MONDAY MORNING MOTIVATIONAL MESSAGE - ABUNDANCE

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.