Is "loving everyone” really possible? The answer may surprise you, as Michael chronicles his journey toward enlightenment, gaining insight from a very unlikely source—a four-legged guru named Mollie, who happens to be the most lovable yet mischievous dog in the world. In his attempt to understand her ability to unconditionally love all, Chase begins to see the world through his best friend’s eyes, especially during their morning walks. Mollie’s hilarious antics and maddening behavior ultimately lead to profound insights learned at the other end of the leash.
Written with heart and sidesplitting humor, this one-of-a-kind true story of friendship and a divine albeit outrageous dog delivers on its promise to reveal a pathway toward enlightenment . . . and brings each of us one step closer to loving everyone.
“I believe that animals are on the planet so that we can know love and compassion. We are profoundly connected to our pets more than we are usually aware of, and Michael J. Chase captures that love in The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone. I happily endorse this book!”
— Louise L. Hay, author of the international bestseller You Can Heal Your Life
Awakening the reader like caffeine for the heart, am I being kind revives the spirit and blazes a direct path to a more peaceful and kindhearted world. In this captivating guide to personal transformation, author and inspirational speaker Michael J. Chase reveals how one simple question has the power to change your life and the lives of those around you. As you ask, “am I being kind” in seven vital areas of your life, you discover the secret to creating unlimited joy, inner peace, and the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Having experienced the “art of unkindness” throughout much of his life, Michael shares his own journey of self-discovery and the lessons learned from unlikely spiritual teachers along the way. Through riveting true stories and a unique step-by-step program, am I being kind shows you how the astonishing power of kindness can change your heart, your life, and ultimately, your world.
More kind words...
“This book is an easy, perhaps even breezy, read due to the author's highly accessible and upbeat writing style. It invites a quick read; however, it would be a mistake not to stop and 'smell the roses.' It contains serious content worth contemplation.”
— Science of Mind Magazine
“Michael’s tireless work is essential to the well-being of us all. He lives, writes, and shares so that others can discover the truly life-changing power of kindness. I wholeheartedly know that the world is changing for the better because of him. I look forward to the day when kindness is not such an unexpected surprise – all because of Michael’s work.”
— Kris Wittenberg, founder of: begoodtopeople.com
“As we try and navigate ourselves through increasingly hectic and distracted lives, when quiet, simple moments seem rare, “am I being kind” offers us a fresh perspective, allowing us to pause and remember what is truly important in this life: kindness towards ourselves and others. Thank you Michael!”
— Lisa Barstow, author of: Don’t go Back to Sleep, a memoir
“Michael J. Chase has it right when he calls kindness ‘the vehicle for delivering unconditional love’ and ‘the creative distribution of love.‘ The simple and universal set of personal choices presented in “am I being kind” can pave the pathway to happiness, for you and those around you.”
— Dave Berman, Manifest Positivity Life Coach and Clinical Hypnotherapist
“Michael, I read your book yesterday in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. One word: Masterpiece! Thank you and bravo my friend.”
— Patrick Combs, bestselling author of Major in Success & Founder of GoodThink.com
“It seems like such a simple concept...being kind. Something we're taught as children. Somewhere along the way we lose sight of that. We replace kindness with angry words, rude gestures, incivility, cruelty, violence and then are surprised to be repaid with like actions. Michael Chase's heartfelt book reminds us that how we treat ourselves, others, and the world can be an amazing transforming energy either for ill or good. Inspired by Michael's own experiences growing up in a house filled with anger, substance abuse, depression, and violence, his story is one of breaking the cycle and making a life based on kindness.
This is a book everyone should read. It is particularly a must-read for teachers, pastors, child advocates, parents, medical professionals and anyone who wants to impact their own lives and the lives of others in a positive way. Kindness changes everything.”
— Caroline Jordan, author of: Stop the Cash Flow Roller Coaster, I Want to Get Off!
“So many of us are seeking the answer to “Why am I here?” We are all blessed that Michael J. Chase has found his own answer— to be “The Kindness Guy.” Through this priceless work, Michael starts a service-based movement to change our world for the better. As a reader, you can’t help but want to become one of his foot soldiers; “am I being kind” is our training manual.”
— Scott Wittig, Author of "Holy It!" and "The Second Day" www.scottwittig.com
“I was in tears in the Prologue and laughing out loud in Chapter One. That’s when I knew I was going to love this book! Indeed, Michael J. Chase has entertainingly captured not just the love affair we have with our dogs, but why we’d do well to give up self-help books and guru sessions in favor of studying our canines. Mollie is an utter delight, as are the lessons we learn from her through Michael’s eyes.”
— Jeannette Maw, master certified coach and founder of Good Vibe Coaching
“I love this book! It’s filled to the brim with gracious wisdom that’s woven into wonderful, heartfelt stories. As you read Michael Chase’s well-crafted words, you will find yourself laughing, nodding with pleasure, and even slapping your sides . . . as the gateway to ‘loving everyone’ opens wide and deep.”
— Denise Linn, best-selling author of Sacred Space and Soul Coaching
"If you're an animal lover, this book has to go onto your 'must-read' list. If you're an animal lover that is interested in self-development - drop everything and download this book now. A chronicle of Michael Chase's journey towards enlightenment, this story follows how he is inspired and challenged by his four-legged guru, Mollie. A story of friendship, love, wisdom, enlightenment and how one beautiful little dog changed a man's life.”
— Happiness & Wellbeing Magazine
“am I being kind is a sweet, sweet book about the essence of life, which is love. I have enjoyed reading it.”— Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul & author of the best-selling book The Success Principles
“Once in a while, a book comes along that totally blows me away, hits my soul and makes such a difference to how I see my place in the world. “Am I being kind” is simply amazing. It is inspiring and really makes SO much sense when you read it. For the planet to get much better and for our own sakes too, we MUST be more kind to others. So many books on happiness and living well are being written with many putting the same message out there...but this has something super special about it. It’s a must read for every single person on the planet.”— Anna Rodgers, Miss Eco Glam book reviews
"Chase presents a beautiful approach to his goal of kindness and love. Never preachy, always friendly, often humorous, a must-read for dog-lovers, spiritual persons, and everyone else."
— Librarything.com book reviews
“This is a real treat for dog lovers interested in digging deeper into how to live and love with a pure heart. Don’t confuse this with the other dog books out there, because there’s no comparison. I highly recommend it! Get a few copies to share with the rest of your pack.”
— Kat Jaibur, writer and founder of Tiny Changes
“A big thank you to Michael and Mollie for letting us join them on their adventures. From around the neighborhood to the path of enlightenment, The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone teaches us that we only need a compass of love to fully enjoy the journey.”
— Karen C. Auld, founder, Society of Ultimate Living
“Two paws up! You will love Mollie. You will laugh at Michael and Mollie’s adventures. You will learn about the simplicity of life through the perspective of the world’s greatest teacher: man’s best friend.”
— Oie Osterkamp, author, speaker, founder of www.sharefish.org and executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Durham
“Perspective and life lessons from a dog? Thank you, Michael J. Chase, for being smart enough to learn—and kind enough to share—something so simple. Once again, you’ve served us with compassion and altruism. Thank you for writing this brilliant book.”
— Scott Wittig, inspirational speaker and author of Holy It! and The Second Day
“This book gleans wisdom from great spiritual teachers on how to transform our lives through deeper understanding, compassion, and love. Chase’s life shines as a model of one person’s dedication to inspiring kindness throughout the world.”
— Carlotta Girouard, MPP, co-founder of the Evergreen Institute for Wellness
“I am thrilled that Michael Chase has written another book! The purity of the message will stir your soul, and most important, open your heart to everyday opportunities that can ignite within you an unconditional love for all.”
— Annie Burnside, award-winning author of Soul to Soul Parenting
“This book brought tears and laughter to my soul, and for all who read it, it will show the sheer pleasure of man’s best friend and the joy they bring to our lives.”
— Vicki Monroe, Spirit Messenger and author of Understanding Spirit, Understanding Yourself and Voices From Heaven
"Michael has the unique ability of turning his darkest moments, pains and struggles into a catalyst for change and healing. Truth over Shame is his powerful and inspiring journey of finding the gifts within darkness. His authenticity, vulnerability and courage to share his story, helps lift the stigma of mental illness. Michael's journey will empower and give hope to those struggling silently. This raw and emotionally charged book, helps cultivate greater love and compassion for those that have suffered from depression. An essential read for all!"
— Uchechi Ezurike-Bosse - Author, Speaker & Founder of My Empowered Living
"Michael Chase has such a big heart and passionate soul. I love his work and his books.
This book is a treasure in it’s vulnerability, truth, and openness. It helps us all remember that we are not alone and that even when we are in pain, we can not only get through it, but grow and evolve in the process. I appreciate the courage it took for him to write this book and the power of it." ~ Mike Robbins, Bestselling Author and Speaker
"This raw, informative, and inspiring page-turner is a must-read for anyone who lives with depression or shame of any kind. It is also a must-read for those who love them. Michael delivers an intimate portrait of achieving incredible heights on the outside simultaneously crashing to unfathomable depths on the inside. Similar to his other two transformative books, ‘am I being kind’ and ‘The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone’ MJC's authenticity, vulnerability, wisdom, and unstoppable spirit weave through it all leaving us rooting for him to the very last page." — Susan T. Mullen, Author, Speaker & Intuitive Coach
"If you've been through depression yourself, or know anyone who has, this book is a must read. Truth Over Shame is a touching and vulnerable account of one man's journey through depression; ultimately returning to the light. Michael shares his personal story of how darkness challenged his soul, and threatened his mission to spread Kindness. His honesty shows us all that mental health issues are not something to be taken lightly or stigmatized. But if we bravely face them, we can come out on the other side stronger than before. Michael's life is his message, and the way he shares the good and the bad is inspiring!"
— Tracy Watland, Speaker & Author of "The Kindness Can"
"I started reading this book today and couldn't put it down until I got to the last page.
I applaud the author for being brave and sharing his truth to help others. Be ready: this memoir does have some raw, honest, straight talk. It’s the only way to authentically tell this story. The author perfectly captures the feeling of the utter isolation of depression. I highly recommend this book!" — K.M. Creamer, Author of "One Brave Thing"
& "What if Bebe Stays with Steven?"
"Michael has a way of making the reader feel safe and comfortable learning about his journey and exploring their own. A terrific book to inspire individuals to keep moving forward and never give up.” — Vicki Savini, Author of "Ignite the Light: Empowering Children & Adults to Be Their Absolute Best."
"The greatest gift we can offer in the liberating season of compassion is vulnerability.
To know we share all of life, not just the good, not just the bad, is what allows us to truly understand each other. Well done, Michael."
— Alex Woodard, Bestselling Author, Singer - Songwriter
“The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone is exuberant, hilarious, and thought provoking. It is an observation of the qualities that earn dogs ‘best friend’ status and make us feel so good. More important, it’s a reflection on how dogs can inspire us to be good, or at least better, human beings than we otherwise might.”
— Anita Coupe, chair, board of directors of The Humane Society of the United States (2008–2012)
In Michael J. Chase’s emotionally charged memoir, he explains how our most significant moments of pain can lead us toward a life that is bitter . . . or one that is undeniably better. By choosing to see any crisis, big or small, as the precursor to courage, resilience and especially, truth, we discover the meaning behind suffering: To evolve spiritually, deepen our compassion and use our experiences to make life better for ourselves and others. Written with raw emotion and vulnerability, Chase chronicles his journey into darkness, revealing how he escaped the grip of severe depression; turned despair into strength, and in the end, proves that just because you’ve had a dark past, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a bright future.
© 2007- 2021 The Kindness Center / Michael J. Chase
