Are you living an abundant life?

A person could live in the nicest house, drive the most luxurious car, and have all the latest technology but still not feel they are living an abundant life. This is because abundance, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. You have to determine if you have an abundant life. 

Abundance isn't something external that we possess; it's an internal mindset that allows us to be grateful for the things we have. However, your perspective on abundance can change based on your circumstances and what you have or desire. 

For example, I've known cancer patients who felt they were living an abundant life...until they found out they had cancer. Once they found out they were sick and had to be treated with toxic medications, they didn't feel very abundant. But if those drugs blunted their disease and they felt well again, their perspective on abundance changed again.

To cultivate abundance in your life, consider the following points:

1. What does abundance look like to you? Some people may determine that abundance means being in good health; others may conclude it means having the career they want, while still others may believe it is a large and loving family. Define abundance in your life.

2. Concentrate on the people and things you are grateful for instead of worrying or driving yourself to obtain things you believe will provide greater abundance. If you are fulfilled by the people or things you have, spend more time appreciating them and less time concerned about what you desire.

3. Determine what is essential versus what you want. There is nothing wrong with wanting or keeping things, but make sure they add value and are a necessary part of your life. My wife and I have moved residences six times in our 32-year marriage. Every time we move, we use it as an exercise to declutter. We eliminate the things we don't use and only keep what is essential. 

4. Understand why you want or desire something. As I mentioned, it's okay to want things but ask yourself why you want them. Wanting something because it interests you is fine. However, wanting something simply because someone else has it borders on envy. There is even a Commandment from God against this. The Tenth Commandment advises us against coveting our neighbor's goods. 

Your life is infinitely more abundant than you realize, no matter your health status, how much money you have, or what appears to be lacking. By focusing on the four tips above, you can change your perspective and appreciate everything that makes your life amazing. It's okay to dream, and I encourage you to think bigger. However, don't forget to live in the now and appreciate the relationships you have in your life, even while pursuing your dreams. 

Please leave me a comment on how you determine abundance in your life. Your opinions and perspectives are valuable, and I enjoy hearing from you.

When was the last time you retreated?

For the most part, retreat means to give up the ground you've already fought and died to take. It is synonymous with falling back, losing, or withdrawing.

​However, it can also mean a quiet and secluded place to contemplate or mull over your life or next project.

How often do we fall back and envision a different path, in our fast-paced world? 

​Do we consider our next move, or do we nonchalantly drive forward without a direction or plan, hoping that fate will intervene and we'll be successful?

Here are four benefits of taking time to retreat:

1. Relieve stress - Taking time to contemplate where we've been and where we are going can improve our mental and physical outlooks. Even armies engaged in battle are occasionally pulled off the line to recharge mentally and physically. 

2. Fulfillment - Retreating allows us time to review our accomplishments and decide where our new knowledge and effort will lead us.  

3. Happiness - By focusing on the gains and growth we have experienced, we can be happier due to a deeper understanding of our self-worth.  

4. Resilience - Retreating can provide the opportunity to contemplate solutions to the adversity we are experiencing. This effort can lead to an increased belief that we can confront bigger problems. 

Retreating and being alone with yourself is an excellent way to reconnect. This can be accomplished in as little as ten minutes a day. Make an effort to spend a few minutes daily being unplugged from life. Retreat into your mind and listen to what your spirit is telling you. As loud and fast-paced as our environment is, how could we hear anything the soul is whispering to us unless we took time each day to listen for that soft, gentle voice? 

Please leave me a comment about your thoughts on how retreating allows you to move forward in your life. Your opinions and perspectives are valuable, and I'd appreciate hearing from you.