CMYK
“Dodinsky’s gentle wisdom and wit are like a breath of fresh air.” —KAREN SALMANSOHN, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOW TO BE HAPPY, DAMMIT!
IN THE GARDEN OF THOUGHTS
Beloved by hundreds of thousands from every walk of life and in every corner of the world, Dodinsky strikes the perfect balance of delightful whimsy and powerful emotion, inspiring you with the power to be your best self.
When I reach the place of my dreams, I will thank my failures and tears. They too, kept me going.
The only place
you can find
the power to
be your best self.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4022-7583-8 www.sourcebooks.com
www.dodinsky.com
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$12.99 U.S. £6.99 UK
dodinsky
Gift/Inspiration
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
dodinsky Illustrations by Amanda Cass
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Copyright © 2012 by Dodinsky Cover and internal design © 2012 by Sourcebooks, Inc. Cover and internal illustrations by Amanda Cass Cover design by Jennifer K. Beal Davis, jennykate.com Sourcebooks and the colophon are registered trademarks of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from its publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. —From a Declaration of Principles Jointly Adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations All brand names and product names used in this book are trademarks, registered trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders. Sourcebooks, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor in this book. Published by Sourcebooks, Inc. P.O. Box 4410, Naperville, Illinois 60567-4410 (630) 961-3900 Fax: (630) 961-2168 www.sourcebooks.com Printed and bound in China. LEO 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
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When you are looking at a mountain, marveling at its beauty and strength, realize it is looking right back and admiring you.
Embrace your own greatness.
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Consider your heart a cocoon from which dreams emerge like butterflies to wander in the garden.
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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.
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Unbind your spirit.
Don’t let the opinion of others restrain you.
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I survived my insecurities and though the road is daunting, I have learned being true-to-oneself is good company.
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If others want to define you, don’t linger in their pond. Swim away from their ignorance and find your ocean.
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Even if you find your voice, sometimes it does not matter anymore, when you speak to someone who is deaf by choice.
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