Some wonderful words of wisdom from “Simple Abundance – A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach.  This book has become my compass for getting through life’s ups and downs not only intact, but actually full of joy.  Although this book is written for women, she has also written a wonderful version for men: “A Man’s Journey to Simple Abundance”.

How to Cope with Stress
-Cultivate gratitude
-Carve out an hour a day for solitude
-Begin and end each day with prayer, meditation, reflection
-Keep it simple
-Keep your house picked up
-Don’t over-schedule
-Strive for realistic deadlines
-Never make a promise you can’t keep
-Allow an extra half-hour for everything you do
-Create quiet surroundings at home and at work
-Go to bed at nine o’clock twice a week
-Always carry something interesting to read
-Breathe deeply and often
-Move, walk, dance, run, find a sport you enjoy
-Drink pure spring water. Lots of it
-Eat only when hungry
-If it is not delicious, don’t eat it
-Be, instead of do
-Set aside one day a week for rest and renewal
-Laugh more often
-Luxuriate in your senses
-Always opt for comfort
-If you don’t love it, live without it
-Let Mother Nature nurture
-Don’t answer the telephone during dinner
-Stop trying to please everybody
-Start pleasing yourself
-Stay away from negative people
-Don’t squander precious resources: time, creative energy, emotion
-Nurture friendships
-Don’t be afraid of your passion
-Approach problems as challenges
-Honor your aspirations
-Set achievable goals
-Surrender expectations
-Savor beauty
-Create boundaries
-For every yes, let there be a no
-Don’t worry; be happy
-Remember, happiness is a living emotion
-Exchange security for serenity
-Care for your soul
-Cherish your dreams.
-Express love everyday
-Search for your authentic self until you find her