Good Morning, I Love You

Once you get past the title, which is reminiscent of the early 1990s Saturday Night Live skits with Stuart Smalley’s daily affirmations—“I am good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”—this book reveals a guide to better living. Shapiro combines neuroscience with exercises to help readers cultivate self-kindness and positivity, which ultimately leads to “calm, clarity, and joy.”  Mindfulness is at the center of this text. In Part I, Shapiro explains concepts of neuroplasticity and mindfulness (and the three pillars of mindfulness – intention, attention, attitude). Part II focuses on self-compassion, acceptance, emotion regulation, perspective, responsibility and forgiveness. Part III concludes with joy and more mindfulness. Interspersed throughout are exercises to practice each of these concepts. While it’s worthwhile to read the whole book, the clear layout allows you to dip in as needed.