Recently I began reading Sarah Ban Breathnach’s book, Simple Abundance: A Day Book of Comfort & Joy. Like so many things that I read, I discovered Sarah’s book through Oprah. She leads us to so many books of spiritual awakening, doesn’t she?
Sarah’s book was first published in 1996, but it is still relevant today. It is written as an inspirational daily reading. One description notes, “Simple Abundance shows you how your daily life can be an expression of your authentic self … leading you to a happier, more fulfilling and contented way of being.”
As I began reading through her book, I started thinking how wonderful it would be if we women, as a collaborative group, read this book together beginning January first, as it is intended, and had a forum where we could share our insights from our daily readings. I would like to provide that forum here on my blog, and I hope that you all will join me.
Here is an example of what you can expect:
January 1: “A transformative year of light and discovery.”
What a beautiful way to start our journey. Sarah encourages us to stop procrastinating. We live our lives as if we have a million tomorrows, but the truth is, none of us knows how much time we have for the part of our soul’s journey that involves life here on earth.
Are you a procrastinator? I know I am. What are we waiting for? There are so many things I want to do! “Only dreams give birth to change,” Sarah tells us. “This year, instead of resolutions, write down your most private aspirations. Those longings you have kept tucked away until the time seems right. Trust that now is the time.”
As I sit in the beautiful studio my husband created for me, I look out at the palm trees rustling in the breeze, and I can almost smell the sea air, even though we are landlocked in the middle of the state. It is peaceful here. The light and shadows play on the hanging flower basket below the palm tree, and I can feel myself relax in spite of the fact that I was ready to throw an unruly computer through the window thirty minutes ago. This is where I can find my contentment, my peace.
Can you join me in taking Sarah’s advice? Can you take a leap of faith and believe in your dreams? Joel Osteen tells us that God will not put a dream on our heart without giving us the ability to bring it to fruition. What are your dreams? Will you join your sisters from across the globe as we embark on this journey together? Where do you find your contentment? Spend some time there, and share with us what your dreams are, and where you find your peaceful place to build those dreams in your heart.
We can spend this coming year supporting each other as we explore Simple Abundance together. Some days, your words will lift a sister up when she is having a hard time believing. Other days, you will be the one in need of support, and instead of sharing, you may choose to simply read the words of others and be enveloped in the warmth of friendship. I hope you will join us as we all discover our purpose and fulfill the dreams of a purpose filled life!
Shalom!
P.S. Men, please share this with the women in your life. It is not too late to get the book for them as a beautiful Christmas gift!
You can purchase Sarah’s book in any bookstore, or on your Kindle for only $7.99! Click here to find it on Amazon.