Simple Abundance

A year or so ago I was looking for a gift for my mom. At the time, she was recovering from surgery and was feeling a little down and out. I asked my Aunt (her sister) if she had a book suggestion that she thought my mom would enjoy and she recommended a book entitled, "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach. I didn't give it a ton of thought, went to Barnes and Nobles and picked it up. I read some of it in the store, impressed and wishing I could afford two copies. But we couldn't, so I just got the one, had it wrapped, and took it to my mom.

Since then, I have noticed the book on her headboard whenever I go into her room. I have no idea if she has read or is reading it still but honestly, I was always envious of this book on her headboard. Since being married and having kids (I'm sure many of you can relate) I rarely give myself gifts or indulge in luxuries such as new books. We have an amazing library here in town so when I feel I can squeeze some reading in, I check one out there (usually to be returned a week late only partially read). But his book, is not that kind of book. It's a book full of insight and wisdom to be read each day. There is a small essay for everyday of the year. It's separated by month, then days. Each month seems to have a theme of sorts and at the end of the month, suggestions of things to do during that month. THIS was a book I could read, and get read! A little everyday, to lift the spirit, enable the mind, uplift my day.

This summer during one of our few garage sale adventures I found a 1995 version of the book (I think it's been revised or updated since then) that looked as if it had never been opened. I paid a meger 50 cents for it. I am happy to report, I look forward to reading this book every day. Since I bought the book in June, it felt weird to start at the beginning, January, but it also felt weird to start in the middle of a book, June, (I'm a little OCD like that...) so I have just been reading whatever date I happen to fall on. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit, but the book stays on the back of the toilet. Yes, I read this book in "the library" (as we used to call it when we were kids...probably because that was the only time my mom found to read something also) for those rare 2 or 3 quiet minutes I HAVE to take during the day (please, no envisioning me ready a book on the pot...gross). I read October 9th a few days ago and can't manage to get over it because it applies so well to me (perhaps because I feel like I fall short of each and every one of these...). I've read it probably 20 times since then and have even made Mickey read it. I decided to copy it here (because apparently I feel like writing a book report today...while two of my kids are screaming trying to fall asleep and one won't stop asking me to help with multiple other tasks...) in hopes that maybe someone else out there might need it too. Enjoy....

Coping with Stress

In this world without quiet corners, there can be no easy escapes...from hullabaloo, from terrible, unquiet fuss. -- Salman Rushide

Is there a woman alive who doesn't suffer from stress? If there is, seek her out, ask her to share her wisdom. When you find her, I'd be willing to bet she'll offer the following suggestions:

Cultivate gratitude.

Carve out an hour a day for solitude.

Begin and end the day with prayer, meditation, reflection.

Keep it simple.

Keep your house picked up.

Don't overschedule.

Strive for realistic deadlines.

Never make a promise you can't keep.

Allow an extra half hour for everything you do.

Create quiet surroundings at home and at work.

Go to bed at nine o'clock twice a week.

Always carry something interesting to read.

Breathe-deeply and often.

Move-walk, dance, run, find a sport you enjoy.

Drink pure spring water. Lots of it.

Eat only when hungry.

If it's not delicious, don't eat it.

Be instead of do.

Set aside one day a week for rest and renewal.

Laugh more often.

Luxuriate in your senses.

Always opt for comfort.

If you don't love it, live without it.

Let Mother Nature nurture.

Don't answer the telephone during dinner.

Stop trying to please everybody.

Start pleasing yourself.

Stay away from negative people.

Don't squander precious resources: time, creativity, energy, emotion.

Nurture friendships.

Don't be afraid of your passion.

Approach problems as challenges.

Honor your aspirations.

Set achievable goals.

Surrender expectations.

Savor beauty.

Create boundaries.

For every "yes," let the be a "no".

Don't worry; be happy.

Remember, happiness is a living emotion.

Exchange security for serenity.

Care for your soul.

Cherish your dreams.

Express love every day.

Search for your authentic self until you find her.

While I was writing this post and looking for a picture of the book, I came across some great sights just by Googling "Simple Abundance" including the author's sight: http://www.simpleabundance.com/; a very uplifting blog: http://www.onewomanshaven.blogspot.com/; www.divinecaroline.com