How To Keep Thots Out Of My Garden

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· 530 ratings · 65 reviews

Start your review of In the Garden of Thoughts

Andreia ❤The Butterfly Lover❤ Amo Borboletas

♡♥All the puzzle pieces are in your hands! Do not go looking for someone to complete it for you. That only reinforces the fear that you are incomplete. Life's strongest glue is being happy to be you!♡♥

☆★Do not become a stranger to yourself by blending in with everyone else.☆★

♡♥Be grateful for those who left you, for their absence gave you the strength to grow in the space they abandoned.♡♥

☆★Growing old with someone else is beautiful, but growing old while being true to yourself is divine.☆★

☆★Do not become a stranger to yourself by blending in with everyone else.☆★

♡♥Be grateful for those who left you, for their absence gave you the strength to grow in the space they abandoned.♡♥

☆★Growing old with someone else is beautiful, but growing old while being true to yourself is divine.☆★

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I'm not usually a fan of gift books but the review pitch for In the Garden of Thoughts came at a time when I was feeling down in the dumps. I needed some positivity in my life right then and I really liked the look of In the Garden of Thoughts (ItGoT), so I decided to check it out.

And I'm glad I did--it is such a cute book. By the time it arrived, I wasn't so down anymore but when I read Dodinsky's messages, some did bring a smile on my face and made me think.

There are about fifty (if I counted

And I'm glad I did--it is such a cute book. By the time it arrived, I wasn't so down anymore but when I read Dodinsky's messages, some did bring a smile on my face and made me think.

There are about fifty (if I counted right) inspirational messages in this book and each are accompanied by an illustration--sometimes a large one spanning two pages. There were some inspirational quotes in the book that I just want to rip out from the book and frame so that I can read it everyday, like: "Your value is the product of your thoughts. Do not miscalculate your self-worth by multiplying your insecurities."

But there were also a few that left me scratching my head, like this one that goes "The horizon, to remind you of your courage, sends its gentle waves of confidence to kiss your feet." Huh?

My favorite part of ItGoT were the watercolor illustrations which were beautifully done by Amanda Cass. They are just so whimsical (sometimes bordering on weird but still pretty cute) and brought a smile to my face.

Although many of the messages can be appreciated by both men and women, I do think this gift book is more aimed towards women.

Overall, if you are a fan of gift books for your self or you're thinking of giving one to your girl friends (it can be given in almost all special occasions), look no further than ItGoT--it is full of positivity, lovely illustrations and nicely bound with a [heavier] glossy paper.

Originally posted on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks

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I like In the Garden of Happiness, published in 2015, slightly better - that is the volume I own. In the Garden of Thoughts was published in 2012. The books have different illustrators - beautiful illustrations in both but again I am partial to the volume I own :-)

Favorite Passages:

A mind preoccupied with thoughts of resentment and bitterness cannot change the past. Nor do those thoughts wound anyone but the soul that beholds them.
_____

If others want to define you, don't linger in their pond. S

Favorite Passages:

A mind preoccupied with thoughts of resentment and bitterness cannot change the past. Nor do those thoughts wound anyone but the soul that beholds them.
_____

If others want to define you, don't linger in their pond. Swim away from their ignorance and find your ocean.
_____

Do not become a stranger to yourself by blending in with everyone else.

Your road to happiness should be memorable for the scenery as well as the destination.
_____

Every morning I start with a drink from my cup of sunshine, to remind myself of who I am before I step into the world of "this is who we think you are."
_____

Do not plant your dreams in the field of indecision, where nothing ever grows but the weeds of "what-if."
_____

To be at peace, your opinion of yourself must outweigh the assumptions of others about who you are. It is a conscious decision that their words no longer have the ability to keep you down.
_____

Growing old with someone else is beautiful, but growing old while being true to yourself is divine.
_____

Knowing who you are is the best defense against who they think you are.
_____

A great many battles I have won are those that I have walked away from. They have strengthened my character, helping me learn that, in life, it is not always necessary to prove you are right.

Know that there are people you can never please and questions you simply don't need to answer.
_____

When I reach the place of my dreams, I will thank my failures and tears. They too, kept me going.

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Apr 02, 2013 Laura rated it really liked it

This cute little gift book contains about fifty inspirational thoughts that are uplifting and empowering, encouraging the reader to be his best self. They are accompanied by whimsical and pastel-coloured illustrations by Amanda Cass. This is a book that makes one reflect, and the messages will help the person who has suffered judgement, has been put down, has been or going through great obstacles in life, has fears holding them back, is down in life and so forth. I think everyone can relate to t This cute little gift book contains about fifty inspirational thoughts that are uplifting and empowering, encouraging the reader to be his best self. They are accompanied by whimsical and pastel-coloured illustrations by Amanda Cass. This is a book that makes one reflect, and the messages will help the person who has suffered judgement, has been put down, has been or going through great obstacles in life, has fears holding them back, is down in life and so forth. I think everyone can relate to these positive thoughts.

Author Dodinsky first started sharing these thoughts online as a way of coping with his ordeals and before he knew it he was getting emails from people of all walks of life telling him how much he inspired them. Although it can be read in fifteen minutes, the inspirational thoughts make one stop to think. They are deep and poignant. Here are two that touched me:

To strengthen the muscles of your heart,
the best exercise is lifting someone else's
spirit whenever you can.

If you stumbled today,
remember where and how it felt.
Tomorrow, take a different path.
Life flourishes from its pain
and the lessons we gain.

This collection of positive messages would make a great gift for anyone who may be going through a rough spell, even young ones and especially teens. Or perhaps for that friend who has been there for you, that co-worker who is helpful to everyone, or that person who always knows what to say to cheer you up. The book is attractive and could be left on a coffee table where it is sure to be picked up, leaving the reader with thoughts on which to ponder and meditate.

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May 07, 2013 Sophie rated it really liked it

I think that people should read picture books more often. For many reasons. Probably too many to go into for this book.

However, I liked this picture book, it had a lot of good thoughts and just lovely things. Such as, "those who do not fear darkness, have learned to light their own candle".

I would recommend this wee book as a 'pick-me-up' or just for a quick read. Definitely a bedside table book.

I think that people should read picture books more often. For many reasons. Probably too many to go into for this book.

However, I liked this picture book, it had a lot of good thoughts and just lovely things. Such as, "those who do not fear darkness, have learned to light their own candle".

I would recommend this wee book as a 'pick-me-up' or just for a quick read. Definitely a bedside table book.

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Apr 10, 2013 Jenny's rated it really liked it

Sometimes a special little book comes along that makes you smile. The Perfect gift to give someone who may be going through a rough patch. Uplifting and beautiful illustrations. I loved this little book.

Apr 23, 2013 Bevan rated it it was amazing

A great little book laced with simple but poignant tidbits to enjoy and survive life. The illustrations that accompany the passages add to the whimsical, yet effective quotes Dodinsky offers the reader. A nice addition to any bookshelf or coffee table.

Sep 12, 2013 Reem Katina rated it it was amazing

Amazing inspirational quotes that should be kept in mind every minute of every day! Huge fan of Dodinsky and I look forward to reading more of his work!

Mar 17, 2017 Amanda rated it it was amazing

Love all of the quotes and the illustrations that go with them. Highly recommend and think that this is the kind of book that would make a great gift and a great book to read over and over again.

Ok, I just read this wonderful little book I bought very quickly. I have to say the words in this book is so uplifting and a lot of them applied to me! I let the outside world influence me too much. I'm glad to have this book to look back on from time to time.

Also, the illustrator is wonderful! I love every picture she put in this book. I would recommend this book to anyone that needs a little uplifting thought from time to time.

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Apr 30, 2018 Laura rated it really liked it

Sometimes you are in the mood for a brief yet positive pick me up. This book does that and more.
The illustrations are wonderful. I would love to have Amanda Cass' artwork on my walls.

The thoughts are not offered in any specific order, so open the book at random and read. I am sure whichever saying you find will speak to you. It is a gentle reminder to appreciate yourself and what you can enjoy about life. Take time to smile.

Sometimes you are in the mood for a brief yet positive pick me up. This book does that and more.
The illustrations are wonderful. I would love to have Amanda Cass' artwork on my walls.

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Dec 01, 2018 Nathalie rated it really liked it

What drew me to this book was the complete title IN THE GARDEN OF THOUGHTS, THE ONLY PLACE YOU CAN FIND THE POWER TO BE YOUR BEST SELF. This is so true! What you think controls how you feel physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are often our worst critic. Dodinsky, accompanied by Amanda Cass's wonderful illustrations gently remind us to put ourselves back onto the path to our best selves. What drew me to this book was the complete title IN THE GARDEN OF THOUGHTS, THE ONLY PLACE YOU CAN FIND THE POWER TO BE YOUR BEST SELF. This is so true! What you think controls how you feel physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are often our worst critic. Dodinsky, accompanied by Amanda Cass's wonderful illustrations gently remind us to put ourselves back onto the path to our best selves. ...more

Dec 15, 2020 KakEllereads rated it it was amazing

One of my favourite quote by dodinsky "The soul does not absorb negativity by accident, only by choice".

This book comes with colourful pages and I like illustrations that accompanied the beautiful quotes.

Relaxing myself with this light reading before picking up another read.

5🌟 for this beautiful book.

Jan 30, 2021 monica ♪ rated it it was amazing

I'm so into self-help books recently.
Didn't realise that I really NEEDED 'help' until I read them...
This book is really good.
Filled with encouraging quotes that surely help me to stay 'sane', which is really good for my mental health.
The illustrations are also so beautiful 🤍
I'm so glad that I bought this. I'm so into self-help books recently.
Didn't realise that I really NEEDED 'help' until I read them...
This book is really good.
Filled with encouraging quotes that surely help me to stay 'sane', which is really good for my mental health.
The illustrations are also so beautiful 🤍
I'm so glad that I bought this. ...more

Nov 24, 2020 Fatinfarzanaa rated it it was amazing

"When you are looking at a mountain, marvelling at its beauty and strength, realize it is looking right back and admiring you. Embrace your own greatness."

Upon reading this book, I stumbled at this very first sentence. This book is a very light yet meaningful book for me.

Quick, easy read. Great life advice.

The book is a small book of inspiration

Nov 29, 2020 intan zalila rated it it was amazing

Such a wonderful little book. Really recommended for anyone who love philosophy & need some inspirational quotes for their daily life.

The general ideas are good but there's a lot of malarkey that just sounds good but isn't very deep or meaningful.

Jan 03, 2021 Sarah Fox rated it it was amazing

Excellent gift inspirational book, good illustrations, positive affirmations

Apr 04, 2015 Meghan rated it liked it

I received this book as a gift at Christmas time. I have slowly worked my way through each saying, on days when I am reflecting on events, thinking of motivational quotations, etc., and finally finished this book. I enjoyed the appearance of the book, the illustrations and the sayings. At first glance I would say oh this is a children's book, but as I read it, I realized this was a book with lessons for all ages. Depending on the day, the mood, the events taking place one could and I believe wou I received this book as a gift at Christmas time. I have slowly worked my way through each saying, on days when I am reflecting on events, thinking of motivational quotations, etc., and finally finished this book. I enjoyed the appearance of the book, the illustrations and the sayings. At first glance I would say oh this is a children's book, but as I read it, I realized this was a book with lessons for all ages. Depending on the day, the mood, the events taking place one could and I believe would take different meanings from the expressions displayed on each page. I also thought it was the perfect length and I enjoyed that the sayings did not all relate to the same idea or issue. This way it was ideal for flipping through the book and browsing the thoughts/sayings until one jumped out at me.

full review at www.meghanvarner.blogspot.com

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May 29, 2013 Kelly rated it it was amazing

What a cute, little book of encouragement! I read a few pages each day and was left not only with some visual inspiration, but some words of wisdom. The quotes ranged around a few different topics, but focused primarily in believing in yourself and not letting others stop you in your quest to be your best self or to pursue your dreams. The illustrations were so cute and whimsical, yet also powerful; and for me, they certainly added to the impact of the messages. Overall, a super little book for What a cute, little book of encouragement! I read a few pages each day and was left not only with some visual inspiration, but some words of wisdom. The quotes ranged around a few different topics, but focused primarily in believing in yourself and not letting others stop you in your quest to be your best self or to pursue your dreams. The illustrations were so cute and whimsical, yet also powerful; and for me, they certainly added to the impact of the messages. Overall, a super little book for yourself or a friend who needs a reminder or some encouragement about our own potential :-) ...more

Oct 20, 2013 Jdenise rated it it was amazing

I just heard a couple somewhere saying that this is a must read books. I go straightforward to my favorite bookstore to find that book. Upon reading this, I feel so inspired. it's just like a sayings but coming from the heart. Here is my favorite part :

"The butterfly said to the sun," They can't stop talking about my transformation. But I can only do it once in my lifetime. If only they knew that they can transform at any time and in countless ways.""

So inspiring!

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Dec 22, 2015 Sarah rated it really liked it

Illustrations: 5 stars! Text: 3 stars, mainly because some of the platitudes came across as weirdly passive-aggressive. Some of them were quite uplifting, though. My mom bought me this book as a Christmas present and I am very glad for it. This isn't the type of book I would usually pick up on my own but as a gift it is very special to me. I found some of the sayings took on new meaning because I knew that she had read the book before me and gifted me these words. I love you, momma! Illustrations: 5 stars! Text: 3 stars, mainly because some of the platitudes came across as weirdly passive-aggressive. Some of them were quite uplifting, though. My mom bought me this book as a Christmas present and I am very glad for it. This isn't the type of book I would usually pick up on my own but as a gift it is very special to me. I found some of the sayings took on new meaning because I knew that she had read the book before me and gifted me these words. I love you, momma! ...more

Nov 01, 2016 Renée rated it liked it

Mwah. I give it three stars in stead of two for being somewhat a comforting book. The maxims I didn't find particularly inspiring, they seemed obvious, not many interesting viewpoints, flesh to the bone or twists that touched me or sunk in. Just one page after the other. The drawings were nice, especially because of the colors, they helped me to ponder at times (and feel something) but nothing spectacular. Mwah. I give it three stars in stead of two for being somewhat a comforting book. The maxims I didn't find particularly inspiring, they seemed obvious, not many interesting viewpoints, flesh to the bone or twists that touched me or sunk in. Just one page after the other. The drawings were nice, especially because of the colors, they helped me to ponder at times (and feel something) but nothing spectacular. ...more

Beautiful

We lose ourselves in the fast paced complexities and our perceptions o.f life. What a delight to relax with these truths that are so artfully expressed in their simplicity. I'm going to start every day with a "cup of sunshine" and maybe have an afternoon one too.

Beautiful

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Feb 04, 2014 Leslie Nord rated it it was amazing

What a wonderful, beautiful little book full of affirmations. Recommended for anyone who enjoys philosophy and the power of the soul. It is non denominational so can appeal to a wide audience including the non religious.

Awesome in every dimension

A deep breath of fresh air, inspiring and satisfying greets the weary, discouraged or sated on every wonderful page. This book is a rare jewel to be read and re-read. Thank you for such delight!