Learn How to Live a Life Overflowing with Abundance

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After this pandemic, many of us are thinking about what we have committed to and whether those things will fulfill us in the long term. Whether that is a career path, a relationship, or a decision of where we want to live, we are pondering many questions about the significant choices we feel called to make, especially as millennials.

This book, The Art of Abundance, speaks directly to our generation, offering insights and guidance on navigating these crucial life decisions. It’s like the author says our language, understanding our struggles and aspirations. After reading it, I felt inspired to share some quotes that caused me to reflect and change my approach to multiple areas of life. I hope this quick review sparks your interest in reading this book for yourself while helping you journey to abundant living.

Photo taken of my personal copy

My favorite rules from this book:

Rule 3: Be Accountable for Your Consciousness

“While other people may have played a role in shaping your consciousness, only you can change it.” — page 78

“As a child, you had little or no control over the information (seeds) being planted in the garden of your fertile mind; however, as an adult, who is becoming more conscious every day, you have absolute control over what beliefs you will embrace and call your own.” -page 69

These quotes stood out because they call us to take ownership of what we focus on. Where we focus our energy can determine our mood for the day, our attitude in interactions with others, and what we accomplish for the day. The book implores us to realize that we have control over our thoughts and emotions, and that’s a powerful realization. I’ve noticed that the days I set aside time to recite positive affirmations and express gratitude for being alive are when my focus and energy are at their highest level. My to-do list is more likely to be met confidently and not begrudgingly.

Rule 4: Be Focused

“Do not, under any circumstance, share your goals with the “trolls” — those who will criticize, find fault with, or intentionally undermine your intentions.” -page 101

“When you get in your car, you generally have a destination in mind before pulling out of your driveway. Why should arriving at an abundant, purpose-filled life be any different?” — page 98

“Everything is created twice- first in mind and then in form.” — page 86

I LOVE these quotes! These remind you that moving with intention also requires protecting your peace of mind. Your ability to move forward with your goals will depend on how light you keep your baggage. You don’t need to pack others’ criticism, doubts, and fears because that will weigh you down and limit you mentally. Also, if you are not harming others, then you are allowed to take the steering wheel of your life and drive it where you want to go — no questions asked. The author’s emphasis on personal growth and self-determination is oh-so motivating! It’s a call to action, a reminder that we can shape our lives and pursue our dreams.

Rule 6: Be Passionate

“What is it about the “dreamers” in life- people such as Walt Disney, The Wright Brothers, Leonardo da Vinci, and others- who broke through barriers that others referred to as “reality” and in the process opened the doors to new frontiers? They didn’t do what was “practical”; they did what they were passionately in love with- they did that which was theirs to do and were wildly successful.” — page 156

“Doing what you love and loving what you do may require you to go where you have never gone before, especially if it meets with the skepticism or disapproval of others — but the freedom that comes with the risk is a reward beyond measure.” — page 159

These quotes resonated with me because your passion has to be something YOU have decided is important and doesn’t need the validation of others. When you start making time for activities and hobbies that interest you, there doesn’t need to be a group consensus before you begin to do them. Why would your dreams and goals be any different?

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Rule 7: Be Blessed

“Ask yourself, “Do my thoughts tend to focus on what’s wrong in my life or what’s right in my life?” Be honest with yourself because your future depends on it.” — page 170

“The more energy you focus on any one thing, the more life force flows to it, expanding your experience.” — page 165

Gratitude. Gratitude. GRATITUDE! We must thank and acknowledge what we currently love and are grateful for. None of us have perfect lives, yet we all have something we can deem perfectly fitting for us. For example, I currently have a one-bedroom apartment. Eventually, I want to move into a place with more storage space, as right now, it feels cramped after living here for three years. However, there are things that I love about this space, namely that it is my own. Somewhere, I can come home after socializing with others or working. Recognizing my blessings means randomly saying to myself throughout the week, ‘Thank you, God, for providing me with a space where I can thrive in solitude.’

Rule 9: Be Courageous

“All fear is attached to a concern about loss of something. Conscious fear is most easily triggered when the risk of rejection, making a mistake, or failing (or succeeding) lies immediately before you. Being courageous doesn’t deny fear- it transcends fear.” -page 234

“Believe you can or believe you can’t because either way, the Universe will help you prove you’re right.” -page 224

“Any person who has never made a mistake has never ventured very far off the well-trodden pathway of conformity.” -page 216

Be BOLD in pursuit of your dreams. Be F-E-A-R-L-E-S-S when faced with obstacles and life’s inevitable unplanned moments. Be open-minded about how your goals get accomplished. And be adaptable when you need to be. But whatever you do, don’t stop believing in yourself. (Does a particular song by Journey come to mind when you read Don’t Stop Believing, or is that just me?)

Rule 10: Be a catalyst for good

“Am I focusing more on what I can bring to the world than what I can take from it?” -page 261

“Your heart is incapable of lying to you; it knows the truth.” — page 259

A lot of commentary from the pandemic is that we started to evaluate if what we were working towards aligned with who we wanted to be. We wanted to know if we wanted to continue doing the same thing or change something new. For example, do we want to continue working remotely, or is a hybrid schedule more suited to our personalities?

If we were to die tomorrow, what would be something we regretted not doing? Since we were lucky enough to have survived, how can we make that happen? What needs to be done to move you toward that dream? It’s never too late!

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