Simple Abundance

"Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities.  It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we shall tend."  -Sarah Ban Breathnach


When I came across this quote the other day, it really struck a chord in me.  It's a reminder to see the cup as being full to overflowing.  Every moment of every day, I decide whether I cultivate a heart of abundance or a mentality of lack.  Sometimes I get it right.  Sometimes I don't.  The cool thing is this: when I find myself leaning towards notions of lack, I am able to shift my focus and recalibrate my settings.  It's a conscious choice (meaning I decide) to embrace the abundance that is mine.  


It is important to embrace simple pleasure and enjoy life everyday.  Even during the tough times, there are still sweet moments to cultivate and savor.  While the expression of enjoying life will vary from person to person, if you are stuck, reconnecting with your inner child is a great place to start.  Laughing, viewing life with a twinkle in your eye, being open to making new friends, having a happy heart, playing outside, singing, coloring, drawing and being silly. Your inner child never goes away and it is never too late to rekindle or rediscover your free-spirited, fun, and fabulous self.  


The keeper of a childlike heart possesses a great source of wealth for abundance is a state of mind which can be experienced in a variety of ways.  Indulge at a 5 Star restaurant or frolic at the park and have a picnic; run through the sprinklers or go barefoot, play in the dirt, hit the art museum, feed the birds, and bake cupcakes with sprinkles.  Sing loudly, laugh often, share something with someone you love, write a letter, sit and do absolutely nothing, play kickball, volunteer or go for a swim.  If you have lost the wonder, you must find it again and take heart... finding it again is much easier than you think.  Just open your heart and embrace the gift of life that is already yours.  Appreciate the beauty of the horizon, the sunset, an established tree or sapling, a treasured moment or possession, even another person.  When you realize and appreciate the riches that you already possess, life opens up like the flowers of a beautiful bouquet.  Let's tend the lavish garden of abundance.  Look around:  We are rich.