Tag: Body Mind & Spirit

My Abundant Life 1-20-26

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January 20th, 2026

Acres of Diamonds

“Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them.”

Russell H. Conwell (American Baptist Minister, Orator, Philanthropist, Lawyer, and Writer; February 15th, 1843 ~ December 6th, 1925)

“…within each of us lies a wellspring of abundance and the seeds of opportunity. For each of us there is a deeply personal dream waiting to be discovered and fulfilled. When we cherish our dreams and then invest love, creative energy, perseverance, and passion in ourselves, we will achieve an authentic success.”

“Where is your acre of diamonds? If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?”

“My acre of diamonds is time spent with the love of my life. Wherever we are together is my acre of diamonds. What I would love to do is have a beach front diner/bar in a tropical location. We would serve only the tequila, mezcal and scotch we love along with a selection of our favorite meals. We would host live music to dance to on a sand floor. Our private residence would be on the property. I would furnish it simply and modestly to focus my energy on the beauty around. We would have a few bungalows on site to offer lodging to visitors or to host guests. My focus would be on creating memories with my partner. In a perfect world, my children and family would visit and vacation at our resort. We would travel and host workshops while podcasting in interesting locations.” (Heather Houston 1-20-22 & 1-20-26)

“We all have an acre of diamonds waiting to be discovered, cherished, and mined. We all have a place from where to begin. Let your imagination soar, for it is your soul’s blueprint for success.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 20-21 of 501.

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

My Abundant Life 1-19-26

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January 19th, 2026

Joy: Learning Life’s Lessons with a Light Heart

“I cannot believe that the inscrutable universe turns on an axis of suffering; surely the strange beauty of the world must someshere rest on pure joy.”

Louise Bogan (American Poet; August 11th, 1897 ~ February 4th, 1970)

“We learn each day how cultivating gratitude tills the soil of our soul and then how the seeds of simplicity and order send their roots down deep into the earth of our everyday existence. As we progress, harmony inspires us with quiet courage to create an authentic life for ourselves and those we love. With patience, beauty blossoms and our hearts experience not only happiness, which is often fleeting, but a wellspring of joy that refreshes and renews. We have found our true place in the world.”

“With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things.”

William Wordsworth (English Romantic Poet; April 7th, 1770 ~ April 23rd, 1850)

“Learning to live in the present moment is part of the path of joy. But this requires a profound inner shift in our reality. Many of us unconsciously create dramas in our minds, expecting the worse from a situation only to have our expectations become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Inadvertently, we become authors of our own misfortune. And so we struggle from day to day, from crisis to crisis, bruised and battered by circumstances without realizing that we always have a choice.”

“Oh geez! I am committed to living in the present, even if I struggle with the human tendency to look back and use my “evidence” to support why financial scarcity looms in my life. I do have a choice and I am committed through my daily gratitude practice to see the abundance in my life ongoingly. Access to abundance is a choice that I may fulfill if I allow myself to see it and create it as a possibility.” (Heather Houston 1-19-22)

“Wow has my shift occurred in an unexpected way and it is DIVINE! I see abundance all around me in everything I do everything I see and every possibility I create. BEing is the juice of life with the story on tape playing in your head. It is true freedom and true access to happiness.” (Heather Houston 1-19-26)

“But what if you learned how to stop the dramas and started to trust the flow of life and the goodness of Spirit? What if you began to expect the best from any situation? Isn’t it possible that you could write new chapters in your life with happy endings? For many of us this is such a radical departure from the way we have been behaving that it seems unbelievable. Yet it is possible. Suspend your disbelief. Take a leap of faith. After all, what have you got to lose but misery and lack?”

“Well living in lack and upset is no way to “LIVE”. I will need to be mindful as I have a deeply rooted bad habit. I am committed to living in the present, relishing what I do have and forecasting the best of scenarios for experiences, circumstances, tasks, etc.” (Heather Houston 1-19-22)

“Beingness is a learned skill that I have honed and find it easier to remain in longer and longer throughout the day. A true transformation is possible with intentional effort and attention.” (Heather Houston 1-19-26)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 19-20 of 501.

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

My Abundant Life 1-18-26

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January 18th, 2026

Beauty: Opening Our Eyes to the Beauty That Surrounds Us

“You agree—I’m sure you agree, that beauty is the only thing worth living for.”

Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie (known as:  Lady Mallowan or Agatha Christie) (English Writer; September 15th, 1890 ~ January 12th, 1976)

“…we learn to be grateful no matter what our circumstances may be. In offering gratitude dor our real lives, we discover how to change them for the better. As we embrace simplicity, we learn that less is truly more. This freedom encourages us to bring order to our affairs and cultivate harmony in our inner world. Going at our own pace, learning to recognize our limitations, appreciating our progress, we weave the lessons into the fabric of our daily moments until they become a part of us.”

“It was as if I had worked for years on the wrong side of a tapestry, learning accurately all its lines and figures, yet always missing its color and sheen.”

Anna Louise Strong (American Journalist and Activist; November 24th, 1885 ~ March 29thm 1970)

“Gazing into my lovers eyes to see his smile envelope his whole being is magical. I always use my best plates and dishes to serve food we create together because we are living right now…there is no other now than the present.” (Heather Houston 1-18-26)

“It is in the details of life that beauty is revealed, sustained, and nurtured.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 18-19 of 501.

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

My Abundant Life 1-17-26

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January 17th, 2026

Harmony: Achieving Balance in Our Lives

“The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes—ah, that is where the art resides.”

Artur Schnabel (Austrian-American Classical Pianist, Composer and Pedagogue; April 17th, 1882 ~ August 15th, 1951)

“Harmony is the inner cadence of contentment we feel when the melody of life is in tune. When somehow we’re able to strike the right chord—to balance the expectations of our families and our responsibilities in the world on the one hand with our inner needs for spiritual growth and personal expression on the other.”

“…we often hear only a cacophony of dissonant demands that drown out the symphonies our souls long to compose.”

“Today, just try slowing down. Approach the day as if it were an adagio—a melody played in an easy, graceful manner. Listen to music that soothes and uplifts your spirit. And while you listen, pause to consider how all the individual notes come together harmoniously to give expression to the entire score.”

“I commit to enjoying the music of my life today to add greater harmony to my life.” (Heather Houston 1-17-22)

“This time around I plan to create a new page on my blog called, “My Musical Life” where I will share decade by decade the top 100 songs for each year of my life that I enjoy. This will be a fun way to share with others and remind us all that music is the soundtrack of our life.” (Heather Houston 1-17-26)

“With harmony as your guide, trust that your everyday moments will soon begin to resonate in a rhapsody of fulfillment.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 17-18 of 501.

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

My Abundant Life 1-16-26

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January 16th, 2026

A Sense of Order: Cultivating Contentment

“Order is the shape upon which beauty depends.”

Pearl S. Buck (known as: Sai Zhenzhu) (American Writer and Novelist; June 26th, 1892 ~ March 6th, 1973)

“…in happy and fulfilled lives domesticity and spirituality are invisibly but inexorably connected—…”

“We might not be able to control what’s happening externally in our lives but we can learn to look to our own inner resources for a sense of comfort that nurtures and sustains.”

“It’s not the tragedies that kill us, it’s the messes.”

Dorothy Parker (American Poet, Writer, Critic, and Satirist; (August 22nd, 1893 ~ June 7th, 1967)

“No woman can think clearly when constantly surrounded by clutter, chaos, and confusion, no matter who is responsible for it. Begin to think of order not as a strait-jacket of ‘shoulds’ (Make the bed, wash the dishes, take out the garbage) but as a shape—the foundation—for the beautiful new life you are creating.”

“There is a Divine Order—a Sublime Order—inherent in the Universe. We can tap into this powerful source of creative energy when we are willing to gradually cultivate a sense of order as to how we conduct our daily affairs. Invite Divine Order into your life today and a more serene tomorrow will unfold.”

“I have always felt my organizational style is aligned with the Sublime Order of the Universe…instinctual for me.” (Heather Houston 1-16-22)

“I have changed my perspective over the years that the “To Dos” are not work. Instead, they are life and BEing in my life completely means I choose to enjoy all of it!” (Heather Houston 1-16-26)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 16-17 of 501.

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

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.

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.