Book Review: am I being kind … how asking one simple question can change your life … and your world – by Michael J. Chase - Live Your Music

I decided to review this book because I had seen other people's comments about Michael Chase's talk at the Hay House "Movers & Shakers" in Boston on facebook. I became extremely curious to know more about him, his Kindness Center, and his book "am I being kind" which Hay House published because of his talk at the event.

Whether you've been to a "Movers & Shakers" event, are considering going to one, or have no idea what it is – I am convinced that you'll find his book and the stories he tells in it to be inspiring.

The book, am I being kind, arrived at my home on Friday, May 20, 2011 – which would have been my Mom's 80th Birthday. Because she was a great example of kindness and unconditional love, it felt perfect to have the book come that day. In fact in some ways it feels like it was a gift from my Mom!

When I asked Michael why the title is written with all lowercase letters all except for the "I" — and why there is no question mark — he told me, "The answer is in the book." His answer made me even more curious to read the book. And yes the answer is in the book.

As Michael says in the book, while many people believe it's too late or impossible to alter their path and make a different decision it's not true.

The stories Michael tells in the book are very convincing and remind us all that it's never too late to change!

Michael suggests reading the book slowly to get the most benefit from it. I enjoyed it so much I read it in one weekend. Taking notes for writing this review gave me a chance to re-visit the stories and helped me remember main points he makes in the book.

The first two chapters tell stories about what Michael calls the "art of unkindness" and they help us see the contrast that caused him to have a burning desire to live a life of kindness. The fact that he grew up with a father who was unkind and a grandfather who was even more unkind shows us we can each decide to make the choice to be kind and to live a life of kindness.

Michael J. Chase

One of the stories I loved is about how a turtle crossing the road changed how he felt about kindness and inspired him to live a life of kindness. Four months after the turtle epiphany Michael decided to create and open The Kindness Center.

Michael Chase's book is a delight to read because of his sense of humor. The title of chapter three is "From Toll House to Hay House." In it he tells the story of how he went from being paid with Toll House cookies to being asked to become a Hay House author.

I greatly enjoyed the chapter titled "Moving & Shaking in Boston." It was interesting to read the day-by-day descriptions of what it was like to be there and how he was feeling from Friday, April 23, 2010, through Sunday, April 25, 2010. I had attended the Movers and Shakers event in San Francisco the month before so I found it interesting to contrast how I was feeling with how he felt while there.

Michael was chosen as one of four people at the "Movers & Shakers" event who got to give a seven minute talk. The days right after the event he got emails from Cheryl Richardson and Reid Tracy. On Wayne Dyer's 70th Birthday, May 10, 2010, Michael received a contract from Hay House to publish his book!

Parts II & III of the book reveal how Michael shifted from a life of misery to now living a life of kindness and inspiration.

In the book Michael will ask you to make choices that can change your world, your relationships, and how you feel about yourself.

You'll want to read the book to find out how one simple question can change your life and also change the lives of those around you. One way is by creating a daily "To-Be List" before you create your "To-Do List" for the day.

What would I change about the book? The cover could be more colorful and have a graphic or photo but the contents of this book certainly make it worth buying.

Why do I recommend this book? Michael's stories are inspiring and told with a sense of humor. He comes across as authentic, likable and unique. Combining humor with this topic really helps make a lasting impression.

Does being kind help you feel happy? Does being kind help others feel happy? After reading this book, I am convinced the answer is YES for both questions. It is my belief that anyone who reads this book will be inspired to do what they can to help make the world a kinder and happier place.

Here are links for two ways to buy this book:
Hay House
Amazon