As we get ready to close out one year and begin another, it feels like a good time to reflect on our lives and reevaluate the things that bring us happiness. Even if you're not a goal setter or resolution writer, it's good to step back and take a look at your life every now and again — especially if you've been feeling time-crunched and stressed out.
One of our favorite sources for inspiration on self-evaluation is the book "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy," by Sarah Ban Breathnach. "Simple Abundance" offers 365 essays on gratitude, reflection and self-nurturing (one for every day of the year) that can help you figure out what you need to lead a happier life. (Hint, it's not money, power or "things.")
Here, we've compiled our favorite quotes from the book. Use them as a cheat sheet on your quest to make a life filled with happiness and joy.
"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 awaits."
Put down your baggage, release your demons, and get on with living your life. (Photo: bunyarit klinsukhon/Shutterstock)
"Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can make changes for the better."
Make time in your life for the things that really matter. (Photo: GG Studio/Shutterstock)
"Your heart will always tell you what’s working and what’s not."
Make more time in your life for the things that make your heart sing. (Photo: saravut_whanset/Shutterstock)
"You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you"
Happiness isn't about getting what you want. It's wanting what you already have. (Photo: Natalia Deriabina/Shutterstock)
" If you want your life to come together, you have to start treating yourself better."
Take care of your physical and mental health. (Photo: Sergey Mironov/Shutterstock)
"Never forget that all you have is all you need."
Do what matters. (Photo: LuckyImages/Shutterstock)
"Take another look at your life. Give thanks. Accept your circumstances. Give thanks. Count your blessings. Give thanks. Show up for each day’s meditation. Be willing to give the basic tools a fair chance. They can help you find your way."
Take the time to appreciate all you have. (Photo: Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock)
"We should only strive to be first-rate versions of ourselves. And our best is always good enough."
Be true to yourself and it will always be enough. (Photo: Lenanichizhenova/Shutterstock)
"All of nature is at peace. We should be too."
Take a cue from nature and carve out some time to find peace in your day. (Photo: Somporn Wongvichienkul/Shutterstock)
