Calling In Abundance

"Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into."- Wayne Dyer, self-help author, motivational speaker

As I was thinking about the topic for today's post, I asked myself where I felt I was doing well in my life, and where I saw room for improvement. Though the list is very long for the latter (we're so hard on ourselves, aren't we?), what came to mind was abundance.

From a "things" standpoint, I have way more than enough. But abundance isn't really about things, is it? If you've ever done the shop-till-you-drop routine, you know of what I speak. Though all the things we buy and consume satisfy us in the moment, do they contribute to the overall quality of our life? Usually not.

So then, what does having plenty really mean? What does true abundance look like? Let's explore.

I love the quote above from Wayne Dyer because it reveals very simply the trick to abundance. It's really something that comes from within (thus we "tune into" it), versus something we buy or consume from without. 

That's a neat trick.

The idea that we can change our state from one of lack to one of abundance without purchasing a single thing feels pretty powerful to me. As Tao Te Ching author and philosopher Laozi (aka Lao Tzu) said, "When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." Mind. Blown. 

Who wouldn't want to feel that way all of the time? I sure would. So how do we get there? Here's some ideas for calling abundance into your life (without spending a dime).

Take stock and be grateful

A lot of the time, our thoughts are focused on what we don't have (even subconsciously). Whether it's the car, the house, the clothes, the job, etc., etc. Whatever we perceive we lack, true or not, puts us in a scarcity mindset.

Conversely, when we spend some time on seeing and appreciating all we do have, we create an abundance mindset. It's probably not a stretch to assume that you have a warm, safe place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear and reliable transportation. If that's true, you are incredibly richer than the majority of people on Earth. 

You can do this in every area of your life to flip the script on scarcity and cultivate abundance.

Enjoy what you have

Along with the list above of the things you have, I'm sure there's more to appreciate. Use those luxurious guest towels sitting in your closet, or your "good" silverware and dinnerware. Burn that special candle you've been saving. Crack open that book you've been wanting to read but haven't gotten to. Drop that lavish bath bomb into your next soak.

Take a look around your space, find the things that bring you joy, and use them. 

Give back

Doing something for others is an all-around solution for much of what ails us when it comes to our emotional and mental health. It instantly gets us out of our me-thinking and makes us feel good. Even just the thought of doing something for someone else can bring a smile to our face. It can be a friend, a love, family member or stranger. It can be big or small.

Whatever it is, do something for someone else. Voila! Instant abundance.

Be happy for someone else's abundance

I'll admit this one ain't always easy. Especially when you're sitting in a scarcity mindset. In that state, you're more likely to feel jealous and resentful than happy for someone else.

However, there's an easy fix. Simply remind yourself that They. Aren't. You. You are you. And whatever they have or get or attain is not in any way a reflection on you. You are a unique being with a path all your own. You don't need to compare or judge yourself to anyone else. 

So be freaking happy for them because that's how you shift your energy to welcome more abundance into your own life. 

Let's feel abundant, friend.