Life in Abundance

Day 15

"Your fortune is not something to find but to unfold" Eric Butterworth

I heard Iyanla Vanzant pose the question, "Where in your life are you missing abundance?" It was a striking question because we are often asking for more, but not looking at the abundance of what we currently have. When we do not appreciate what we have, we either block or are unable to see when we receive more. We then often create conflicting messages that can sound like:

• "I have my dream home, but the backyard isn't big enough."

• "I like my job, but I don't like my coworkers."

• "I'm losing weight, but not fast enough."

• "I was given a raise, but I wanted a bonus too."

There's often a common theme of semi-gratitude. I have this thing, BUT it's not enough, it could be better, or it did not show up in the way I wanted. Even when we receive, it's common for us to lean towards lack. The concept of living an abundant life is usually sparked by financial gain, but it has become clear to me that abundance is a cumulative project. It's a mindset about thriving and being full in all parts of your life, not just one or a couple. If you believe in lack in one or two areas of your life, how can that not trickle into other parts of who you are?

Whatever we focus our attention on, we are bound to see, experience, and feel more of. It's like wanting a specific car and then seeing it everywhere (I recently learned this is called the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon!) Until you consciously (or unconsciously) expressed a desire for a thing, you may not have noticed it too much before, but as soon as you claim that desire, it's everywhere. I think it's a great way to apply the idea of abundance in your life. If you desire more love, be more loving. If you desire improved finances, pay bills with joy knowing that more money will come your way.

As I move into a new chapter of my life, I choose to consistently pay attention. Pay attention to the words I speak, my reactions to others, and mostly if my desires and the life I'm manifesting are aligned with each other. Am I feeling full on the journey to my desires, or am I ignoring the gifts I'm given? Am I complaining constantly and essentially proclaiming that life is not good, or am I choosing to look at how I am being and take action to feel good? .

Part of what is exciting about life is the desire for expansion and experiencing new things, but that journey is most successful when we find the abundance in what currently is. As I lay out desires for my life, I know that to live the life that I envision in absolute fullness, I have to start with a trusting foundation - one of gratitude, joy, surrender, and knowing that there is more than enough to go around to satisfy all I desire.

"The fastest way to bring more wonderful examples of abundance into your personal experience is to take constant notice of the wonderful things that are already there." Esther Hicks