How we make sense of our worlds--the stories we tell ourselves and each other--does much to determine what we experience, our actions, and our destinies. Some stories are better than others because they are more enlivening and encouraging, helping people to get more of what they want. They carry wisdom and hope. They open people's hearts and touch their feelings. They speak to the person's truth or dream. They tap into our strengths and resources. They invigorate us, making us feel more alive and more deeply human. In this extraordinary new collection of essays and interviews, Michael Hoyt extends the vision of "Some Stories Are Better than Others" as he explores how narrative construction and "storying" can make therapy more effective and efficient. Combining a personal, down-to-earth style with an encyclopedic knowledge of the professional literature, he draws from extensive clinical experience as well as humor, poetry, and candid revelation to illustrate the importance of language and worldviews that inspire and empower. "The Present is a Gift" will provide a rich reading experience for anyone interested in good stories and strength-based time-sensitive therapy.