Abundance is a word that means different things to different people. When I was trying to think of a name for my blog I came up with the name Aging Abundantly
but struggled with it because I was afraid that it would send the wrong message. I would not, of course, be focusing on how to get rich as we age, (although if my ship did come in one day I wouldn’t deny it might be a more enjoyable ride!) I gave up worrying about the meaning when I came to trust that the women who are interested in reading what I write, are tuned into the fullness of the concept of “abundance” as I am using it here. That is not to minimize the absolute necessity, and importance, of finding peace and balance in our relationship with the material world. This is not an easy task for many women and one that is particularly challenging in these difficult economic times.
A very good friend of mine recently sent me a copy of PEACE and PLENTY, Sarah Ban Breathnach’s new book. She gave me Ban Breathnach’s first book SIMPLE ABUNDANCE, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy a number of years ago, a book that carried me through some difficult times and I reach for it often when I find myself coping with another one of life’s discomfitures.
It seems the time is ripe both for me personally, and for the world at large, to take another step with Sarah’s new book. Written in the same beautiful style and convenient format, PEACE and PLENTY chronicles Sarah’s thoughts and reflections as she travels her own path to finding what she calls “financial serenity”. She immediately confesses that all the money she made from her first bestselling book trickled through her fingers. After rising from nothing to a place of profound abundance, she woke up one day to find herself in dire financial straits. She is a courageous woman, and following her inner guide, she picked up her pen to write her way home. We are the beneficiaries of her journey and if the book is a bestseller like the last one, she will have no problem finding her way back to financial security.
Her work does not feel “mercenary” as one might expect. Instead, as always, he speaks from the heart, guiding, and prodding her readers to a new perspective, as she does herself. She is a survivor and we all have something to learn from her determination and resilience; perhaps even more importantly, to hear her message that we “are not alone”. Though we may never see the financial heights that she has experienced or the depth of her fall, her words speak to all of us who are struggling to find “financial serenity”. Whatever this may look like to each of us, it is an essential ingredient to aging abundantly.
Your words of wise counsel and recommendation of Sarah’s new book is timely. As my hubby prepares to retire in May, we are checking to make sure our t’s are crossed and our i’s dotted as we embark into a new chapter of life. Financial serenity sounds pretty darn good right now! I’m going to check into Sarah’s new book. Thanks for sharing!
“Retirement” sure does look different these day! My husband and I have been self-employed for most of our lives and right now it doesn’t look like an option at all, and we’re getting tired! But regardless of how a person is set financially when we get to this point in life, change is inevitable and adjustments must be made. Whether it’s going from a stream of income to a fixed income, or learning how to continue working but working smarter and scaling back, finding our comfort zone requires some effort and attention. Thanks for your comments Diane! I would enjoy hearing your thoughts as you read the book.
Thank you for pointing this out Dorothy I will certainly buy a copy.
I call the concept ‘Holistic Abundance’ – being able to support what you want to do in your life without having to worry where the next sum of money will come from.
I so like Kay’s definition, “being able to support what you want to do in your life without having to worry where the next sum og money will come from.”
We were once blessed with abundance too, and it trickled quickly through our fingers. And now we are scrambling to keep our heads above water without the strength or resources of youth.
I am anxious to read this new book and find out how Sarah has achieved “Peace and Plenty” in her later years.
Yes Kay, that is a lovely concept. Being free of worry is a worthy goal in all areas of life.
I like Kay’s concept as well–holistic abundance is a worthy goal.
Monti
NotesAlongTheWay
I think about the economic change more and more as I approach fifty. And I worry that retirement is not an option as I wish. I also know that things can change, and hopefully the economy will get better.
We do not have any contro of many things anyway.
Love your writing..
Another wonderful post. And thanks for the book recommendation!