thank you for all that you do! Rays of sunshine you spread across the Earth are inspiring.
“You don’t need to hire a Paralegal. I will help you. For free.”
I have been having a hard go with my landlord lately, and combined with a recent diagnosis of PTSD and GAD, I have not been dealing well with it. I’m having a hard go with life in general right now, and I’m unemployed and Unemployment isn’t much to live on.
I had the last straw today. I posted on FB how I should just hire a Paralegal to deal with this because I can’t. I’m a Paralegal myself, and this is just too much for me. A friend of mine is a lawyer. She could use the business, because, well, all lawyers could in our city. Those words are particularly inspiring to me because this is what I want the legal profession to be. It should be people helping people, and resources should exist for people who cannot afford it and are stuck. They don’t often exist. This is why I feel it is so important for Lawyers/Paralegals to say those words to as many people as they are able to. I didn’t go into this for a Bentley. I went into this to help people. It is so inspiring to know that others feel the same way and that we can make a difference, one person at a time.
I recently read a blog about how to better deal with anxiety for some peace of mind. There was a mantra by the author that read : What I run from must chase me.
The most inspiring thing I have heard lately was in a yoga class where we focused on the Root Chakra. The teacher read a passage from Anodea Judith’s Eastern Body, Western Mind describing affirmations associated with this Chakra. “I love my body! I trust my body’s wisdom! It is safe for me to be here! I have a right to be here! The earth supports my needs!” I appreciate this bit of wisdom from the Root Chakra that reminded me of the strength it takes to stay grounded. Namaste!
“If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience.”
It really puts things in perspective… rather than dwelling on past negative emotions, this thought helps focussing on the growth that was achieved by dealing with those. And as for future experiences, it helps with facing new challenges with a more balanced mind.
It was an article that discussed the importance of the small things of parenting- reading books, talking, playing games, etc.
This really made me be more conscious of nature and what it has to teach. “If a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God.”
“You don’t need to know everything to start doing something”. I wrote this while telling someone the story of how I overcame anxiety, left academia, quit my job and started my own business!
Something an old friend use to say in the morning before he began football practice everyday as a reminder…
“It’s a Grateful Day!”
Sure is… thanks!
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive” – Dr Howard Thurman.
I think this is a great quote to help you be the person you are meant to be and get back in touch with your soul if you are struggling to find it down the back of the sofa.
the most inspiring thing i’ve read recently was the quote from dharma comics… “sometimes, you just have to take the leap, and build your wings on the way down..”
i was having a downtime lately.. i failed in my exam, i had this friend whom i liked but he never acknowledged my feelings for him., but used to talk to me everyday…. he moved on and got engaged last month and since then, stopped talking to me totally.. lesson i learnt was people treat me the way i show them that i can b treated…
but i took the leap…… i changed my house, stopped calling him…. got a new job.. preparing for the next time… planning to give my 100% to my preparation.. again..
The most inspiring thing I have heard lately comes from a person I randomly became friends with on face book a couple days ago. I must have accidently sent a friend request while perusing my favorite spiritual sites and reading peoples comments. Anyways we all know these things aren’t mistakes. Part of her most recent status is about giving…. “Love is an energy. Love cannot be anyhow given. Love is emotion and it is literally the Life Force of a person. Energy must not be wasted. Energy must be used wisely and as efficiently as possible. Energy must be used in circulation then can multiply and have more to give or use”. As I went to leave this comment I noticed that this woman (whom I have never met and lives on the other side of the country) commented right below me! Hopefully she doesn’t mind that I am quoting her status. I just find it so heart warming, comforting and magical that there are people out there who thing along the same lines I do. People who I have never met before. I have been a fan of the Chicken soup books since I was in Elementary school and never realized what a big part they would play in my life today. I feel so much gratitude at the connection I feel to the universe. It grows more and more with time… as do I.
My oldest, bestest friend has Motor Neurone Disease. She inspires me every time I see her because of her positive approach and complete acceptance of her own situation. I’m convinced this is why she has survived with the illness for 4 years after being given an initial prognosis of 14 months. She uses an iPad with a speech application and recently organised another event to raise money to provide iPads and apps to other people with MND. She is now up to 5 iPads and is determined to plan future events.
What a wonderful series and they thought of everyone. One of the first self-help books I picked up that led to more. People say, “knowledge is power” and I say, “understanding is liberating.”
I’ve been working on my own happiness project lately and the most inspiring thing I learned today is, “You cannot always have happiness, but you can always give happiness.” – Author Unknown
Most inspiring “Learn to let go”: We all are living on borrowed time and struggling and suffering is part of being human, but not part of being alive and happy. When you begin to let go of desires for objects, or loved ones who have left you, your struggle and pain will greatly diminish. Letting go allows you to move onward. It allows you to have inner peace.
I had a yoga teacher once give a class and said this Mantra through out the whole class . THERE IS NO EXPIRATION DATE TO YOUR DREAMS!! NEVER STOP BELIEVING, NEVER GIVE UP!
The cure for everything is salt water :tears, sweat and the sea 😉 Tears heal my heart, sweat heals my body and the sea, I think it heals my very soul!! I go on living and I don’t think there’s anything more inspiring than that ^^
I would love a cook book because during my family two holiday i want to try out new reciepes so i can then take them to work..where i cook for about a dozen homeless and vulnerable adults. Thank you 😉
The most inspiring thing I heard lately was actually on yesterday’s email, ”
“Breakdowns can create breakthroughs. Things fall apart so things can fall together.” ~Unknown”. This quote is inspiring because I was stressed out recently and when I read this, I felt the post was specifically for me. It made me realize that I have to have bad days in order to better myself as a person and I have to stop allowing my past to make me an angry person now in the present.
I was listening to Mastin Kipp’s Love Uni-versity and he shared this powerful quote from Joseph Campbell:
“Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.”
These words inspire me to continue living happy…that choosing joy for ourselves is the only way to uplift others.
p.s. Lori, I am SO happy for you! What an honor to be included in this edition…super excited to read your words! 🙂
The words of Lao Tzu inspire me. The fact that he said these words hundreds of years ago and they are just as relevant today is incredible. This is one of my favorites because it tells us to stop comparing ourselves to others and to trust our intuition to be the person we are meant to be.
Always we hope
someone else has the answer
some other place will be better,
some other time it will all turn out.
This is it.
No one else has the answer
no other place will be better,
and it has already turned out.
at the center of your being
You have the answer,
you know who you are
and you know what you want.
There is no need
to run outside
for better seeing.
Nor to peer from a window.
Rather abide at the center of your being;
for the more you leave it, the less you learn.
Search your heart and see
the way to do
is to be.
— Lao Tzu
Success = fall down 7 times and get up 8 times. Never give up!
An amazing story that ties in the gift of cosmetic dentistry and the gifts of the everyday smile that adds confidence to anyone’s life.
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own ~Benjamin Disraeli & Faith is about taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase ~ Martin Luther King Jr these two quotes touch my very soul. i have heard about chicken soup for the soul but have never read it perhaps the time has never been right. Thank you Tiny Buddha for your wonderful site.
“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”