Welcome to the Inspiration for Today blog!

The beginning of a new year brings with it fresh opportunities, new challenges and hope for the future. What a perfect time to embrace all that can bring abundance into our lives!

Or perhaps you’re seeking change in your life regardless of what time of the year it is.

And when pursuing change, isn’t the abundance of something positive what we’re seeking? Aren’t we really hoping for some type of transformation that brings goodness into our lives?

What is Abundance?

But what exactly defines an abundant life? Riches and all the goodies that money can buy?

Monetary fortune can be a positive part of one’s life. It’s commendable to work hard, plan and invest in order to maximize your earnings. Monetary abundance can ease the worries of debt and provide a comfortable life.

But it can’t provide the things that enrich our lives the most.

A true abundant life is much more than having a lot of money.

Simply put, the word “abundant” means “plentiful” and “available in large quantities.”

And those definitions don’t just apply to money. Why? Because one can still have an abundant life even if the money runs out.

So what truly enriches our lives? Things that cause every facet of our lives—our minds, bodies and spirits—to overflow with lots of plenty.

Things such as:

• Serenity
• Peace
• Contentment
• Centeredness
• Confidence
• Health
• Love
• Faith
• Hope
• Generosity
• Equanimity
• Forgiveness
• Discipline

Imagine every facet of your being filled with these blessings as a normal way of life. Every day. A life overflowing with these is a life filled with true abundance.

And the upside is that these blessings can be attained more easily—and in less time—than making an abundance of money. In fact, a life overflowing with these blessings will positively enhance your journey toward monetary achievements and abundance.

How do we find true abundance?

There are two main factors that lead to true abundance: choices and acceptance.

There are other factors that have great influences as well, but managing these two well will lead you to true abundance.

Choices

Every choice we make influences our life positively or negatively.

And every choice has consequences.

In my book, Find Center, I discuss the topic of choices extensively, but the main thing to take away here is to remember these two facts when faced with a decision to make—especially when that decision is being made during times filled with intense emotions such as anger, stress or passion.

The choice you make will have consequences and they will either be positive or negative.

Some examples:

1.  In an emotionally charged disagreement with a coworker or boss, responding with forethought and wisdom—regardless of how you feel—will result in more positive outcomes than acting impulsively. Peace, equanimity and centeredness can result in the long run. And that’s better than stress, anxiety and possibly losing your job. The wiser choice in the heat of the moment will give you a sense of self-control and contentment afterwards.

• By choosing to eat fresh food, lean protein and avoiding the mindless consumption of junk food, you’ll attain an abundance of good health and a leaner body, which leads to feeling confidant.

• Sometimes we find ourselves in seemingly endless negative situations that have come about through no fault of our own. Like online orders not delivering in time for Christmas. Or having car trouble on the way to an important event.

How can such examples of true abundance be found then? Forgiveness, hope, serenity, contentment and equanimity?

While we often can’t control the situations we’re in, we can always control the way we react to them. And that doesn’t mean it’s easy. But striving to remain focused and calm as you seek a solution is the better choice. By not allowing yourself to get seriously upset, you’ll have more energy to focus on solutions that produce a more balanced state. And an abundance of equanimity is better than an abundance of stress.

The examples are endless.

Always consider the outcomes and choose wisely.

Wise choices lead to true abundance.

Acceptance

Acceptance is the second important factor that leads to true abundance.

By choosing to accept what is, you let go of that which can negatively affect you and others. Things like trying to control your friend’s style of dress. Or the way your spouse loads the dishwasher. By accepting others’ differences, you allow an abundance of peace, kindness and equanimity to flow freely.

However . . .

Acceptance of what is doesn’t mean compromising your values. It just means that you accept that others choose differently than you. To accept others as they are doesn’t mean you endorse their choices. It just means you accept who they are.

Just as we have free will to make our own choices—regardless of the outcomes—so does everyone else. With kindness you may share your perspective or beliefs on differing topics with others, but ultimately their value system is theirs to choose.

Recognizing that and accepting it is a wise choice and can bring contentment and peace to both sides.

To accept others’ choices without compromising your values is to release anxiety in your life and replace it with serenity.

Abundance is for You

Every day is an opportunity to mentally, physically and spiritually grow in abundance through wise choices and acceptance.

Jesus himself talked about abundance. In John 10:10b, he said, “I come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” He’s stating that he desires for humanity to not only have life, but to have a life overflowing with the things that genuinely give value to life. Peace, love, faith, forgiveness, joy, and serenity to name a few.

Note that Jesus didn’t say he only wanted some people to have an abundant life. That means that a life abounding in true riches is available to all. Available. Our choices determine our outcomes.

Inspiration

More blogs are coming to fill your life with hope and inspiration!

I encourage you to follow me as we explore them.

After all, the abundant life awaits you!