Simple Abundance Sunday #1

On my birthday in 2000, my Mother gave me the book “Simple Abundance – A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach. This year I am reading the book on a daily basis as it is intended. I had not done that in previous years, rather occasionally opened the book and read a passage here and there. This year I plan to follow the path of Simple Abundance. I will be blogging on what I’ve gotten out of a weeks worth of readings on each Sunday.

One of the best things that I’ve gotten out of this book so far is to be grateful daily for everything in my life that there is to be grateful for. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been grateful each day for my life and everything in it, but it is now on a more simple level. I’ve purchased a pretty journal and it is to be my gratitude journal. I will write in it each night at bedtime. I’ve learned that it really is simple things that I am grateful for that make me most happy. My daughters kisses, my oldest sons texts, my middles sons hugs, piano lessons, my husbands compliments and advances, dancing around the house, laughter and my online community.

I am reminded in some of the readings to be my authentic self and that this book will help me recognize and embrace that.

I am encouraged to find my acre of diamonds. To continue to dream, create, believe & fulfill.

This book was written during hard times. We are in hard times now as well. I was moved by the daily reading entitled “The Prosperity of Living.” In it is quoted a passage from Ladies’ Home Journal October 1932 edition. It encouraged readers to remember that “The return of good times is not wholly a matter of money. There is a prosperity of living which is quite as important as prosperity of the pocketbook.” “It is not enough to be willing to make the best of things as they are. Resignation will get us nowhere. We must build what amounts to a new country. We must revive the ideals of the founders. We must learn the new values of money. It is time for pioneering—to create a new security for the home and the family. . . .Where we were specialists in spending, we are becoming specialists in living.”

Isn’t that great! We are going t make it through this recession. We will come out strong and I believe with better values all the way around.

Real life is busy! There are constantly things getting in the way and taking time and attention. I’ve learned that I need to accept this. To live the “right now” and not put things off till tomorrow, like that game of trouble with my daughter.

Now I’m off to go write in my gratitude journal since it’s pretty late. I know I’ll be adding to the list that I’m grateful for Marion berries and Marion berry pie! Yum!