Motivation Mondays: ABUNDANCE
“Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.” Wayne Dyer
Motivation Mondays: ABUNDANCE – Give. Share. Receive
Whatever we are waiting for – peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance – it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart. Sarah Ban Breathnach
Talent is always conscious of its own abundance, and does not object to sharing. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Many a man curses the rain that falls upon his head, and knows not that it brings abundance to drive away the hunger. Saint Basil
What does Abundance mean to you? Is it found in your acquisitions? Is it found in your surroundings or in your spirit of gratitude for all that you are? Are you aware of the limits of material things in making you truly happy? This is a great time to contemplate the meaning of Abundance, as it is the season of holiday gift-giving, excesses, and regrets. If the holidays are a time you break the bank to impress or gift those you love, you might want to pause and consider a new approach this year. How can you make this a truly memorable holiday season for your spirit and for those around you who might be broken in spirit? It is easy to forget as we wander, from store to store, laden with our packages of items we saved all year for or items our loved ones shared with us on a list from here to eternity.
Don’t get me wrong: we can celebrate each other and raise a glass to toast all we have accomplished this year, but have you considered stepping out of that malaise of sameness into a new spirit of abundance that focuses on altruism? It is never too late to try a new approach to celebrating the holidays by sharing our abundance with those whose needs are greater than our own. But it is a choice we have to make, and granted, it is not an easy one for most people.
When I was a kid, my Mom used to buy gifts and clothing for us during the holiday season. She’d get things we imagined, fantasized about, and/or asked for, and then she’d give them away to others. As a child, it really bothered me as I couldn’t quite understand the point of it all. Still, as I grew up, it became clearer that the lesson she was trying to teach us was to remember that instead of adding more abundantly to our coffers, it was far more important to provide enough for those who had so little during the season of merriment and gift-giving. She wanted us to become acutely aware of our blessings and to share them. While this might not be everyone’s ideal approach, we can create our own traditions of giving to others and pass them on to our family. It is never too late…
A Story: The Thief of Abundance and Awareness by Osho – Zen Antics stories via Goodweb.cn
There was one great master, a Buddhist master, Nagarjuna. A thief came to him. The thief had fallen in love with the master because he had never seen such a beautiful person, such infinite grace. The thief asked Nagarjuna, “Is there some possibility of my growth also? But I must make one thing clear: I am a thief. And another thing: I cannot leave it, so please don’t make it a condition. I will do whatsoever you say, but I cannot stop being a thief. I have tried many times — it never works, so I have left the whole sport. I have accepted my destiny, that I am going to be a thief and remain a thief, so don’t talk about it. From the very beginning, let it be clear.”
Nagarjuna said, “Why are you afraid? Who is going to talk about your being a thief?”
The thief said, “But whenever I go to a monk, to a religious priest, or to a religious saint, they always say, ‘First stop stealing.'”
Nagarjuna laughed and said, “Then you must have gone to thieves; otherwise, why? Why should they be concerned? I am not concerned!”
The thief was very happy. He said, “Then it is okay. It seems I can now become a disciple. You are the right master.”
Nagarjuna accepted him and said, “Now you can go and do whatsoever you like. Only one condition has to be followed: be aware! Go, break into houses, enter, take things, steal; do whatsoever you like, that is of no concern to me, I am not a thief–but do it with full awareness.”
The thief couldn’t understand that he was falling into the trap. He said, “Then everything is okay. I will try.” After three weeks he came back and said, “You are tricky–because if I become aware, I cannot steal. If I steal, awareness disappears. I am in a fix.”
Nagarjuna said, “No more talk about your being a thief and stealing. I am not concerned; I am not a thief. Now, you decide! If you want awareness, then you decide. If you don’t want it, then too you decide.”
The man said, “But now it is difficult. I have tasted it a little, and it is so beautiful — I will leave anything, whatsoever you say. Just the other night, for the first time, I was able to enter the king’s palace. I opened the treasure. I could have become the richest man in the world—but you were following me, and I had to stay aware. When I became aware, the diamonds looked like ordinary stones. When I lost awareness, the treasure was there. And I waited and did this many times. I would become aware, and I became like a Buddha, and I could not even touch it because the whole thing looked foolish, stupid — just stones; what am I doing? Losing myself over stones? But then I would lose awareness; they would become beautiful again, the whole illusion. But finally I decided that they were not worth it.”
“Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance”- Epicurus
Motivation Mondays: ABUNDANCE – Give. Share. Receive
When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears. Anthony Robbins
Even the smallest shift in perspective can bring about the greatest healing. Joshua Kai
There is enough for everyone. If you believe it, if you can see it, if you act from it, it will show up for you. That’s the truth. Michael Beckwith
Do you give from a place of Thankfulness or a place of Pride? When we give joyfully to others, we experience a surge of sweetness and gratitude because we have been able to help someone in need, and that sensation reverberates from us to others; it is a deep and satisfying feeling of fullness in knowing that we have shared freely, and it is unforgettable; unlike gifts that excite us for a moment until something else draws our attention to the next acquisitive toy. Yet so many miss the chance to feel inner abundance because we get caught up in material and mental constraints that give us only temporary satisfaction.
During this holiday season, take the chance to go out of your way to volunteer and donate time, money, and goodwill to those who need it most. Act as if your life depended on it and don’t expect accolades or showers of thanks; then reflect on your own inner experience. I trust that the experience will fill your heart and soul with the deepest sense of satisfaction and abundance. Another way to spread this tuning into our inner abundance is to encourage our loved ones to do the same. The more we give of ourselves, the more we learn about ourselves and what really triggers our inner wisdom.
A Story: The Giver Should Be Thankful
While Seisetsu was the master of Engaku in Kamakura, he needed larger quarters because the schools where he taught were overcrowded. Umezu Seibei, a merchant of Edo, decided to donate five hundred pieces of gold, called ryo, toward building a larger school—money he brought to the teacher.
Seisetsu said: “All right. I will take it.”
Umezu gave Seisetsu the sack of gold, but he was dissatisfied with the teacher’s attitude. One might live a whole year on three ryo, and the merchant had not even been thanked for five hundred.
“In that sack are five hundred ryo,” hinted Umezu.
“You told me that before,” replied Seisetsu.
“Even if I am a wealthy merchant, five hundred ryo is a lot of money,” said Umezu.
“Do you want me to thank you for it?” asked Seisetsu.
“You ought to,” replied Umezu.
Why should I?” inquired Seisetsu. “The giver should be thankful.”
Motivation Mondays details are below. Join in! The themes for October and November 2016 are:
NOVEMBER
11/01/6 – 01 All Saints’ Day/Day of the Dead, 02 All Souls’ Day, 03 Culture Day, 05 Guy Fawkes Day
11/07 – 07 Chocolate + Almonds Day, 11 Martinmas/Remembrance Day/Veterans Day/Armistice Day, 13 World Kindness Day
11/14 – 14 Full Moon, 15 Republic Day, 16 Day of Repentance, 2 National Black Consciousness Day/Revolution Day
11/21 – 21 World Hello Day, 23 National Cashew Day, 24 Thanksgiving Day
11/28 – 29 New Moon/E-Greetings Day/National Day of Listening
DECEMBER
12/05 – 01 World AIDS Day, 02 Int ‘l Abolition of Slavery Day, 07 Pearl Harbor/Remembrance, 08 Immaculate Conception,
12/12 – 10 Human Rights Day, 12 Green Day, 16 Day of Reconciliation,
12/19 – 18 Int ‘l Migrants Day, 21 Winter Solstice, 24 Start of Hanukkah, 25 Christmas Day
12/26 – 26 Start of Kwanzaa Day, 31 End of Year!
Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2016?
– Join the Daily Post Post-a-day or Post-a-week Challenge.
— Join the BlogHer Writing Lab
More Below!
“Abundance is a process of letting go; that which is empty can receive.” Bryant H. McGill
Motivation Mondays: ABUNDANCE – Give. Share. Receive
The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have little. Franklin D. Roosevelt
The key to abundance is meeting limited circumstances with unlimited thoughts. Marianne Williamson
You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might also pray in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance. Khalil Gibran
Do you treat Adversity and Abundance the same? When we think of abundant riches, we often forget those riches could vanish in the blink of an eye, so we must rise above them and not let them define us. There is nothing wrong with abundance. Frankly, we live in an abundant world, and if we set aside greed and selfishness, everyone on this planet would have enough to eat and a place to sleep; our abundance becomes someone else’s adversity when we forget to give back to the earth and its inhabitants. So think about it: What would we do if abundance came knocking on our door? It would be very easy to get caught up in our reverie and imagine a life filled with opulence and untold excesses… We might linger in our fantasies for a while, or, if we are fortunate, gain a moment of lucidity and remember that our abundant blessings are meant to be shared.
What about if adversity came knocking? I bet we would hope for others’ kindness to help us break through… one ladle can feed many if we are willing to empathize and share. I love Roosevelt’s quote above because it reminds us that true abundance isn’t just about our gains, but also about whether we provide enough to those who have too little. So this season of joy, be an abundant giver to those in dire straits. It will boomerang back to you in abundant ways.
A Story: The Carrot, Egg, and cup of Coffee – via Anon
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how hard things were. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as if when one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each
on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil.
In the first she placed carrots,
In the second she placed eggs and
In the last she placed ground coffee beans.
She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners.
She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl.
She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.
Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see.”
“Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.
She did and noted that they were soft.
The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it.
After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.
The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, “What does it mean, mother?”
Her mother explained that each of these objects
had faced the same adversity: boiling water.
Each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting.
However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
However, the ground coffee beans were unique.
After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
“Which are you?” she asked her daughter.
When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?
Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?”
Think: Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and
adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat?
Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup,
a financial hardship, or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but inside I’m bitter and tough, with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean?
The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.
If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are at their greatest,
do you elevate yourself to another level?
How do you handle adversity?
Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?
The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best
of everything; they make the most of everything that
comes along their way.
The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can’t go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying, and everyone
around you was smiling.
Live your life so that, in the end, you’re the one smiling and everyone around you is crying. Anon
Have a Happy week ahead!
Any Zen Antics stories via Goodweb.cn
Positive Motivation Tip: Every day, in even a little way, be an abundant blessing to someone…
Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wants to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge, or post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a Motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment, and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMonday.s Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will help others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to complement the page. It’s another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.
Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, useWordPress’’ integrated tool on your blog, or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM
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PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos – Abundance via Wikipedia, and/or Abundance hearts, via Pixabay
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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I always try to donate to those less fortunate. I think it’s an important thing to do.
Beautiful stories – thank you.
Such a wealth of inspiration! I need lots today! Great post, as always!
I try to live in a mindset of abundance. When you live in lack, it can be very stressful and make you feel like you’ll never get ahead. By being thankful for all I have I feel so much more abundant.
This was very inspirational. I am devoting time this holiday season to volunteer work to help the less fortunate. I truly enjoy giving back.
Fantastic post, as usual! I loved this story by Osho! If we could just be aware all the time!
thank you for the positive vibes!
Elizabeth, you inspire me. Your posts never fail to amaze me and I know I’ve said that numerous times–it’s true and still rings true. This post spoke to me so much. I am at that season in my life where I am not particularly looking forward to the holidays because I don’t have gifts to give. However, you helped me see things from a different light. I want so bad to give back to people who have helped me this year and your suggestion to volunteer and give my time is wonderful. Thank you. Wishing you an abundant year ahead. Much love.
I always love reading your blogs, the stories are so interesting and make me reflect on my own life. I hope abundance comes knocking on my door soon!
Your collage is so representative of abundance. Another beautiful one to look at and post to read.
I’ve only heard that word a few times, and never really knew what it meant. There is so many different words people use and I’m like oh okay then. Like I’m dull when it comes to different words being used especially ones that I have no clue what they are about.
What a great quote about enjoying what you have and not wanting more. I do need to do more of this.
The picture of the veggies is so vibrant and delicious.
Having a large quantity of something means you have to share a lot to others. That is what you are here for.
I really like how your mom taught about giving and while some may think it’s a bit too much I disagree. I think as parents we protect, love and spoil our kids naturally so sometimes they need to be reminded of how blessed and lucky they are in so many ways.
Your mum was a very wise lady.
I look for abundance in the things that matter more to me…time, love, moments. That is true wealth! Thank you for sharing!
I used to be a Program Director for a camp that took under-served youth up to the mountains for a week. I always shared that Egg, Carrot, Coffee Bean story with them. I feel like it’s so relevant to our lives. How we respond to adversity affects so much of what is to come.
I love this, it’s a good reminder to us all about the season of giving. I am not rich but I am lucky enough to be able to eat three times a day, have a home that’s filled with love, and enough clothes to wear, with that it’s would be nice to give back to those who lack these things. I am truly inspired by the stories! Thank you for the wonderful post!
When we have little but still give is a true test of the heart. You are rewarded with so much when you give what isn’t easy.
Your mum sounds like an amazing person, it is so important to look out for those who have so little in a season famed for its materialism. What a great life lesson.
It’s really good to see. I hope i can tour with these place with my family. I want the views and the others.
there was a quote I saw yetstrday about not letting what you want, diminish what you have, I loved that quote. I think abundance to me is an abundance of love an support and kindness, those are certainly more important than material things anyway. Great reminder for this season.
The story of Emedu the merchant giver or 500 ryo, is typical of many of us. When we give we expect adoration and much thanksgiving…We forget that In Giving we should do it as an act of gratitude not to the receiver, but to the Source that gave us more ….Also when the right hand gives the left sholdnt know.
And as Receivers, we must also remember to be grateful when we receive whether big or small! For gratitude is the key that opens the givers doors to more abundance as well. So that others can receive from them too…a double edged gift is gratitude. I loved the post. I am bookmarking to read again. So much to learn.
~Julie Syl
What a perfect post!! So inspiring and well write. Thank you for sharing!
I don’t have much anymore now that I am semi retired but then I have never been one to care about what I have or what I don’t. I have always been on to share what little I have and that is not about to change–whether it is a smile, or listening to someone-really listening–or helping them in any way I can.
What a great post. Makes one think about life in general and what actually makes us truly happy. Thank you for this!
Abundance is definitely something we need to focus on this time of year and give to others. Great piece reminding people to be thankful
This post is so meaningful and inspiring for me. I love reading this. Thanks for sharing.
Abundance is whatever is in great supply. Hopefully, for most people, it is love and peace. That would be my Christmas wish for everyone: an abundance of love and peace.
This is such a great post. I love the idea of doing a motivation day/post at least once a week.
Ah pride. There’s that word again. It comes in many forms. I struggle from the form of not wanting to take help from anyone. I like the story. Jewels do just look like stones with the right awareness.
I see adversity and abundance in totally different perspectives. And I equate abundance with sheer number/size/amount.
I feel like abundance could be seen as a good thing or a bad thing. I have an abundance of love to give and sometimes an abundance of material items which isn’t good.
I love this time of year. I love to give out gifts as well, and don’t expect anything in return. I just really love to give and see the looks on everyone’s faces when they open them up.
Love this. It really makes you reflect!
I view adversity as any challenge. When it comes to the word abundance I think of quantity and don’t generally associate that with a challenge.
I love all your happy pictures! Thanks for sharing!
A really motivating post, it’s giving me a better outlook.
Great post! I think a lot of the times we focus on things during the holidays rather than the people. I like how your mom talk you the value in helping others rather than relying on things. We’re trying to do the same with our boys, but it’s a little tough when your husband wants to “give them the world.”
Abundance to me means a lot of good things.
I really like this quote “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” Anthony Robbins
It’s such a great cause to be able to help the less fortunate or the needy this holiday season. Sharing is caring. The more we give, the more abundance we receive,
I have never really given abundance much thought. However, it’s not about the material things for me. It’s about the happiness and love that I receive from my family and friends!
Abundance is such a wonderful word. I love the idea of being “an abundant giver” this holiday season.
There is definitely a deeper meaning of abundance to people who are spiritually than the ones that are not. To me it is the connection I have to my mind, body, spirit, God, the people I love and my surroundings.
With Thanksgiving still fresh in my mind, it’s a great time to appreciate all we have. Abundance isn’t something I would have necessarily associated with myself, but I guess I really do have so much to be thankful for.
Giving is definitely our purpose in life, sharing anything to our neighbors and loved ones so we can receive the gift of salvation from Him.
Abundance for me is not about having huge money or jewels or property, but all about having a life that is filled with peace and good health. Holiday season are definitely the best time to do some volunteering as giving back to others is the greatest joy anytime!
I always come back again to read your posts. They are always so thought provoking and well written.
When I think of abundance I don’t think of material things I think of love, friendship and so non tangible things. For the holidays we stick to the 4 gift rule ( guess it is really 5). Our two kids get something they want, need, wear and something to read. They then also get one gift from Santa Claus. We have found that this really works so the kids don’t get too much.
The Wayne Dyer quote is fabulous! That’s a quote that will stay in the back of my mind as a gentle reminder.
Great post. I’m not sure true altruism actually exists but we do try and look outside of our comfort zones regularly to help. I recently published a book of almost 100 recipes, featuring over a dozen contributors from around the world, just for charity.
I love to read this.. Very interesting and can gain knowledge.. Thanks for sharing this.
Abundance for me means being able to live another day through blessings from God.
It’s a perfect place for roadtripping and travelling especially when you have your friend or family. I’ts really great place.
I think abundance is a matter of perspective. If you are content, you’ll always feel abundant and overflowing. If not, you’ll always feel lacking.
Those foods,views,flowers,animal looks wonderful! This place is made of happiness. It looks truly great.
Abundance for me is something that is not physical, something intangible. For me to share my time and talent means I have been blessed beyond measure.
These are such good points, it exactly aligns with my thoughts and I’ve written posts on these topics too. Thanks for sharing!
– Tyler
feeltheesunlight.com
This is a perfect post for this time of year! Abundance goes hand in hand with charity I believe!
This is a perfect post for this time of year! Abundance and charity go hand in hand I believe!!
I never thought of abundance as “not what we have but what we enjoy”. I guess when I think of the word abundance I think one has a lot of something. I really love looking at it your way, it’s so much more meaningful.
i’ll take the gold coins please…lol.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in material possessions and difficult to understand what it is like to be without unless you go through it. Your mom did a wonderful job in teaching you and your siblings how to be kind to others who had very little. I hope to instill those same values in my little boys.
I love these Monday Motivation posts they are always so inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Abundance definitely means something different to everyone. But, nothing beats having an abundance of love.
Such a great post and I enjoyed reading the story of The Carrot, Egg, and cup of Coffee
I agree, I’m ready to step back from the excessive spending during the holidays. It’s not what it should be about. Great post as always!
Totally love this quote: “Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” It is so true; we can acquire a lot of things, but unless we appreciate them and enjoy them, they are of no real use.
xx, Kusum
So important to be able to tell when you have an abundance. And sharing the abundance of as well.
The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can’t go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. – THIS!
2016 was such an important year for me to realise this! And I’m so much happier now
Really enjoyed reading this post. think we all need a little motivation at times
It’s so true that we have to give with a thankful heart; pride should not be present, and the world does not need to know you did. Giving with love is abundance.
XO, MJ
I love that story about carrot, egg and a cup of coffee! At the end we should be able to smile. We should feel that life is worth it.
I absolutely love this abundance post! I definitely want to think of different traditions that I could start with our family so that they could pass that on to their children giving from the heart! Thank you for this post ❤️
Your Mom’s lesson was extremely valuable! It is amazing to me how the idea of giving has turned to what are we receiving. Giving to others is rewarding! My family and I have really changed how we celebrate our Holiday, Christmas after I became ill.. We focus on being happy with our family and make sure we give to those who need
For the holidays, I try to focus on an abundance of love and family. I will admit there have been times that I focused on an abundance of gifts for my children. This year, though, we are trying to focus on our faith and showing love and care to others who need it most.
I love the sentiment that the giver should be thankful. We truly need to remember that this time of year.
Really nice story there!! My only wish for all would be let them get peace and happiness in abundance.
You made me really think about what abundance means to me. I guess it means having more than enough, but not too much.
Thank you for such a great post!
Love your Monday motivation posts! This one was particularly eye opening! Thank you!
Such an interesting take on the word, I didn’t realize there was so much meaning in it. I don’t really know what I feel about the world abundance x
We celebrate and give thanks for abundance in our lives by the end of the year. Abundance in all things is something we pray for and work for. Abundance makes us feel that we are going in the right direction.
The most important part of live! “Abundance is a process of letting go; that which is empty can receive.” – I fully agree!! <3 <3 LOVE it!
At least I know i always give from a place of thankfulness because i grew up with nothing and I always feel good when I give back to the community. This is a great post that makes me really think
I feel very grateful and full of abundance this year so I’m trying to find ways to pay that forward. I donate to a local charity every Christmas season but I want to try and extend that all year round. One of my goals for 2017 is to volunteer somewhere and contribute to my community even when it isn’t the Christmas season.
Once we understand that everything on this planet was created that we may enjoy it so we dont need to steal it or crave what we dont yet have. We simply have to be aware that we already are wealthy beyond measure, Sounds simple right? Nope lol! Powerful, detailed as always Post Thank you Elizabeth!
Oh, I just love this! This really spoke to me: “Do you give from a place of Thankfulness or a place of Pride?” When we give joyfully, wanting to generously and truly be of service to another, oh, how that enriches us all.
Nice post!
I really like your post, they are very inspiring <3
I appreciate the message your mom was trying to bestow upon you. I think I might start a similar tradition and ask my children to write letters to Santa with things they’ll donate, rather than just ask for things.
This is great! I love it
Abundance can come in so many ways! Great reminder and beautiful photos!
I’d like to think that I’m more of a coffee bean among the choices. i think I can adapt to situations and be better after, or that is what I aspire to be.
I have to disagree with your mother taking away your Christmas gifts… there are other ways of teaching children lessons and I don’t think this is one of them. I think this just brings sadness to children… it’s Christmas…
You have a great article here. You make some insightful comparisons. Thank you. Keep up the good work.
Fascinating POV shared today. Abundance to me it the stuff we take for granted like Love, most people have that in truck loads but they don’t appreciate or even notice it.
this holiday is a good way to enjoy the abundance of your relatives friends and family, the gift of joy and laughter and good memories of celebrating together is much better gift than anything else
I love reading these blog. Very interesting and meaningful. Also can gain some learnings. Thanks for sharing.
It truly is a season of abundance and Sarah Ban Breathnach’s quote definitely rings true for me
Abundance can be found in being content. A person won`t feel fulfilled no matter how rich he may be if the heart is not grateful and content.
❀ Grace ❀
Although I have heard the story of the carrot, egg and coffee before, that is still my favourite amongst your selection. It is a motivating piece for people who think that they cannot succeed. It doesn’t compare with other human beings, but just normal everyday items…
Thank you for this motivational article and for reminding us to be thankful and open. Really enjoyed this read
Such a wonderful place! We can plan and travel to this place by now. It’s so good to visit and tour i guess my family would love this one.
Thank you for the motivation. I need to think about what I have more often.
It is nice to see someone speaking about the importance of giving to those in need during the holiday season. Very cool – oh and I love that Wayne Dyer quote you started with. Blessings!
I really, really love the story of the carrot, egg, and coffee bean. What a wonderful way to present that lesson, and I’m glad you found it and shared it here.
Beautiful piece of the writing! Loved the stories of ‘Giver Should Be Thankful’ and ‘The Carrot, Egg, and cup of Coffee’! During this holiday season, we should help all those who are unfortunate and underprivileged and bring some joy to their lives!
I love the idea of where you give from. I think that is so important. ~http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blogspot.com/
I love your perspective on this! It really made me think. It’s important to remember to give and share, especially around this time of year. The holidays always remind me there are people in need, so I try to help out in any way I can. Keep on spreading positivity out there! The world needs more people like you 🙂
Wow, I love the inspiration and lessons about abundance in this post. Rise above our riches and not let it define us. It’s powerful