The Secret of Abundance - More than Just Money in the Bank

In these times it's hard not to come across something in the media focused on the struggling economy, whether it's the mortgage crisis, the rising cost of fuel, or people losing their jobs. If we buy into all this negative reporting, it can be hard to stay uplifted, optimistic and positive about our own individual outlooks. But a sense of abundance is not about how much money there is in our bank accounts or how big our house is but rather a knowing deep inside that no matter what we need, it will be provided for us when we need it. Oddly enough this definition of abundance has been around a long time. Here's a few examples of what some of our greatest minds throughout history have had to say on the subject:

“Not what we have but what we enjoy constitutes abundance” Epicurus – Greek philosopher.
Epicurus knew that all the possessions in the world could not guarantee happiness or a sense of joy in life. To enjoy the company of family and friends around the dinner table, to walk in nature and feel its peacefulness, to laugh and play with children, these are the things that give us a sense of abundance in life.

“Not everything that can be counted counts and not everything that counts can be counted.” Albert Einstein, physicist.
Not only was Einstein a brilliant scientist but he was a great philosopher as well and he certainly understood that counting a large stack of money does not necessarily provide a sense of satisfaction. What would be the value of walking hand in hand with the love of your life along the beach? It certainly can't be counted but it would be priceless.

“Reflect upon your blessings, of which every man has plenty not upon your misfortunes of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens, author.
Dickens knew that gratitude was a big part of feeling abundant. Being grateful for what you have instead of focusing on what you don't makes for contentment and a strong sense of well-being. If we truly focus on our blessings, we realize just how many we actually have.

“The world is full of abundance and opportunity but far too many people come to the fountain of life with a sieve instead of a tank car... a teaspoon instead of a steam shovel. They expect little and as a result they get little.” Ben Sweetland, author
Sweetland is talking about expectations. When people see their cup as half empty, they miss the opportunity to find the source that will fill the cup to its brim. Too many people dream small, expect small and then receive small. Abundance is all about dreaming big and knowing that what is yours will come to you when are ready to receive it.