Editorial Review

This book features 366 essays penned from a woman's perspective. Sample topics include gratitude, harmony, self-nurturing, positive body image, the importance of scented linen closets, and many others. Each essay sports a pithy quote from (surprise!) the likes of Kahlil Gibran. Viewed uncritically, it's hard to argue with Read more

Reviews (160)

FInding One Self and Fulfilling a Dream
After being in an abusive relationship for ten years, I had feelings of hopelessness. I had no positive outlook about anything and the thought of a 'future' was slim to none in my eyes. I have always wanted to be a writer, but the misery that I was living in kept me from having a clear mind and my thoughts were jumbled and disoriented. In 1997, my parents bought me Simple Abundance. I read it, reread it, and read it again. I followed Sarah's suggestions and participated in all that she suggested with the wonderful inspiring activites she offered in the book. My book was published in May 2003! I have a wonderful marriage with my 'new' husband and am living my life as it is suppose to be. I am living the life God intended me to live. Thanks to Sarah Banbreathnach for sharing her insights and taking the time to write such a wonderful book that has changed a lot of lives for the better.
Bookaholic
Sarah Breathnach writes about the simple pleasures in life in such a way that it makes you want to try all the wonderful small joys she speaks about in the book. Even my husband picks it up and reads the daily messages. He comes out with a smile on his face with some kind of comment on the subject matter each day!

more refreshing thoughts for a thirsty life
This book continually gives me encouragement and motivation.It helps to point out all the good things in life without having to go shopping or changing anything in my life but the way I see things.I enjoy this book very much and recommend it to anyone looking for inspiration and validation.The author highlights all the wonderful things in a woman's life, and literally celebrates the fact that we merely exist.She helps with her terrific sense of humor, and her ability to admit her faults that are not unlike our own.She reminds us of positive things we have that we may miss in the day-to-dayness of our lives. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. General    3. Inspiration & Personal Growth    4. Meditation    5. Meditations    6. Motivational & Inspirational    7. Personal Growth - Happiness    8. Psychology    9. Religious life    10. Self-Help    11. Self-realization    12. Women    13. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    14. Self-Help / Motivational    15. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

This spiral-bound journal, conceived by Sarah Ban Breathnach, is designed to encourage writers to explore their life stories and unleash dormant creativity. Every two-page spread is exquisitely bordered by a wood print leaf pattern and includes a sage little quote to set the mood or beckon the muse (such as "People who keep journals have life twice." --Jessamyn West). The large format (11.25 by 9.75 inches) gives writers plenty of room to scrawl down their thoughts and even offers ample space for adding personal artwork or gluing in cut-out images. Several pocket folders are bound into the back for carrying clippings, postcards, or dry leaves--whatever whimsy dictates. Because it is spiral bound (with a sturdy wrap-around cover), writers can lay the book flat while at work--a major convenience.Read more

Reviews (5)

Very enjoyable
There isn't too much writing in this book actually. It revolves mostly around making series of collages from amgazine clippings, etc around different self discovery themes. This is a refreshing change from the usual "Write, write, write!" I found that I felt MORE creative and very relaxed. It's a fun return to the "paste and scissors" free-for-all of your early school days. Great book
But what is twaddle again? Guess you have to be from VA to know.....

The Illustrated Discovery Journal
As an Art student,I have discovered the power of creating through collages.It is an easy way for everyone to be artistic regardless of drawing or painting skill.Your creations can speak to you in a verypowerful way and give you insight that would not otherwise be so easilyaccessed.I highly recommend this book for fun and discovery. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blank Books/Journals    2. Collage    3. Conduct of life    4. Emotions    5. General    6. Journal Writing    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Psychology    9. Self-realization    10. Women    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Emotions    12. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (23)

Sweet and simple
Reading the other reviews I was surprised to see how many people appreciated the asthetics of this book in hardcover - I'm almost sorry I have the paperback version!
TOO MUCH GOD FOR ME
I bought several sets of tapes for my family gift giving but when I played one I decided to put them in the charity box instead.Far too much religion in it.Self improvement and joy of living does not HAVE to be god related.I am sorry because I really do think she has great talent.If she could just write and leave religion out of it.

Jumping Into The Deep End
"Do you remember when you were little and jumping into the deep end of the pool was one of the most daring things you could do?Once a sense of play introduces a little deep-end jumping into each ordinary day, you'll want to keep doing it again and again.And you were meant to."
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Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. General    3. Motivational & Inspirational    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Self-actualization (Psychology    8. Simplicity    9. Spirituality    10. Spirituality - Women's    11. Women    12. Advice on careers & achieving success    13. Body, Mind & Spirit / General   

Editorial Review

"Gratitude is the most passionate transformative force in the cosmos," promises author Sarah Ban Breathnach (Read more

Reviews (24)

A great companion to the day book
I have read some negative things about this book, but I give it 5 stars. I like that there is only a small space for each day (5 lines) so it's not an overwhelming task to keep up with it daily. It's not meant to be an actual journal to spew all your issues in, it's just a place to quickly jot down your daily grattitudes. Definitely worth the money!

A winner!
I don't usually like self-help books, as anyone perusing my other reviews will know.But this one is different -- it offers an easy path for personal transformation, and lays out pages attractive so all you have to do -- all! -- is write five things for which you are grateful, one each on five little lines, each day.Author even gives you several pages of hints for when your own "gratitude pump" runs dry.This quote is variously attributed to Meister Eckhart or Mother Theresa, but the words ring true 100% when applied to the use of this Gratitude Journal:"If the only prayer you ever say is 'thank you', that will be sufficient."Give this book a try -- but WARNING -- regular use may change your life.

Be grateful!
This book is a gentle reminder that no matter how bad your day was, you can find at least 5 things to be grateful for. A Guide to the Scriptures is another book to read and realize just how blessed you are. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blank Books / Diaries / Memory Books    2. Blank Books/Journals    3. General    4. Inspirational - General    5. Reference    6. Popular psychology    7. Reference / General   

Reviews (11)

Inspiring
I found this book inspiring and full of practical and lovely ideas.Some of them are relatively easy to implement; others take a bit more effort/preparation.The holidays discussed are American.The book presents simple ways to make daily living special and to take note of holidays, seasons, and other occasions.

Simple pleasures for Simple Times
I love the noble simplicity of the Victorian age. This book is an invitation to experience simple rituals in your daily life. I especialy enjoyed the beautiful art work and many pictures. This book takes the reader on a gilded journey through the entire year with wonderfull passages describing a myriad of traditions and daily rituals for living. If you cherish the victorian tradition then you simply must have this book. Buy it new or used, read it, experience it, and pen a review to spread the joy, this truly is home.

Preserving family memories
It is Thanksgiving Day as I write.I have used this book extensively over the past week as I write down the activities we will do as a family this holiday season.We are a family with young children (8, 6, 3, baby), so we are only now starting our family traditions.It is VERY important to me that the children have family memories to keep them reminded of their happy childhood.This book has been a wonderful keepsake.I have already started purchasing it for others, as it is beautifully written and breathtakingly beautiful.Do not hesitate to buy this book.It will enhance your library like few others.I am wishing for another book like this one, but have not found it yet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family Relationships    5. Family festivals    6. Family/Marriage    7. Folklore    8. General    9. Great Britain    10. Months    11. Seasons    12. Social life and customs    13. Body, Mind & Spirit / General    14. Family, Home and Practical Interests    15. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (115)

Escavating Your Authentic Self
It is exactly what I was looking for and I am most pleased with another one of Breathnach's books. JP

a positive pick-me-up
I have taken this book out time and time again since buying it a few years ago.I have underlined, highlighted and written notes in the margins according to what peaks my interest at a particular time.These books never fail to give me a boost of refreshing energy that is well-needed and, according to the author, well-deserved in a time where women find themselves constantly on the go.I can't say enough how much I enjoy this book.

Surprisingly Disappointing
I've never written an Amazon review, but this book compelled me to do so. I'm surprised that this book was published because its style and organization are so poor. The chapters are choppy, their arrangement makes no sense, and there is no cohesion. The self-excavation thread does not tie the book together as well as it might have, and the excavation journal project doesn't finish what it starts.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Spiritual life    3. Women    4. Religious life    5. Self-realization    6. Religious aspects    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Personal Growth - Happiness    10. Religion    11. Bargain   

Reviews (1)

NOT written by Sarah Ban Breathnach
I ordered this book thinking it was written by Sarah BB -AND- Barrie Dolnick as indicated on the top of the amazon page. When the book arrived today I find that Sarah contributed TWO pages only. Disappointing. I love Sarah's books. I am keeping it anyway since it is a bargain book but amazon really should change their page. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Change (Psychology)    2. Discontent    3. Family Relationships    4. General    5. Inspiration & Personal Growth    6. Inspirational    7. Motivational & Inspirational    8. Self-Help    9. Self-Help & Practical Interests    10. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (30)

This book is available through www.chinaberry.com
For those of you looking for this book, you can find it at Chinaberry.Item number 5955 at www.chinaberry.com

Mrs. Sharp's Traditions
I have read every book that Susan Ban Breathnach has written and have loved them all. However, Mrs. Sharp's Traditions is a jewel in today's world. It truly focuses on family traditions and celebrations and helpsthose of us who juggle career, family and home. It is a shame that thisbook is no longer in print. It took me 3 months to get it at our locallibrary. I highly encourage the publisher to re-print.

If you don't reprint this book my family will suffer!
For year's my family has gone without traditions and celebrations of any kind.Everytime we gather as a family it is a disaster!This book has brought me hope that there can be a time in my life where we can gathertogether as a happy family and enjoy ourselves.If I don't have a copy ofthis book for my very own library, my family and I will suffer for alleternity.Please reprint this beautiful book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Family Relationships    3. Family festivals    4. Folklore    5. General    6. Great Britain    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Months    9. Seasons    10. Social life and customs    11. Crafts & Hobbies / General