What is Abundance?

Defined, the word "abundance" usually means an overflowing fullness; ample sufficiency; great plenty; profusion; copious supply; wealth. A lack of scarcity in all things.

For me abundance is defined as being able to pay all my bills at the end of the month, having enough food, enough room to feel free, enough gas to get where I want and all those basic types of needs fulfilled.  Real abundance I think is having a safe and happy family, love that surrounds one and the ability to recognize it all as wealth. Oh, and I want access to books I haven't yet read and art supplies I haven't used up.  I want people to admire and learn from and yes, an abundance of laughter.  I want to have curiosity and some skills.  I want to believe in things like the goodness of people, honesty, fairness and community.  I want to have friends who cherish these things also, lots of friends.  Life is good with all these things in it if we recognize them as abundance.

When we are young and we are asked what we want out of life, we often answered what career we wanted or where we wanted to live.  Seldom does anyone young answer that they want the abundance of happiness, love and passion for what we do. But really I think that is what we all want as our bottom line in life.

Why am I thinking of this tonight?  I am not sure, but personally life is so good right now and I am just so aware of how lucky I am to be so happy.

Comments

[Erin Perry]

What a beautiful essay on the true meaning of abundance, especially apropos during this autumnal season.
Bev Brazelton dropped by my Open Studio today and said to pass along a big "Hi".
Erin in Morro Bay

[Jan]

Lovely post, Ginny. Nice reminder, too.

[Davinia]

Couldn't agree more. With age comes wisdom and that's when we realise the true meaning of abundance.

[Jean Wrightnour]

It's really a gift to be able to be content and take note of all that we really do have to be thankful for! Great post. (LOVE LOVE LOVE your fall foliage photos too!)