Update: The winners have been chosen! If you didn’t win, you can purchase a copy of The Book of (Even More) Awesome on Amazon.
Last year, I posted a review of The Book of Awesome, by Neil Pasricha—a compilation of blog posts from his wildly popular website, 1000 Awesome Things.
I was so inspired by his ability to recognize simple pleasures where I never even thought to look that I decided to follow suit with a post I titled 50 Peaceful Things.
Neil’s blog has been one of my favorites since he first launched three years back, partly because it’s the exact opposite of the type of writing I often do.
While I generally write a lot about all the messy things under the surface—our struggles, fears, and instincts—Neil has a gift for highlighting all the beautiful things we often don’t notice above it.
From my original review:
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.
The Book of (Even More) Awesome picks up where the first book left off, and I’m pleased to offer two copies to Tiny Buddha readers. But first, a little from Neil:
1. At what point did you feel that 1000 Awesome Things was a success?
Ha ha, well honestly, I still don’t! I mean, when I started writing 1000 Awesome Things, I said my goal was to write one awesome thing for 1000 straight weekdays. It’s been three years and I’m only done about 750 of them!
And don’t get me wrong – I’ve enjoyed the experiences that have resulted from the blog, but hitting bestseller lists, getting millions of hits, and going on big TV shows was never my goal. Writing down 1000 awesome things is my goal. When I’m done that it will be a success to me.
2. Do you feel that you’ve become happier since you started 1000 Awesome Things? If so, why?
Well, I was in a pretty rough place when I started the blog. My wife and I were growing further and further apart and my best friend was battling a major depression. When I flipped open the newspaper or turn on the TV it was about melting ice caps, terrible hurricanes, and the crumbling economy.
I started 1000 Awesome Things to try and find a way to cheer myself up. I wanted to find a place where bakery air, snow days, and popping bubble wrap were the most important things in the world.
Today I’m still the same guy. I work the same office job in the suburbs, eat frozen burritos for dinner, and need to go to the gym more. But in many ways I’ve become happier because I see awesome things everywhere.
I hit a string of green lights on my way home from work and think awesome! I flip to the cold side of my pillow in the middle of the night and think awesome! And I think these little daily highs add up to longer term happiness.
3. What’s something you think is awesome that might surprise people?
How about “Your almost name”? This is the name your parents were going to name you but didn’t. It’s fun daydreaming about a new life where Your Almost Name takes top billing and your nickname, identity, and major life choices are all dramatically affected.
I think it’s awesome because sometimes that name reminds us how lucky we are we to get what we got… and to get the specific frames and borders we have on ourselves.
I know. It’s a bit strange. But you asked! 🙂
4. Do you think it’s possible to find something awesome in everything? If so, how?
Well, I think life is just a matter of perspective. Nobody tells you to be happy or sad or grumpy or cheerful. You get to choose your attitude every morning. You can see awesome in everything or see it in nothing. It’s up to you.
5. What advice would you give to other people who want to use the web to make a meaningful difference in other people’s lives?
I say do it!
We are so massively lucky to live in this world in a time where the cost of communicating around the world is close to free. I’ve never spent a cent or made a cent from 1000AwesomeThings.com.
WordPress hosts the site for free and I have no ads. Every night I get to write about sneaking cheaper candy in the movie theater, the sound of steaks on a hot grill, or pulling a weed and getting all the roots with it…for free!
And in exchange for that, I get hundreds of letters and emails every day—preachers telling me they use awesome things in sermons, teachers telling me they base classes around them, and folks from the far corners of the Earth dropping me a line to say “Thanks man. I think stepping on crunchy leaves on the sidewalk is awesome too.”
These comments fill me with joy and help give me the energy to keep going.
It’s a beautiful world.
Lori, thank you so much to you and your readers for the great chat! I hope you like The Book of (Even More) Awesome and have a very awesome day!
Giveaway Details
To win one of two free copies of The Book of (Even More) Awesome:
1. Comment below sharing something awesome that happened today.
2. Tweet the following:
RT @tinybuddha GIVEAWAY! The Book of (Even More) Awesome http://bit.ly/l4kK2P (Comment on the post & RT to enter)
You must do both to be eligible to win! You can enter until midnight PST on Monday, May 2nd. If you’re itching to get a copy right now, you can grab The Book of (Even More) Awesome on Amazon.com.
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. 
Called someone for a repair on a countertop and even though his company no longer does such repairs, said he would come out and look at it, so he can recommend who may be able to fix it! Now THAT is caring for the customer!
Awesome thing that happened today: I had a great conversation with the guy at the Bike Valet shop. I love making new friends!
Sleeping in and eating leftover Easter candy. AWESOME!
LOVE THIS!
Awesomeness of the day:
5:30 am: found out about the Owl City Concert
6:00 am: learned the prices for the Owl City Concert
7:00 am: got my mom to agree to help me pay for the Owl City Concert
7:15 am: started to obsessively listen to Owl City
My 2yr old was looking out of the window during a storm and shouted ‘naughty rain!’ then sang ‘rain, rain go away’ … it came out of nowhere and I’d never heard him sing it before. Awesome!
I want one! The most awesome thing that happened today was that I was able to finish two 3000 words essays on time after being up writing for 2 days, now I’m free! This semester is finally over and I’m officially on vacation from school!
I could use a bit more awesomeness in my day with this book.
The most amazing thing that happened to me was that I woke up with my health and a clear mind. I’ve learned that just the simple act of being is such a blessing. So many out there don’t have the blessing of being able move through the day with no constraints. I thank the great spirit every morning for bringing me another day.
Watching tv and chatting with family. Simple yet AWESOME! 🙂
@Sydnsn
This morning I went for a run and it started to rain. I love running in the rain. Makes me feel so alive.
I took a step closer to better fitness with another awesome training session with FitWit, and even worked in an additional run (barefoot!).
ooohhh… i do something sorta along those lines to boost my mood… http://www.beautifulseastars.blogspot.com #selftherapy Can’t wait to read the book!!! #lovewins
Met kids in my neighborhood when I was taking my dog for walking. Those kids always follow us and ask : what is his name, why he so small, is he scared with us, how beautiful is he. Well, though i don’t really like kids sometime but this short interview can boost up my mood 🙂
I took a step closer to better fitness with another awesome training session with FitWit, and even worked in an additional run (barefoot!).
Edit
Congrats Sarai! That is an awesome achievement!
Wrote two special notes for the one I love <3 One on the bathroom mirror and one on the front door. Can't wait for him to find them 🙂
I got up early so I could fit in 1/2 hour of yoga and 1/2 hour of cardio. I didn’t want to do it, but afterwards I felt great!
@jehma
I woke up and both my 4yr old #twins were still sleeping. Now that’s awesome. Mellow tea time for dad.
I sat in traffic for 3 hours! To begin with I was frustrated and impatient to get home. Had no choice but to just sit…. looked at my surroundings , the people. Had a little dance too, which made a few others smile, and had chats with a few new people , who I knew i’d never see again ! Amazing what just being can do, makes you think about the core of everything….slow down, where’s rushing getting you but stressed?????
While taking the train I discovered a previously unknown stretch of urban forest that I definitely will explore! I’m glad I didn’t read the newspaper as usual.
Elderly woman’s jacket got stuck in the seat on the metro when the doors opened for her stop she cried for help! Even though I ripped part of the belt on her jacket, I got her unstuck so she could leave unscathed. Do something for someone else today…it’ll make you feel awesome!
I have my nine year old little girl home from school today with a sore throat. I have been looking for work, but today I am relishing in the ability to stay home and care for her and enjoy her. Pure awesomeness. This is time well spent! <3
I remembered that I have a long-awaited reservation to M Well Diner in LIC… I can’t wait to share my gratitude, food and drink with loved ones!!!
Looks like a great book. Excited to pick it up.
Woke up this morning with the sun shining right into my bedroom window. Beautiful and Awesome. It’s going to be a good day!
I love these books
My awesome thing today: I hit play on my iPod while getting out of the apartment and a GREAT song came in. It made me feel like I was in a movie.
Something AWESOME was receiving emailed pictures from my 9 year old twins while they are on a vacation with my parents. They labeled each one. There were pictures of animals, each other, the train that they went on…but the one I found most awesome was the picture they took and labeled “Horizon”.
I found a book I had misplaced and randomly opened it. I opened it to the only page about Shamanic healing, which is a subject I have been researching! A lovely message from the Universe.
Awesome Today- I managed to spend quality offline time with friends by book shopping and ice-cream chit-chats! I love it!
I woke up to find this. I love Tiny Buddha and The Book Of Awesome. My awesome thing was being able to witness my 93 year old grandmother hold and adore my 3 month old niece. I took a picture of the moment and plan to give a framed copy to my grandmother for 94th birthday. We are very blessed to have them both.
Great things happen everyday. But the one happy thing happened to me today that I was skating to clear my mind, though I had so much thought going on in brains. When I looked around me I realized I had skated so far out of town, that on the right of me I saw the sea and on the left a beautiful peace of nature. I stopped for a moment and felt the wind through my hair and on my skin. On that moment my mind was clear and the tense in my stomach disappeared. Then I realized that nature is so underrated and that people forgot to be one with it. If people would, the world would be so much peaceful.
Today I was feeling a little down before school started and my friends texted my other friend about it. My other friend came to school with my favorite food- shrimp cocktail! It was so good and I’m so grateful that my friends care about me so much. <3
I recently quoted some products for a start up company which they are planning on reselling. The quantities were small; therefore, we were not making much money out of this deal. After my meditation this morning, I decided to give them the news that we were gonna give them the products almost at cost, so that they could get a good profit out of it and help them start up.
Seeing there joy, is how I really got paid for! A small way of sharing all the blessing I have; there is nothing like living in harmony!!!
I think it is lovely to stand next to my coffeemaker each morning and smell the awesome aroma of freshly brewing coffee. It reminds me of times when i walked into a coffee house in Seatlle or London or Lisbon or Paris or Rome or Los Angeles to order a fresh cup of coffee and then sit down to enjoy and savor it… Everyday ~ rain or shine ~ I can get this pleasant sense memory at home.
we’ve had crazy wether here – sun, rain, wind – so traffic was super slow, I like to channel surf on the car radio, got to sing JLo’s new hit song “On The Floor” 3x in a row at the top of my lungs – plus do a little bit of car dancing 🙂
we’ve had crazy wether here – sun, rain, wind – so traffic was super slow, I like to channel surf on the car radio, got to sing JLo’s new hit song “On The Floor” 3x in a row at the top of my lungs – plus do a little bit of car dancing 🙂
What a great concept! I love it!!!
I’m going to have to check this out. Sounds awesome.
I saw a rainbow early this morning. Made me forget the bloody heat in the morning (:
Breakfast in bed today! SO awesome =)
Very nice. Tight sit Dharma Sista
I’m itching to get my hands on that book! Just sitting down and reading things like this brings me peace and inspiration. And I’ll tell ya, this is definitely one of those days I could use a bit of both!
For reading today’s commentary about how I focus on making mistakes and feeling great about it. Then to make it even better I shared it with some friends who told me it really helped them get through the day.
I noticed a dragonfly the color of my shoe sat with me outside at two different times so far today. I am not sure if it was the same one but I thought it was awesome to see one near me. And this book reminds me of a quote I read early today by Nietzsche: “For happiness, how little suffices for happiness! … the least thing precisely, the gentlest thing, the lightest thing, a lizard’s rustling, a breath, a wisk, an eye glance – little maketh up the best happiness.”
I woke up this morning to an inspirational text from my mom that said ” god is in control, you must believe.” Right then and there I realized that he would not let me fall. I have to just keep living every day to the fullest and stop worrying about everything. It causes too much strain on my life and I refuse to be unhappy. Thank you mom and god!
My awesome thing of the day: Finding out I will be able to spend a weekend away with my husband for our anniversary. We never get time together, so this is very, very awesome!
The sun finally came out!
Today is awesome because my children are happy and healthy. The sun is shining through the storm clouds, and we are all here to enjoy the simple pleasure it brings to our day.