Somewhere along the way, abundance got loud. Really Loud!
My word for 2026 is SIMPLE- I am being encouraged by re- reading Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Simple Abundance was endorsed by Oprah in 1996!!!!!
If you have not heard of it or read it, you can get your copy here: (Affiliate link)
SIMPLE ABUNDANCE.
There is also a journal that you can get here:
Our lives have started to look like packed calendars, constant goals, endless tabs open in our brains, and our devices and this unspoken pressure to always be doing more—especially when a new year is approaching.
And honestly? I’m tired. or as I say to Richie: TyRED!
If you’re reading this and nodding a little, you’re not alone.
As January creeps closer, the internet starts shouting: new plans, new systems, new habits, new you. And while part of me loves the fresh start feeling, another part of me just wants to exhale and say…
What if we don’t need fixing?
What if simple is enough?
For me, abundance has never actually come from doing more.
It comes from slower mornings. Iced coffee, checking email and watching the bird feeder
From paint on my hands.
From cutting paper without a plan.
From letting myself create without an outcome attached.
Creativity, for me, has always been the way back to myself—especially in the harder seasons of life. It’s where I’ve found calm when things felt heavy. Where I felt lighter when grief was so heavy. Where joy snuck in quietly. Where I remembered who I was beneath the noise.
That’s why lately, I’ve been rethinking what “abundance” really means.
And I’m calling it: simple is the new abundance.
Not less joy—more of the right kind
This isn’t about shrinking your life or giving things up. It’s about choosing what actually fills you instead of what drains you.
Simple can look like:
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10 quiet minutes with your coffee before anyone needs you
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One small creative ritual instead of a giant unfinished project ( I will be helping with that)
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Making something just because it feels good—not because it’s productive ( I have so many ideas!)
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Letting yourself ease into January instead of sprinting into it (all at our own pace)
Simple doesn’t mean shallow.
Simple can be deeply nourishing.
A quieter way into the new year
I’ve been sitting with this idea for a while now—especially as someone who teaches creativity for a living. Over the years, I’ve watched so many women walk into my classes thinking they’re “not creative” or “too far behind” or “starting too late.”
And without fail, once the pressure lifts… they relax.
They smile.
They surprise themselves.
That’s the kind of energy I want to bring into the new year.
So instead of planning another loud launch or perfect plan, I’ve been softly developing something for January rooted in this exact philosophy. Not a challenge. Not a hustle. Not a “change everything overnight” situation.
More like a gentle creative rhythm.
A reminder that abundance doesn’t need to be earned.
A space built around small joys, creativity, and breathing room.
I’ve been calling it Creative Simple Joys.
I’m not quite ready to share all the details yet—but I wanted to share the heart behind it first. Because if you’ve been craving calmer days, softer goals, and creativity that feels like self-care instead of another obligation… you’re already part of this conversation.
January doesn’t have to be noisy-2026 does not have to be noisy either!
If the idea of slowing down feels like relief instead of fear—listen to that.
If you’re not in the mood to reinvent yourself this January, that’s okay.
If you want to create more without demanding more of yourself, that matters.
If you’re craving quiet joy and simple beauty, you’re not behind—you’re right on time.
I’ll be sharing more as we get closer to the new year. For now, just know this:
You don’t need a grand plan to have an abundant life.
Sometimes all it takes is one small creative moment—and permission to let it be enough.
-teresa xo
