I mentioned a few posts back that I have begun reading (again!) my well worn copy of Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. I do find great comfort in this book and it provides a new perspective no matter how many times I read through it.

As the New Year unfolds I am drawn once again to her thoughts on the ‘tapestry of contentment’. For those of you that have followed me over the years, you will recognize the following passage:

There are six principles that will act as guides as we make our inner journey over the next year. These are the six threads of abundant living which, when woven together, produce a tapestry of contentment that wraps us in inner peace, well-being, happiness, and a sense of security.

First there is gratitude. When we do a mental and spiritual inventory of all that we have, we realize that we are very rich indeed. Gratitude gives way to simplicity – the desire to clear out, pare down, and realize the essentials of what we need to live truly well. Simplicity brings with it order, both internally and externally. A sense of order in our life brings us harmony. Harmony provides us with the inner peace we need to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us each day, and beauty opens us to joy.

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach ~

God has given us all that we need to be happy and content. In Mark 9:23 Jesus says “Anything is possible if a person believes”.

How are you going to begin the weaving process of your tapestry?

For me it will be to daily acknowledge the many things I am grateful for. I am also beginning (again) the paring down process. Why do I need three drawers full of ‘scrapbook embellishments’ (some are at least ten years old). Why do I need ten food storage containers…I don’t even cook enough to use three of them (grin). See what I mean. It will certainly provide a sense of harmony in my daily life to not have to dig through stacks of embellishments when creating that perfect scrapbook page. It will certainly provide a sense of harmony in my daily life to not have ten food storage containers fall out of the cabinet every time I open it in search of the colander.

Today I am grateful for the opportunity to make my own choices. I choose to believe that I already possess all the inner wisdom, strength, and creativity needed to make my dreams come true.

Today I am going to clean out my scrapbook embellishment drawers and pare down those dang food storage containers. I choose to believe that there is someone else out there who can make better use of these items than having them clutter up my creative process, both in my studio and in my kitchen.