Don't Sweat the Small Stuff . . . and It's All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series) Paperback – January 16, 1997

Great read and so essential. This was such a powerful book, written in such a relatable way. I loved it!

Richard Carlson’s Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff is more than just a book—it’s a guide to clarity, acceptance, and peace. For me, it was an eye-opener, a work that challenged my perspective on life, stress, and the things I once considered important. This book came to me at the right time, and finishing it on January 23, 2025, felt like starting the year on the right note. It’s a powerful reminder of what really matters in life.The insights Carlson offers are both profound and practical. He encourages readers to focus on what they can control—their responses and attitudes—and let go of what they cannot. This simple yet profound concept significantly lowered my stress level. Certain situations, circumstances, and even people that once weighed heavily on me now hold less power. I’ve learned to accept things—and people—for what and who they are, understanding that everyone’s behavior is shaped by their past and environment. This acceptance has brought peace to my life, reminding me that the only real control I have is over my own reactions, or even whether I choose to respond at all.One of the book’s key messages is that God is in control of so much more than we realize. Carlson’s words brought me clarity about trusting Him while focusing on the areas of life where my actions can make a difference. The reminder to live each day as if it’s your last resonated deeply. As someone who works in the final expense profession, I know all too well that life is unpredictable. You don’t have to be old, young, or sick to pass away—you just have to be alive. This truth makes it vital to focus on what truly matters and leave behind unnecessary worries.What I appreciated most is the emphasis on intuition. Carlson reminds us that intuition is God-given—a gift to guide us. Reading this book has helped me trust my own instincts more, leaning into that inner wisdom to make decisions that align with my values and purpose.This is a five-star read and a book I recommend to anyone looking to lower their anxiety, gain a clearer understanding of what’s truly important, and embrace a more peaceful approach to life. It’s not just a guide to living stress-free—it’s a manual for living well. Carlson’s wisdom is timeless, and I’m grateful he took the time to share his life experiences with the world.Even though the author is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through this book. Thank you, Richard Carlson, for giving us a gift of wisdom that continues to transform lives. For me, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff has been more than a book—it’s been a shift in how I live, think, and view the world. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone ready to let go of unnecessary burdens and embrace a life of clarity and peace.Deon FreemanFinished January 23, 2025A meaningful way to start the year.

Great book to read and learn

This book arrived with the cover bent in half. Not the worst part, it had a thick ear wax looking type substance on the front and sides of the book. Looks like someone read this and sent this back. No quality control and absolutely disgusting. Also….The text in the book was crooked!Update:Ok, I decided to sanitize the book and start this process over because I carefully chose this book with a lot of thought. It is a wonderful book. Its straightforward. Short but concise. The format is written in a way that explains why the advice is given the way it is. I was reading this with excitement on how to use this daily in my life. I loved it so much I am going to read it again and highlight the parts important to me. No wonder so many were sold.I dont want to blame the book for the manner in which it was printed and sent to me.Im glad I bought this.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff . . . and It's All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson is a refreshing guide that delivers practical advice on managing life's everyday stressors. Carlson's approachable writing style and straightforward principles help readers shift their focus away from minor annoyances and towards a more balanced and serene perspective.The book is filled with simple, yet profound insights designed to help you navigate life’s small irritations with grace. Each chapter provides a manageable tip or strategy, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Carlson’s wisdom encourages readers to embrace mindfulness, practice patience, and let go of unnecessary stress.Ideal for those seeking a lighter, more positive approach to handling life’s challenges, this book is a valuable resource for cultivating inner peace and resilience. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff is a timeless reminder that often, it's the little things that matter least, and finding peace within oneself can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful life

When I first heard it described, my impression was that "Don't Sweat..." sounded too pop and too easy for me to spend time reading. My skepticism subsided about five pages in, however, when I suddenly realized that these deceptively simple paragraphs and chapters contained numerous essential truths about the human condition. In fact, ascertaining what the imperatives of life are should not be anywhere near as complex as we make them out to be. We spend so much time obsessing about things that won't matter to us 10 days from now, let alone 10 years. To fully understand the present is often to comprehend that the present is not very meaningful in the final analysis.In these 100 easy to scan and absorb lessons, Dr. Carlson gives his readers something far more valuable than fake self-esteem; he gives them perspective, and an accurate, nonjaded view of life has more worth than platinum. The thing that I personally found most valuable about Dr. Carlson's message is that we can be, and often are, the catalysts for change in our own lives. There's nothing we can do about other people's pathologies. We must try to function as best we can amidst their dysfunctionalities. Improving our own situations is fundamental. We must avoid blaming others because that accomplishes nothing, and, most importantly, it moves us no further towards our goals.This is a work of joy and optimism, but why shouldn't our lives be imbued with the same characteristics as the text? Carpe Diem is his final, parting message. We must live every day as if it were our last because it may well turn out to be.