Month: January 2026

My Abundant Life 1-15-26

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January 15th, 2026

Simple Gifts: Embracing Simplicity

“Tis a gift to be simple,

Tis a gift to be free,

Tis a gift to come down

Where we ought to be

And when we find ourselves

In the place that’ right

Twill be in the valley

Of love and delight.”

Nineteenth-Century Shaker Hymn

“When we appreciate how much we have, we feel the urge to pare down, get back to basics, and learn what is essential for our happiness. We long to realize what’s really important.”

“Many people believe simplicity implies doing without. On the contrary. True simplicity as a conscious life choice illuminates our lives from within. True simplicity is both buoyant and bountiful, able to liberate depressed spirits from the bondage and burden of extravagance and excess. True simplicity can elevate ordinary moments, dreary lives, and even inanimate objects.”

“…from the mundane to the transcendent.”

“Trust that through the balm of simplicity your frazzled and weary soul can discover the place where you ought to be. Every day offers us simple gifts when we are willing to search our hearts for the place that’s right for each of us.”

“I love simplicity as it is my access to order, which makes my life run more smoothly and peaceful.” (Heather Houston 1-15-22)

“I am committing to the simplicity of only doing or focusing on one thing at one time.” (Heather Houston 1-15-26)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 16 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

Daily Gratitude 1-14-26

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January 14th, 2026

  • “When at a conference and they are blasting the air conditioning which makes you feel like you are freezing to death and I am grateful that in the bathroom when washing my hands the temperature of the water was warm. Changed my whole perspective.” (Heather Houston 1-14-26)
  • “I appreciate that the voluntold work dinner is paid for by work and at a place that is yummy…Wild Ginger!!!” (Heather Houston 1-14-26)
  • “My husband keeping me apprised of today’s Arsenal game. We won 3-2!” ⚽🏆🔴⚪ (Heather Houston 1-14-26)
  • “I am thankful for the little no traffic so I could sprint home after the work dinner to reunite with my love!”❤️ (Heather Houston 1-14-26)
  • “Today’s presentation on genealogy was a blessing to remind me to push ahead on learning about my own history and culture.” (Heather Houston 1-14-26)
  • “I am grateful when I explained to the McDonald’s (Federal Way, WA.) drive-thru order taker that I was buying breakfast meals for two homeless people on their property and that I needed them bagged separately, they accommodated my request.  I was able to give both individuals their own breakfast bags and beverage so they could remain COVID safe.” (Heather Houston 1-14-22)
  • “I am thankful for my space heater at work as the gym is freezing in the early morning.” (Heather Houston 1-14-22)
  • “I am thankful that after a long trying week my love showed me some love and walked with me hand-in-hand to our local Bevmo and selected a new 12-year Speyside Single Malt Scotch (Spey River).  🏆WINNING!🏆” (Heather Houston 1-14-22)
  • “I am so appreciative that one of our favorite haunts for miso ramen soba noodles (Samurai Noodles) was open and didn’t close due to the economic downturn of COVID.” (Heather Houston 1-14-22)
  • “I am grateful I have a partner who loves me enough to let me pick our Friday night movie to watch, like “Seven Pounds” without a single objection.” (Heather Houston 1-14-22)

My Abundant Life 1-14-26

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January 14th, 2026

The Gratitude Journal

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Melody Beattie (American Author; July 2nd, 1948)

“…this first tool could change the quality of your life beyond belief: it’s what I call a daily gratitude journal.”

“…I write down five things that I can be grateful about that day.”

“Real life isn’t always going to be perfect or go our way, but the recurring acknowledgment of what is working in our lives can help us not only survive but surmount our difficulties. The gratitude journal has to be the first step on the Simple Abundance path or it just won’t work for you. Simplicity, order, harmony, beauty, and joy—all the other principles that can transform your life will not blossom and flourish without gratitude.”

“…you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.”

“…the Simple Abundance path is a transformative process. We’re going to work on one principle for two months at a time, trying to weave that principle into the fabric of our daily life.”

“…it is the smallest details that the flavor of life is savored.”

“As you focus on the abundance rather than on the lack in your life, you will be designing a wonderful new blueprint for the future. This sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work, transforming your dreams into reality.

“Gratitude is the heart’s memory.”

A French Proverb

“The miracle you have been seeking will unfold to your wonder and amazement.”

“I am excited to start my gratitude journal later today!” (Heather Houston 1-14-22 & 1-14-26)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 14-15 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 1-13-26

On By Heather HoustonIn My Abundant Life2 Comments

January 13th, 2026

Gratitude: Awakening the Heart

“The eyes of my eyes are opened.”

Edward Estlin Cummings (known as: E.E. Cummings) (American Poet, Painter, Essayist, Author, and Playwright; October 14th, 1894 ~ September 3rd, 1962)

“…what you give to the world will be returned to you—maybe not all at once or in the way you expect it—but if you give your very best, the very best will come back to you.”

“I have always believed in paying it forward. I have great abundance in my life that is surely because of what I have put forth into others and the world.” (Heather Houston 1-13-22 & 1-13-26)

“..my personal net worth couldn’t possibly be determined by the size of my checking account balance.”

“Absolutely! I choose to see my life as abundant. Cash-flow challenges do not define me or create my context of abundance.” (Heather 1-13-22)

“My net worth for life is HUGE! I have the most amazing husband, I am healthy (my scale is even telling me I am getting younger), I am employed and I live each day like it was a party by making love to my husband, enjoying a delicious cocktail, eating a fabulous home cooked meal and spending the evening curled up on the couch with my love…SIMPLY PERFECT!” (Heather Houston 1-13-26)

“…pause for a moment and give thanks. Let your heart awaken to the transforming power of gratefulness. Be open to exchanging your need for emotional and financial security for serenity.”

“No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently.”

Agnes de Mille (American dancer and choreographer; September 18th, 1905 ~ October 7th, 1993)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 12-14 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 1-12-26

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January 12th, 2026

There Is No Scarcity

“When money is plenty this is a man’s world. When money is scarce it is a woman’s world. When all else seems to have failed, the woman’s instinct comes in. She gets the job done. That is a reason why, in spite of all that happens, we continue to have a world.”

“Ladies Home Journal” (October 1932)

“Living is important. Every day is a gift. You ask for another chance to get it right. Most of the time you’re given it, and you’re very grateful.”

“Reconnection with my adult children would be a gift that I would be forever grateful.” (Heather Houston 1-12-22)

“Every day I get to spend in my new skin is a gift…to spend time in a space of WEness with my love is a gift…to chat and share with my mom newly is a gift… to create something delicious is a gift. So many things to explore while in my life is the most exciting thing I have ever experienced. Simply finding the joy in every moment is the gift!” (Heather Houston 1-12-26)

“You have the power to change your lifestyle and move from a feeling of lack and deprivation to a feeling of abundance and fulfillment.”

“The simpler we make our lives, the more abundant they become. There is no scarcity except in our souls.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 11-12 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 1-11-26

On By Heather HoustonIn My Abundant Life2 Comments

January 11th, 2026

Is It Recession or Depression?

“No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.”

Helen Keller (American Author, Disability Rights Advocate, Political Activist and Lecturer; June 27th, 1880 ~ June 1st, 1968)

“It’s time we put thoughts of lack behind us. It’s time for us to discover the secrets of the stars, to sail to an uncharted land, to open up a new heaven where our spirits can soar.”

“Lasting change happens in infinitesimal increments: a day, an hour, a minute, a heartbeat at a time.”

“Optimism, like the happiness habit, can be learned. …Realize the past no longer holds you captive. It can only continue to hurt you if you hold on to it. Let the past go. A simply abundant world waits.”

“I choose my life newly over my past. The past is what it is, but it no longer holds me back or defines me. I define myself newly, in the here and now.” (Heather Houston 1-11-22)

“As I stretch myself in my new self, I feel the baggage I held so tight for so many years fall away. I feel lighter, freer and more hopeful for the day-to-day living of my life. I am excited about the chapters I am writing now.” (Heather Houston 1-11-26)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 10-11 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 1-10-26

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January 10th, 2026

Until It Is Carved in Stone

“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth—and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up—that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.”

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (Swiss-American Psychiatrist; July 8th, 1926 ~ August 24th, 2004)

“…realizing our heart’s desire is possible every day if we recognize what it is that makes us happy.”

“On our new path we seek everyday epiphanies—occasions on which we can experience the Sacred in the ordinary—and come to the awakening…that we can no longer afford to throw away even one ‘unimportant’ day by not noticing the wonder of it all. We have to be willing to discover and then appreciate the authentic moments of happiness available to all of us every day.”

“Access, love and acceptance by the man I love gives my unending happiness. His love completes me…entirely.💗” (Heather Houston 1-10-22)

“Every new day I spend with my love unveils a new opening for my growth and the way I experience my life. I am in a forever love with him.” (Heather Houston 1-10-26)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 9-10 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 1-9-26

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January 9th, 2026

What Is It You Truly Need?

“In my life’s chain of events nothing was accidental. Everything happened according to an inner need.”

Hannah Szenes (anglicized as: Hannah Senesh or Chanah Senesh) (Poet and a Special Operations Executive Member; July 7th, 1921 ~ November 7th, 1944)

“Do you have everything you need right now? What about your wants?”

“I recognize I do have everything I need. My immediate wants are mostly filled, beside the few that are stymied by COVID. Long-term or fantasy wants are unending, but without adding stress to my current context. I enjoy dreaming of what could be if everything fell into place perfectly.” (Heather Houston 1-9-22)

“This concept has radically changed in the present as I reread my 2022 comments. When I finally felt like I was enough and really loved myself, everything became enough. I was not longer looking outward for happiness or validation. I knew I was enough and loved to be me and alive, which is more than enough.” (Heather Houston 1-9-26)

“If we are to live happy, creative, and fulfilled lives, it is crucial to distinguish between our wants and our needs.”

“Make peace with the knowledge that you can’t have everything you want. Why? Because it’s more important for us to get everything we need.”

“Ask yourself: what is it I truly need to make me happy?”

“That is simple. I need the love of my life in my life as with him, my world is complete…I am complete and whole.” (Heather Houston 1-9-22 & 1-9-26)

“What you need you attract like a lover.”

Gertrude Stein (American Novelist, Poet, Playwright and Art Collector; February 3rd, 1874 ~ July 27th, 1946)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 8-9 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 1-8-26

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January 8th, 2026

The Underrated Duty

“There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world.”

Robert Louis Stevenson (Scottish Novelist, Essayist, Poet and Travel Writer; November 13th, 1850 ~ December 3rd, 1894)

“But don’t you want to start making happiness a habit right now?”

“YES!!! In action as I write.” (Heather Houston 1-8-22 & 1-8-26)

“Happiness is not a possession to be prized. It is a quality of thought, a state of mind.”

Dame Daphne du Maurier (Lady Browning; quote from Rebecca) (Author, Playwright and Romantic Novelist; May 13th, 1907 ~ April 19th, 1989)

“But the magic seeds of contentment are planted deep within us. Happiness that the world cannot take away only flourishes in the secret garden of our souls. By tending to our inner garden and uprooting the weeds of external expectations, we can nurture our authentic happiness the way we would nurture something that’s beautiful and alive. Happiness is a living emotion.”

“Ultimately, genuine happiness can only be realized once we commit to making it a personal priority in our lives.”

“BINGO!” (Heather Houston 1-8-22 & 1-8-26)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 7-8 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 1-7-26

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January 7th, 2026

How Happy Are You Right Now?

“Perhaps if one really knew when one was happy one would know the things that were necessary for one’s life.”

Marion Blackett-Milner (or: Milner) (pseudonym: Joanna Field) (British Author and Psychoanalyst; February 1st, 1900 ~ May 29th, 1998)

“How happy are you right now? Do you even know?”

“Thankfully, I do know how happy I am presently. Words cannot describe the joy and happiness I experience on a daily basis. I live with the love of my life. We are aligned and connected in extraordinary ways that I have come to believe that we were made for one another. I have waited a lifetime to find him and now that I have, I’m not letting go! He supports me to live authentically with power, full self-expression and freedom. It is MAGIC!” (Heather Houston 1-7-22)

“I believe it possible to transform yourself through intentional practice at being, gratitude and paying attention to what makes you happy. I have been doing that the last 4 years in earnest and I am reaping the fruits of my commitment. I owe a large part of my transformation to my husband who has afforded me space to be me in the moment. That simple gesture has been so loving and renewing for my soul.” (Heather Houston 1-7-26)

“What is missing from many of our days is a true sense that we are enjoying the lives we are living.”

“We must learn to savor small, authentic moments that bring us contentment.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 6-7 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.