Awhile back at a Living Peace staff meeting, we were discussing books that had changed our lives or had a big impact in some way. For me, that book was Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It was published in 1995 (I can’t believe it’s been over 20 years!), and came to me at a time in my life when I was struggling as a young mother in a not-so-ideal marriage. With a short topic for every day of the year, I slowly made my way through the book and through that year and beyond, and it helped me to change and enhance my perspective on life.
Sarah was also exploring her own life and where she was in it, as well as what she valued; she was looking for fulfillment. The book explores six practical, creative & spiritual principles …
1. Gratitude
2. Simplicity
3. Order
4. Harmony
5. Beauty
6. Joy
Sarah weaves these principles throughout the book, and offers many practical ways to invite them into your life, whether through starting a garden, weeding out your closet, buying yourself flowers each week, or bringing your life into balance. Each month she ends with some ideas – “joyful simplicities” – to celebrate that particular month/season and continue to incorporate the principles into your world, as well as asking questions for self-reflection. She emphasizes getting to really know thyself, and the common theme is “The authentic self is the soul made visible”.
She covers all the facets of ourselves and our lives – the material, the physical world around us, beauty (both internal/external), creativity, our senses, and our values. I appreciate that she offers the opportunity to find grace even in bad situations throughout the book and a gentle reminder from her Foreword: “Everything in life is significant enough to be a continuous source of reflection, revelation, and reconnection.” There’s also multiple suggestions in the book to downsize, go through your wardrobe, jewelry, makeup, and household goods, so I think it’s a great complement to organizing and simplifying your life!
Have you read her book or have a book that has changed or impacted your life? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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