As we dive deep into the last weeks of the year, it’s a good time to look at what abundance looks like for you right now. For many of us, abundance is an ongoing struggle. Society tells us that if we want to be happy and successful then we must be focused on abundance. But all too often, we find ourselves distracted by a range of issues that are anything but abundant.
What does abundance look like for me?
Something you may not know about me is that for the first 26 years of my career I was not hardwired to think about this question. In fact, I looked for the opposite: solution-focused and action-oriented to fix what needed fixing. Also, from my cultural upbringing, my parents looking to establish themselves in a new country were risk-averse. I was raised to look at scarceness rather than abundance.
So, asking myself that question was a stretch and is a muscle I’ve been developing for a decade.
Living into Grace
Abundance for me as a woman of culture aligned with my work in the world is about living into grace. I have a deep desire to qualify what grace means to me and diminish the word so no one feels I’m too big for my boots.
So as a pattern disruptor, let me share with you what I know to be true about grace:
- Sitting down to put on my socks
- Reaching for a favorite food while feeling tingles in my fingers
- Noticing myself laughing out loud with no one around
- Being aware of my breathing
- Seeing space in the room, not the objects
- Listening without preparing my thoughts
- Touching my plants gently
- Looking without judging
- Grace to me is a deep knowing of quiet.
How to define your flavor of abundance
While we live in an abundance culture, I encourage you to step outside of its usual patterns and ask yourself these questions:
What are the things I’m grateful for in my life?
Start by listing all the things you are grateful for in your life. This can be anything from your family and friends to your health and home. Write down everything you can think of, no matter how small. Then, look at your list and take a moment to really appreciate all that you have.
How can I be kinder to myself and others?
Think about ways you can make a difference in the world. This can be anything from the impact you want to drive at work or helping out a friend in need.
How do I visualize myself living in abundance?
Finally, start visualizing yourself living in abundance. Picture yourself surrounded by all the things you are grateful for.
When you take the time to really think about what abundance means to you, you may be surprised at how simple it can be to create more of it in your life. Abundance is not about having more financial freedom or possessions; it’s about having more love, joy, and fulfillment in your life. It’s about living with less stress and more peace of mind. It’s about being kinder to yourself and others. And it’s about feeling good about yourself and your life.
For me, living a life of abundance means holding grace. What does abundance look like for you right now?
