lake superior cove ptThe dictionary defines abundance as more than enough, ample, sufficient, plentiful, bountiful. Interesting that the word money isn’t mentioned at all. I think many people confuse abundance with how much money they have, the size of their home, what kind of car they drive and how much stuff they can accumulate. For me, abundance has little to do with money. My life is abundant in so many ways, my health, family, friends, a cozy place to live, Sophie (my cat), my amazing coaching clients, spending time in nature, doing work that I am passionate about (designing and facilitating retreats for women, teaching classes, and working with my coaching clients), Artist Dates with myself, time to play with art materials, reading an engaging book, road trips and so much more.

What prompted this blog post is the fact that I am moving to a smaller apartment in a desirable neighborhood, close to retail stores, restaurants, Nina’s Coffee Shop, health club, bakery, coop and more. Downsizing may not sound abundant to some but for me it’s absolutely the next right thing to do. I am in the process of selling some of my bigger pieces of furniture and it feels right to let go of them. Time for them to find a new home. I have been having such great adventures scouring thrift stores and antique shops in search of furniture for my new place. Who knew that I would find a beautiful chintz loveseat, elegant ottomans, red wicker table, vintage kitchen set and a darling pine cabinet for my kitchen? My friend Kathleen has introduced me to the art of thrift store shopping and we are having such fun discovering all these treasures. For me, this is one example of how I have re-defined abundance. I am living an abundant life and I am filled with gratitude.

What about you?  Are you living an abundant life? If yes, what does it look like? If no, what is one small step you can take today to manifest more abundance in your life? Would you rather be rich or happy? Please share your thoughts on how you define abundance. I would love to hear from you!

Re-Defining Abundance
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15 thoughts on “Re-Defining Abundance

  • May 22, 2016 at 9:41 am
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    “Would you rather be rich or happy?” Such a great question. After observing the lives of folks who are fabulously wealthy, I can say with utter honesty that I’d rather be happy. Wealth comes with many burdens. Happiness does not. My life – when I’m fully engaged in doing things that I love and which certainly don’t bring me much money – is very happy.
    I also have an extraordinarily full storage room that is waiting to be pilfered. Little does she know, but my daughter and I are going to clean it up this summer, once she’s home. Bonus. She will be happy. Always after me to “get rid of things.” And I’m now ready.

  • May 19, 2016 at 8:49 pm
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    Over abundance ‼️
    My comment to your blog is my first foray into the blogging world. My life is good, full to overflowing with family, friends, business ( that is closed , but there is not closure yet) and passion. I have a new man in my life who lives 700 miles away, so travel is a big factor in my over abundance. I have the remains of a closed greenhouse business that I am maintaining and trying to sell. I have 7 grandchildren who are the lights of my life, but in order to have a relationship with, takes time. I love to teach yoga and share Healing Touch energy work with people, but as you are beginning to fathom, is difficult for me to create quiet space to share. Life remains overwhelming in spite of closing the business and moving towards more mindful activities. Doing my best to stay centered and grounded, but struggle, sometimes daily to maintain balance and composure .
    Thanks for the opportunity to share.
    Diane

    • May 20, 2016 at 1:31 pm
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      Thanks for your comments Diane. Sounds like you have a great deal of abundance in your life. Aren’t grandchildren the best?

  • May 18, 2016 at 4:24 pm
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    Oh yes, I am so grateful for the abundant life I have. But I feel the need like you to begin the downsizing of my material items. Times change in our life and I feel like a new one is upon me. I am looking forward to a simpler life where I can pursue more of my passions. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this

    • May 20, 2016 at 1:29 pm
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      Sue, the best advice I can give you about downsizing is Do it Now! If you start the process now and take little bites out of it every day, it won’t be so stressful. A sweeter, simpler life is a great thing. Thanks for your comments!

  • May 17, 2016 at 4:42 pm
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    Great words of wisdom Vickie! Simplify and Mindfulness go hand in hand don’t they? As I simplify my life in preparation for the move I am mindful of letting go of things that no longer serve me. I am also aware that I have way too much stuff for one person so the letting go continues:)

  • May 17, 2016 at 11:09 am
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    Two years ago my word of the year was simplify – I was so stressed from working and I wanted to enjoy things and not over commit. But, words can be misleading. That was the year I started cleaning out like crazy! That is how the word manifested for me. I collage my words now – so I can keep them up for each year – this year it is Mindfulness – which goes with Simplify. I’m starting the process of cleaning out my mothers house, so both of these words remind me to take it easy and take my time! Thanks for the post

  • May 16, 2016 at 9:44 am
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    Oh yes….we are and feeling so blessed for that. We downsized about 10 years ago to our 400 square foot fifth wheel and I love it. It forces you to be really think about your true needs and it is amazing what I found I could let go of….and never miss.

    • May 16, 2016 at 2:14 pm
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      Good for you Debbie! Downsizing again has forced me to get rid of what no longer serves me. What a blessing! Letting go is a life long lesson for me and it’s such a good teacher:)

  • May 15, 2016 at 6:08 pm
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    Congratulations on this new turn on your path! Sounds exciting with releasing what no longer serves you and welcoming the new. For me, abundance is all around me…in nature, in love from friends, in new learnings and new experiences. I guess you could say, that I believe abundance is a mindset.

    • May 16, 2016 at 2:11 pm
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      Thanks for your comments Elda. Yes, abundance is all around us, we just need to keep our eyes open and be fully present in the moment. I know that you and I are both living abundantly:)

  • May 15, 2016 at 7:59 am
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    Hi Nancy,

    Absolutely. Yesterday, I was working out in the garden. There was still much clean up to be done in my side patio. As I was cleaning, I was thinking of last summer when I put that patio together and how fun it was to pick out all the pieces and put together my sweet little outside retreat area. I cleaned the pillows and sprayed down the outdoor rug. I carefully wiped all the winter’s smudge off the glass table. It now looks so inviting and it’s 34 degrees this morning! Yikes! Maybe another day!

    Yes, very abundant indeed!

    • May 16, 2016 at 2:09 pm
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      That is so great Amy that you built your own patio/retreat. Sounds like a sweet spot to hang out and reflect and relax. Sounds very abundant to me Amy!

  • May 14, 2016 at 6:25 pm
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    Oh what an exciting new adventure Nancy, and the perfect example of following what’s right-fit for you can lead to such fabulousity. I believe that when we untie our own experiences of abundance with what is collectively held, we’re able see all the places we are truly abundant. And when we allow ourselves to define abundance, it makes it much easier to address all the areas we’re not feeling abundant because we’re not trying to live up to other’s standards that aren’t ours. I hope that wasn’t a too convolulted way of saying I agree with you. 🙂

    • May 16, 2016 at 2:07 pm
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      Deborah, I love the word fabulousity and I am looking forward to lots of it in my new space. Abundance is in the eye of the beholder and it’s different for each and every one of us. Thanks, as always, for your comments!

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