I think one of the things that started me thinking about making a group like this is reading and re-reading Alexandra Stoddard. She is an interior designer who has written some wonderful lifestyle books and I have had a few of them on my reading platter of late ;) She is one of the authors whom I discovered years ago who helped me figure out what it is to live passionately and to love what I do, no matter how much or how little I have, so here are a few of my favorites by her:

Living A Beautiful Life - This is the one where you learn to sort through life and focus on the things that are important to you and draw meaning and happiness from those things. She has some wonderful ideas about simple pleasures, changing the way you look at everyday things and making a celebration of the small things in life.

Living Beautifully Together - This is the one I am currently re-reading for about the hundred thousandth time. It builds beautifully on so much of what she pointed out in the first one, and how to apply those same things to family, friends, business associatees and the world at large. I have a new respect for this book - it really is much more than a sequel!

Daring to Be Yourself - I love this one and it has helped me greatly! This is a beautiful guide to finding your personal style, not just in dress and decorating, but also in how you deal with people, how you approach your work and other things, like entertaining and such.

What I have found most valuable about this fantastic author is that she taught me to look at things in a very different way, or even, many different ways and this is something I have defnintely carried over into my clergy practice and spirituality. She avoids the whole lifestyle-guru thing - you really feel like you are sitting down with a knowledgable friend when you sit down to read one of her books. I often unwind with one of them in the bath tub - such a perfect way to take a breather and gather myself together. She stresses taking care of yourself and being good to yourself as a way of learning to treat others and I think she is so right!!

She also has a beautiful idea - Happiness Clubs, something I am looking into learning more about :) Here is her website: http://www.alexandrastoddard.com/

I can frequently find her books in libraries so I have to say: please check her out!!

Love,

Niamh