Monday, January 10, 2011

The Underrated Duty

That's the title of the January 8th entry in Sarah Ban Breathnach's book Simple Abundance.

There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world. Robert Louis Stevenson

She goes on to say, "... the magic seeds of contentment are planted deep within us. Happiness that the world cannot take away only flourishes in the secret garden of our souls. By tending to our inner garden and uprooting the weeds of external expectations, we can nurture our authentic happiness the way we would nuture something that's beautiful and alive. Happiness is a living emotion."

Photos taken at Frederick Meijer Gardens this summer.

Both my boys are participating in a Winter Concert at school tonight. Yusef playing the trombone and Zack on the saxophone. Time to get ready.

I hope you are having a happy day. Friendship blessings, Tammy
P.S. "P" is for Petunias. I knew yesterday's flowers started with a "p" but I could only think of pansies at the time. :)

20 comments:

the old white house said...

Hi Tammy! What a great post to start the week! Thanks for the reminder... today will be a HAPPY day for me! Have fun at the concert! Theresa xoxo

Rose said...

Your post reminded me of a long forgotten comment I read once. It said, "Happiness is not a destination, but a way of traveling." Great reminder! Have a blessed day.

Diane said...

You have no idea how much I needed to hear those beautiful words this morning. Thank you, and thank you for being a friend. Diane

Claus said...

Such beautiful words, and so true!! :-O we give priority and importance to so much else, we forget that being OK with ourselves, and be content is a priority as well. We should all work on it. Or at least not forget it.
Have a great concert night!

dee dee said...

Ahhhh, what a breath of fresh air... botht eh words and photos!
Dee Dee

Susan said...

Hi Tammy... I LOVE Sarah's book, Simple Abundance. Was just reading the "grace notes" at the end of Chapter 1, for January, last night! She's very refreshing. Must have taken her years to write that book.

I could sure use a whiff of petunias right now. It's only January but I'm already yearning for spring. Susan

Anonymous said...

You make me happy.

Warm hugs,
Jan

glor said...

I'm already behind on the reading for this book. Off to catch up. Enjoy the concert.

Pam said...

Oh, what a wonderful thought for the day. I love the photo of the bench. Just lovely. Enjoy your concert with the boys. Both our sons were in music. One a drummer and the other strings.

LuLu Kellogg said...

What a beautiful thought.

Have a wonderful time tonight at the boys' concert! They have talent just like their Mom!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Vicki Boster said...

Tammy- happiness starts from within. You have captured this beautifully. A lovely post--
Vicki

Brenda Pruitt said...

What beautiful words. And so wise too!
Brenda

crochet lady said...

I like that..."happiness is a living emotion."

Anonymous said...

What a very lovely post. The pictures that you chose to put in your post today are perfect for what you were writing about. Thanks for the lovely start to my day. Hope you enjoyed the concert last night.

Love,
Renee

koralee said...

Oh she is so wise my friend....love your post today.

Hugs for a great new week...we go next week to my daughters winter band concert! xoxoxox

Savannah Granny said...

Such a beautiful post at a time when we most need beauty. I know the children did well in the concert. Music is so important in our lives I hope they continue with their music. Have a blessed new year. Hugs, Ginger

Susan said...

I love that book....have a happy week. Susan

Caterina Giglio said...

oh yes, simple abundance is a keeper for sure! I choose to be happy too!
external expectations and comparisons I think, keep us unhappy. we all know comparisons are odious! have a great day Tammy! xox

Dorthe said...

Dear Tammy,
a lovely post, with beautifull misic, and photoes.Thanks for visiting me today-and enjoy your evening, at the concert with your boyes.
xo Dorthe

Sheila Rumney said...

I too am reading this book again this year. Just love reading it each day.

Many blessings,

Sheila

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