The Simplest Gift

by Stefanos Xenakis

Overview

The international bestseller—a collection of delightfully human stories that reveal the ways compassion and empathy can bring out the best in all of us.

“Every day is a Gift. Open it. Do not throw it away.”

The relentless pace of the working day. Endless, unconquerable to-do lists. A constant sense of distraction and isolation despite countless online connections. In our increasingly complex world, true contentment has never felt further from reach.

The Simplest Gift is a vital antidote for our times. Over the course of one hundred stories—each centered around a unique lesson—Stefanos Xenakis shares the transformative outlook through which he has found purpose and meaning in life’s everyday moments. From rising early to sharing generously and laughing readily, Xenakis proves that joy can be found in the simplest and least expected places. Humane, compassionate, and profound, this essential book teaches us how to love fully, live freely, and embrace the remarkable beauty of our humanity.  

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063079106
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/12/2022
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.60(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Stefanos Xenakis is an entrepreneur, social media phenomenon, and popular inspirational speaker based in Athens. He is the author of The Gift, which was a longtime number-one bestseller in Greece and became an international sensation, and Captain: Letters to my dad. Stefanos has become a leading voice and a highly sought-after inspirational speaker.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

1 Lili 5

2 Honor Your Parents 9

3 The Wake of a Smile 13

4 Your Plot of Land 17

5 Come Out Swinging 21

6 Want Some Gum? 25

7 Your Goals Are Your Life 29

8 Cruella de Vil 33

9 Roots 37

10 Could Things Actually Be OK? 41

11 Humor 45

12 You Can't Be Loved by Everyone 49

13 Water Grooves 53

14 How Much Is a Bottle of Water? 57

15 Less Is More 61

16 The Signs 63

17 None of Your Business 67

18 See the Beauty 71

19 Fifteen Hours to Veria 75

20 The Electrician 79

21 Wait for Kostas 83

22 This Too Shall Pass 85

23 Never Be Bees 89

24 The Beggar 93

25 Why? 97

26 70 Paradise Road 101

27 Turn Off the TV 105

28 Who Are You? 109

29 Notebook of Miracles 113

30 A Weekend at the Holy Mountain 117

31 Ears of Corn 121

32 The Yoga Instructor 125

33 How Much Is Fifty Euros? 129

34 A Good Word 133

35 Appreciate Money 137

36 The Gift 141

37 Field Trip of Life 145

38 The Plastic Bottle 149

39 Have a Nice Week! 153

40 Does Life Have Rules? 155

41 The Five-Euro Bill 163

42 Sharpen Your Saw 165

43 Lady Muck 169

44 Flush the Toilet 171

45 Birthdays 175

46 The Hand of God 179

47 Don't React. Respond. 181

48 Superdad 183

49 God Be with You 187

50 The Diner 191

51 Own Goal 195

52 The Art of Living 199

53 Little Black Clouds 207

54 Emma 211

55 The Equation 215

56 Why Some People Succeed 219

57 Happiness 223

58 My Act of Courage 225

59 I Love You 229

60 Terrific! 233

61 Sigalas and Oseola 235

62 Recipe for Spaghetti 239

63 Whatever … 243

64 Home Sweet Home 247

65 Catch the Ball 251

66 Sparkling Water 255

67 Close the Windows 259

68 Mr. Ioannidis 261

69 Take Care of Yourself 265

70 Bullying 269

71 Leave a Door Open 273

72 The Thief 277

73 The Lifeguard 279

74 The Drummer 281

75 Talk to Yourself 283

76 How to Succeed 287

77 Greek Generosity 291

78 Your Shit 295

79 Joy 297

80 Love 301

81 High Score 305

82 Be on Time 311

83 The Greats 313

84 The Moth 317

85 The Construction Crew 321

86 Never Give Up 325

87 Go the Extra Mile 329

88 Share 333

89 Don't Spread Yourself Too Thinly 337

90 Shipwrecked 341

91 One Morning Along the Seafront 345

92 The Magic Glasses 349

93 Two of You 353

94 The Phone Call 357

95 Take It Easy 361

96 Commitment 365

97 Wrong 369

98 Only Love 373