How to Live a Grateful Life in a Fckd Up World

This was one of the most fun, peaceful... and gentle lessons from the universe. Aaron makes spiritual practice relevant, easy and useable for every minute of life... just read it!

Tami Rode

I often find my mind wandering, not focusing on the task at hand or a conversation or what I'm reading. This book gave me a way back — now focusing in the moment is only a breath or two away, and I'm back.

Wendy Courtney

Great real-world practice of meditation — this book keeps it real and practical, and the reminders of why we do this thing help it not become just another thing I should do on the list.

Tom Perkowitz

I cannot more highly recommend this book! It's built from the same content as Aaron's 9-week course — the chapter readings, the guided meditations, the journal prompts at the end of every chapter, and the reading lists that let you go deeper if you want to. The most impactful message that comes through again and again boils down to: you cannot do this wrong! For those of us with perfectionistic tendencies, that encouragement is the key to actually sticking with it. It kept me engaged, inspired and committed to keeping on keeping on with my decades-long pursuit of mental, emotional and spiritual growth. It's a book you can return to again and again, since you come to the same pages as a different person, ready to deepen and enrich the progress already made.

Sandy Nipper

Very down to earth, real with no BS — excellent book on mindfulness.

Vinny Buscher

This has been a wonderful read. Aaron's book is candid and inspiring in how it explains the way the human brain works and how we keep ourselves from reaching peace and our full potential.

Dawn Holly Johnson

Aaron is a terrific mindfulness teacher, and this book makes mindfulness and living a grateful life accessible. His approach is never too precious (certainly not woo), while always being inspiring and practical. I'm grateful I found this book.

Geoff Amidei

Aaron makes mindfulness and meditation so approachable and relatable in this book. Since reading it, mindfulness has become an important and powerful part of my daily awareness in business and life.

Chris Angell

This was a great read for me. Something I've put off my whole life and finally did. Aaron has a wonderful approach and method in this book. So glad I finally did this.

Dave Buchholz

Spectacular book on meditation! I've participated in many different meditation groups and programs, and Aaron's book is exactly what I was dreaming of. Can't recommend enough — 11/10.

Alysia Love

Aaron's got a down-to-earth approach in this book that I found to be a refreshing change from most authors in this space. I've especially benefitted from practicing what I call "filtering for GOOD."

Cindy Hoyt

Working through this book's 9-week structure with daily mindfulness gave me a structure I still use months later. This practice allows me to silence the external stimuli, enjoy everyday tasks, and feel overall more present and aware in life. I even implement the mindful approach with my toddler, who now initiates moments to herself — calm body, calm voice, calm mind. A life skill gained — yes. A parenting hack — 100%. A worthwhile purchase — absofknlutely!!

Megan Stewart

This book has been a key contributor in my ability to navigate a challenging life. I'm a 43-year-old step-mom of a nine and an 11-year-old, running my own mortgage business, which calls on me to be self-generating and mentally fit. The mental fitness aspect has been put to the test with the world in chaos and economic challenges everywhere I look. This book has been the greatest partner in granting me acceptance of the world and my circumstances the way they are. I've had the experience recently of not taking for granted that I have an amazing life — I'm being mindful to bask in moments where I can't point to something that's crashing down. I give credit to this book for that. I don't know that my circumstances are any better than when I felt under so much pressure I didn't know if I had it in me to keep going. I'm proof that life is what you make it — it starts from the inside. I'm grateful for the training on how to live a grateful life in a fked up world. Thank you, Aaron!

Nikki Dutton

Aaron did a great job of introducing people to the power of mindfulness in this book, showing how simple meditation techniques make that power available with a simple 10 minute meditation practice.

Larry Frantz

Aaron has a great book!!

Steve Cochrane

Before this book, I thought gratitude was mostly about just "thinking positive," but reading it helped me understand it on a much deeper level. It gave me space to slow down, reflect, and become more aware of how I move through life, even in stressful or uncertain times. This book helped me reconnect with myself, shift my perspective, and find peace in the middle of real-life chaos. Namaste Xo

Shay

I brought this book's practices to my real estate team and I cannot even believe the results. Everyone is calmer, more present and more connected to the team. One of our agents is brand new — never had done a deal — and in the middle of putting these practices into use, closed two deals, back to back. My team is happy, present and cohesive. The world would truly be a better place if everyone got to read this book.

Janis Benstock

Aaron is an experienced and brilliant meditation teacher — he cares about people's results, and this book generously shares what makes him a rock star in this world.

Penny Conlon

After reading this book, I am left with a sense of gratitude far beyond anything I have felt before. Life looks simple to me now, whether times are good, chaotic, or difficult. I have my body, senses, and peace to come home to no matter what. Thank you.

Marty Dawson

I recently completed this book alongside Aaron Hendon's 9-week virtual meditation course, "The Mindful CEO," and the book itself was an outstanding and valuable companion. It strikes a rare balance: thoughtful and deeply grounded, while also being practical and accessible for people with full, busy lives. What sets this book apart is the depth behind it. It explains the philosophy and practice of meditation in a way that is clear, intelligent, and genuinely useful. The audiobook format is especially well designed — each chapter ends with a guided meditation, and the meditations are also organized separately at the end of the recording so you can easily return to them whenever you want to practice, whether that's during the day or before bed. That thoughtful structure makes it easy to integrate meditation into daily life rather than treating it as something theoretical. Just as important, Aaron (The Mindful CEO) writes with real authenticity. He clearly knows his material and has put in the work himself, but he also writes about meditation in a very real, grounded way. There's none of the "pie-in-the-sky" tone that can sometimes show up in this space. Instead, he acknowledges the realities of life, leadership, stress, and responsibility, and offers practices that genuinely help you navigate them with more clarity and calm. If you're looking for a book on meditation that combines wisdom, practicality, and authenticity, I highly recommend it.

Hilary Hendershott

I never write reviews, but this book had such a meaningful impact on my life that I felt compelled to share. I read it during one of the most difficult personal seasons I've faced, while also achieving some of the best results of my career. The tools in it helped me stay focused, grounded, and most of all... present, when it would have been easy to lose my footing. Without this book, I don't think I would have been able to navigate both the challenges and the success the way I did. I'm incredibly grateful for it and highly recommend it to anyone looking to build resilience, clarity and peace in their life.

Angie Mykel

The way this book positions certain common topics really flips a switch inside my brain, which is what I love most about it. It shows how to get from using the thinking brain and into the body's intelligence somehow. Very thankful for it.

Vanessa Hancock

Aaron is awesome. It was a great read. I would love to read it again.

Lasha Johnson

It was an absolute privilege to read this book. As a beginner, I can attest to the fact that it's very accessible to someone new to the practice. I am so grateful that Aaron takes the time to share his vast amount of knowledge with the rest of us. If you are on the fence, I urge you to take the plunge. You will not be disappointed.

Marya Noyes

Aaron's book, "How to Live a Grateful Life in a Fckd Up World," is one of the best and most impactful mindfulness books I've ever read! I love it so much I've gone back to it through three different rounds of the course it's built from, and I still find something new each time. I love the practices and meditations laid out chapter by chapter, and I highly recommend it for everyone.

Jill Abraham

A clear and thoughtful guide on how to be the kind of leader who creates a space for others to thrive in, all the while enjoying the journey regardless of the ups and downs.

DJ Burrough

Aaron is an amazing teacher, and this book proves it.

Kevin Lambe

The best thing since insert your most favorite thing to ever be invented. I'm grateful this book exists in the world and that we have access to it. Whether you spend a minute with it or work through the full 9-week practices it's built from, I promise you'll get something of value out of it. As someone diagnosed with ADHD and a self-proclaimed workaholic, I thought meditation and mindfulness were out of my realm and "not for me." I was "too busy," and while I still am, I now have awesome tools I can use anytime. These practices have continued to make a difference in my life, with some incredible results I attribute to the time I've spent with this material. Thank you, Aaron, for being so passionate about making a difference for others.

Julie Hammon

This book is succinct and well written, easy to read, and valuable on its own — not just as a companion to the course it's built from. Aaron is an extremely talented writer and teacher, bringing a personal warmth that's rare in this space. Reading it has been one of the best uses of my time and energy all year, and it's reaping rewards for not only myself, but everyone around me. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Julie Shannon

To say that I show up anxiously to most of my life is an understatement. I've known that meditation should theoretically be a key tool in turning that around, but every time I've tried to develop a meditation practice I fail somewhere in the first five minutes. I picked up this book because Aaron wouldn't let me fail when I quiet quit on the practice the first time. I still don't have a daily meditation practice, but I have a several-times-a-week meditation practice now. I have calming techniques that help me get present when my kids piss me off or before I go into a stressful client meeting. And I have a whole new perspective on what it means to be mindful in the real world. If you're super stoked for meditation, then maybe this book would be helpful... I don't really know. But I'm 100% confident this book is a perfect fit for somebody who is skeptical about meditation (and convinced they could never "do it right").

Aaron Owens

I learned so much from this book. First off, Aaron breaks down what meditation is and dispels the myths we think it is. With a personal and irreverent sense of humor, he lays out a distinct focus for each week's practice — sort of a road map for learning to meditate. I became very aware of things I never noticed before, like how I breathe, to really tasting what I'm eating. I know the word "mindful" has become a cliché, but that is what I'm truly experiencing in my everyday life. I'm more appreciative of my family and friends, and I'm less judgmental of myself. Oh, and gratitude — I'm feeling that too. This book has made it easy to feel more "full" in my life. I guess I'm feeling more "mind-full" now. I'd recommend it for anyone who has ever wanted to meditate and didn't think they could.

Nancy Scher

Reading this book has been a game-changer. The practices in it prime me for the day, set me up with clarity and focus, and the impact compounds over time. Each session feels like I'm building momentum, and I've noticed real results not just in business but in how I show up overall. Highly recommend if you want to operate at your best.

Shane Leever

Aaron is one of the most down to earth, thought provoking people I know, and that comes through clearly in this book. Whether he's walking you through a practice or leading a meditation on the page, I always walk away with a new perspective and/or a greater appreciation for my life and the people and circumstances in it. As a bonus, he's pretty funny.

Heather Hurst

I've known Aaron for years, mostly through the work we've done together for Rotary, and this book reads exactly like him — direct, funny, and genuinely trying to make things better for people without needing credit for it. If you know Aaron, you'll hear his voice on every page. If you don't, you're about to.

Mike England

I've gone through this book's practices twice and loved it both times. It's super accessible whether you're an experienced meditator or have no experience at all. It gives you space to be imperfect at it — something I've always struggled with when trying to meditate on my own. By the end, I was noticing how time started to slow down and I was appreciating each moment more. I've worked with Aaron in a few different capacities, and I'd pick up anything he puts into the world. He's terrific!

Cara Matsukane-Ho

I used to feel that meditation was intimidating and would take a lot of time. This book flips that — the short meditations in it leave me refreshed and much more productive afterward. Slow down, you'll get more done!

Greg Allen

Aaron is a gem of a human and this book is filled with wisdom. 10/10 recommend.

Drewbie Wilson

There is a massive difference between a steak at a local diner and a top tier steak house — noticeable beyond the steak alone, including service levels, ambience, and emotional appeal. I had been practicing meditation for well over a year, and there was nothing wrong with the common guided meditations I was using. However, when I picked up this book, I discovered just how much I was missing. Here you find a guide steeped in the art of human dynamics and dedicated to making a difference in the human condition. Here you find a deep dive into gratitude that not only touches the soul, but reaches in, finds the negative thinking and replaces it with joyful gratitude. Here you find a pathway to stronger relationships, whether friendships, romantic relationships, or business dealings. Here you find life the way it was meant to be lived. OK, not all at once — it's a journey. But here I have found a deeper path to what our hearts ache for. Today, the gratitude practices in this book are a daily part of my life, and I am grateful.

Michael Goodman

Aaron is great at teaching mindfulness, and this book proves it. Highly recommend you make the time to read it. You will be helped in ways you didn't know existed.

Mathew Ward

I was excited to pick up this book, having recently taken Aaron's 9-week meditation class, and found it really valuable. I'd always wondered about meditation and mindfulness but never felt quite comfortable enough to proceed. I found the book easy to understand and easy to put into practice — it feels like having noise-cancellation headphones on, in the way it gives me the space to calmly be in the world. I also really loved reading it alongside the class. I'm now 83 days in a row with the practice. I love it. I'm grateful to Aaron for writing it.

Becky Thompson

I liked this book very much. I hadn't read anything quite like it, and quite frankly, jumped at the chance when I found out Aaron had written it. I know the kind of work he does and knew it would be thorough and challenging personally. I learned a lot and found a great deal of freedom to experiment with different modalities until I found several that worked for me. I do plan to revisit it again before the year ends.

Scott Cowan

This book gave me insights that helped me keep real momentum going in my business and my mindset. It's practical, direct, and doesn't waste your time with fluff. If you're serious about growth — in business or in how you show up day to day — read this book.

Sarah Gritsyna

I picked this book up not really knowing what to expect — just knowing I needed something. Life felt loud and overwhelming, and I wasn't handling it the way I wanted to. This book gave me space I didn't realize I was missing. The breathwork alone has been a lifesaver when anxiety creeps in. It's simple, but it works. I use it constantly now. And what's wild is I didn't need to be "good" at mindfulness for it to help. Even just trying made a difference. I'm more present. A little calmer. A little more kind to myself when I mess up. It's not some magic fix — but it's shifted how I move through my day. I feel like I finally have a way to respond to stress instead of just reacting to it. If you're feeling maxed out, disconnected, or stuck in your head all the time, this book is absolutely worth reading. You don't have to be ready. You just have to start.

Kyle Korieo

This book has helped me so much. By simply slowing down, I realized I don't need to be multitasking constantly.

Jessica Gocha

I'm so glad I found this book when I did. It came at exactly the right time in my life. I was looking for ways to stay grounded and relaxed, and this book gave me just that. The techniques Aaron shares are simple yet powerful, and I've already started applying them in both my work and personal life. It's rare to find something that feels this practical and transformative at the same time. Highly recommend to anyone who's feeling stressed or just wants to build more calm into their daily routine. Mindset is a powerful thing!

Edilee Guenther

This book is incredibly beneficial. I've studied meditation and mindfulness for many years, and it still had something to offer.

Travis Foxx

This book was exactly what I needed. Aaron has a calming presence that comes through even on the page.

Teresa Fisher

Aaron has taken a deep dive into himself, and this book comes out of that vast and deep self-knowledge.

Scott Hekkers

As a guy who did meditation in his early 20s and hated it, I never thought I'd say this — but this book is 100% worth it. My team recommended it as a life refresher, and it delivered. It's not fluffy or preachy, it's straight talk mixed with real practice. 10/10.

Darren Melnayk

Aaron isn't your typical self-help author. He's the kind of guy who makes you uncomfortable in the best way. He doesn't sugarcoat anything (which I respect), and he knows how to mix humor with hard truths so it actually sticks. Highly recommend 🙌

Brooks Dutton

Amazing book, I learned a lot and got great value. I'm using what I learned every day!

Sam Koontz

If you're looking for more meaning and fulfilment in your life, you couldn't do better than to pick up this book. Aaron is one of the rare people who can help you get past life's frustrations and into a life you love. Highly recommended!

Liam Naden

Aaron has been so generous with his teaching in this book. I've followed his work for quite a while now, and it really helped me.

Deborah Teagardin

This book makes access to mindfulness practices powerfully engaging. Aaron's writing is warm and accepting, with an approach that meets readers where they are without any judgment. In fact, it disarms any notion of doing it right, needing to be a certain way, or self critique. The pages create a kind of safety and freedom to explore and reflect while learning powerful techniques to transform your relationship to yourself and others. Through these practices you'll learn to counter any distracting negativity that your inner voice may be bringing in response to the daily chaos around us.

Gareth Page

This book is a match for the modern day professional who seeks to elevate their mindfulness practice — especially for those starting from little to no prior experience. I gained a lot from it and I still continue my practice now, months later. Namaste!!

Damon Williams