Stress consultant Carlson reads his self-help guide with conviction, his gentle voice clear and persuasive. He presents common-sense advice for living a less hectic and more meaningful, loving life. His essential message is that we get caught up in minutiae, "the small stuff," and never get around to doing what makes us or our loved ones happy. He advises readers to engage in such small acts as paying someone a compliment daily, putting a lid on keeping track of who does what around the house, and writing a letter to a friend.

So many of us would like to live our lives in a calmer and less stressful way, and be able to let go of our problems. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all Small Stuff shows you how to stop letting the little things in life drive you crazy. In 136 short essays, Dr Richard Carlson teaches us, in his gentle and encouraging style, simple strategies for living a more fulfilled and peaceful life.

Introduction

1. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

2. Make Peace with Imperfection

3. Let Go of the Idea that Gentle, Relaxed People Can't Be Superachievers

4. Be Aware of the Snowball Effect of Your Thinking

5. Develop Your Compassion

6. Remind Yourself that When You Die, Your "In Basket" Won't Be Empty

7. Don't Interrupt Others or Finish Their Sentences

8. Do Something Nice for Someone Else--and Don't Tell Anyone About It

9. Let Others Have the Glory

10. Learn to Live in the Present Moment

11. Imagine that Everyone Is Enlightened Except You

12. Let Others Be "Right" Most of the Time

13. Become More Patient

14. Create "Patience Practice Periods"

15. Be the First One to Act Loving or Reach Out

16. Ask Yourself the Question, "Will This Matter a Year from Now?"

17. Surrender to the Fact that Life Isn't Fair

18. Allow Yourself to Be Bored

19. Lower Your Tolerance to Stress

20. Once a Week, Write a Heartfelt Letter

21. Imagine Yourself at Your Own Funeral

22. Repeat to Yourself, "Life Isn't an Emergency"

23. Experiment with Your Back Burner

24. Spend a Moment Every Day Thinking of Someone to Thank

25. Smile at Strangers, Look into Their Eyes, and Say Hello

26. Set Aside Quiet Time, Every Day

27. Imagine the People in Your Life as Tiny Infants and as One-Hundred-Year-Old Adults

28. Seek First to Understand

29. Become a Better Listener

30. Choose Your Battles Wisely

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