Tag: Alice Walker

My Abundant Life 7-4-26

On By Heather HoustonIn My Abundant LifeLeave a comment

July 4th, 2026

Getting Real and Personal in the Pursuit of Happiness

“Expect nothing; live frugally on surprise.”

Alice Walker (American Novelist & Short Story Writer; February 9th, 1944)

“William James was also an eloquent and persuasive champion of a philosophical school of thought known as Pragmatism. He argued that the world already exists when we are born, and we have to accept it as it is. But our ability to create our own inner reality can determine if we view the Universe as friendly or hostile.”

“Be willing to have it so… Acceptance of what has happened is the first step in overcoming the consequences of any misfortune.”

William James (American Philosopher & Psychologist; January 11th, 1842 to August 26th, 1910)

“Being a pragmatist, Dr. James believed that personal happiness hinges on a practicality: if your reality lives up to your expectations, you’re happy. If it doesn’t, you’re depressed.”

“Do we consciously and continually strive for more accomplishments and accumulations? Or do we lower our expectations, live with what we have, and learn to be content?”

“Many of us mistakenly think that lowering our expectations means we must surrender our dreams.”

“Absolutely not. Dreams and expectations are two very different things. Dreams call for a leap of faith, trusting, that Spirit is holding the net, so that you can continue in the re-creation of the world with your energy, soul gifts, and vision. Expectations are the emotional investment the ego makes in a particular outcome: what needs to happen to make that dream come true. The ego’s expectations are never vague: Oscars, magazine covers, the New York Times best-seller list. Your dreams must manifest exactly as the ego imagines or someone isn’t going to be very happy. And guess who that is? The ego! Since none of us can always predict either the future or the best outcome for our authentic path, this kind of thinking is self-destructive. Because if we don’t live up to the ego’s expectations, we’ve failed again. And at some point we really do give up.”

“The passionate pursuit of dreams sets your soul soaring; expectations that measure the dream’s success tie stones around your soul. I don’t think we should just lower our expectations; I believe if we truly want to live a joyous and adventurous life, we should relinquish them.”

“Living your life as a dreamer and not as an ‘expector’ is a personal declaration of independence. You’re able to pursue happiness more directly when you don’t get caught up in the delivery details. Dreaming, not expecting, allows Spirit to step in and surprise you with connection, completion, consummation, celebration. You dream. Show up for work, Then let Spirit deliver your dreams to the world.”

“When once a decision is reached and execution is the order of the day, dismiss absolutely all responsibility and care about the outcome.”

William James (American Philosopher & Psychologist; January 11th, 1842 to August 26th, 1910)

“I don’t think any of our dreams begin to come close to the dreams Spirit has waiting with our names on them. I also believe we’ll only find out once we start investing our emotions in authentic expression, and not in spefici outcomes.”

“I say let the flow carry you on your life journey…PLUG IN!”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 241 to 243 of 501.

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

My Abundant Life 6-27-26

On By Heather HoustonIn My Abundant LifeLeave a comment

June 27th, 2026

Rosemary for Remembrance: Sowing Herbal Hopes and Wishes

“Balm brings you sympathy and Marjoram joy

Sage is long life…Sweet Woodruff augurs well for health–

A blessing richer far than wealth.

While Lavender means deep devotion, Herb of sweet omen, Rosemary conveys

Affection and remembrance all your days.

May Heaven and Earth and Man combine

To keep these blessings ever thine.”

Rachel Page Elliott (Author; February 27th, 1913 to March 20th, 2009)

“King Charlemagne of France, the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, believed that herbs were ‘the friend of the physician and the pride of cooks’ and ordered the planting of a royal herb garden in the ninth century. Herbs were considered essential for a long, happy, and healthy life.”

“Jeri performs a Native American ritual as she collects herbs. She wears a sacred pouch that carries wheat seeds. As she gathers from the earth, she personally returns an offering by scattering seeds. And even if the seeds don’t sprout, at least she is feeding the earth’s creatures. ‘The Native Americans have a chant that they invoke when they gather.’ Jeri says. ‘The Earth is my Mother, I take care of Her.”

“Today, sow some symbolic seeds, even if you don’t have a garden, as a gesture to ritualize the new life you are creating within. Ask for blessing of Spirit and the nurturing of the Great Mother and know that in due time there will be an abundant harvest for yourself and those you love.”

“In search of my mother’s garden I found my own.”

Alice Walker (American Novelist & Short Story Writer; February 9th, 1944)

“The idea that even in the 9th century, man knew the value of plants to a healthy life. I love the idea of sowing seeds as a gift to Mother Earth. To return to this gifting might yield a a beautiful canvas or sorts. This gives me hope to be an artist after all.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 228 to 229 of 501.

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

Daily Gratitude 6-7-26

On By Heather HoustonIn 5 Daily GratitudesLeave a comment

June 7th, 2026

  • “No duty is more urgent than giving thanks.” – James Allen
  • “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson
  • “Fill the earth with your songs of gratitude.” – Charles Spurgeon
  • “At the age of 18, I made up my mind to never have another bad day in my life. I dove into a endless sea of gratitude from which I’ve never emerged.” – Patch Adams
  • “’Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.” – Alice Walker

My Abundant Life 4-30-26

On By Heather HoustonIn My Abundant LifeLeave a comment

April 30th, 2026

When Did You Feel Most Beautiful?

“I don’t believe makeup and the right hairstyle alone can make a woman beautiful. The most radiant woman in the room is the one full of life and experience.”

Sharon Stone (American Actress; March 10th, 1958)

“…Love was the common denominator that transformed me, not the outer trappings: love for my husband, love four our child. love for my work. This is perhaps the most important beauty lesson any of us can ever learn. Love has the power to transcend our physical limitations.”

“The more I wonder, the more I love.”

Alice Walker (American Novelist & Short Story Writer; February 9th, 1944)

“When wonder and love become as indispensable to you as foundation and blush, you will become the most radiant woman in the world.”

“I know for a fact that love recreates you. I have felt more beautiful with each passing year and seem to have found a ‘Fountain of Youth’ of sorts as I look and feel better now than I ever have. Each passing year is better than any before it. My husband Neil is my love elixir.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 138 to 139 of 501.

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