Such a great read, Deb. I’ve come to believe that an abundance mindset isn’t just about seeing opportunities it’s also about feeling connected to something bigger than yourself.
My first lesson of course didn't come from a book or my mentor, but my mom.
She wasn’t a teacher, but she had this habit of teaching kids from underprivileged families. No biggie for her, just sitting with them on the floor, helping them read, count, add and write. I could never understand her purpose then, but I believed because "She could, and they mattered". The lesson did stick with me. Also, there's so science behind it, acts of giving releases dopamine and serotonin but beyond the hormones, it gives us sanity in the chaos. A sense pf grounding. A reminder that life isn't just chasing more for oneself but sharing what you have. Just like you let your tenant stay in the backyard, to make them feel home. You made them feel "Secure" and you did "Human".
My mom also says - Abundance shouldn't be loud. Sometimes, it’s just making someone else feel like they belong, they matter. And I feel in doing so, I remember, I do me too.
I love your mom's story. It reminds me of the starfish story retold by my my pastor.
A man walked along a beach and saw thousands of starfishes stranded, left behind by the tide. Without the ability to get back into the water, the starfish would wither and die. He saw a boy picking up a starfish and throw it back into the water. But there were so many, he thought about how hopeless the task was. He went up to the boy and said, "You can't possibly make a difference when there are thousands out here." And the boy replied as he threw a starfish back into this, "It made a difference to this one."
I love this! I can feel the calmness that giving brings to someone through your words too. Just what I needed when I was feeling a bit overwhelmed in all that I've been offering of myself lately.
Very timely. The abundance mindset reminds me of an open palm, ready to give and, in doing so, also ready to receive something new and valuable. In contrast, a scarcity mindset is like a clenched fist, focused only on holding tight to what you already have and unable to grasp anything bigger or better.
this was such a beautiful and timely read. I love how you framed abundance and the stories you shared. Thank you for the reminder that generosity, curiosity, and trust can create space for unexpected “win-wins” in both life and work.
I loved your point about expanding the circle and how helping others doesn't diminish your own journey, but can actually enhance it. It reminds me of those times when you're so focused on your own path, convinced that every resource is finite, and then you open yourself up to helping someone else. Suddenly, you realize that by sharing, you're not depleting your own well, but actually digging a deeper one. It's a bit like believing there's only one pie, and if someone else gets a slice, you get less, when in reality, the act of sharing can often lead to a bigger, more delicious pie for everyone.
Such a great read, Deb. I’ve come to believe that an abundance mindset isn’t just about seeing opportunities it’s also about feeling connected to something bigger than yourself.
My first lesson of course didn't come from a book or my mentor, but my mom.
She wasn’t a teacher, but she had this habit of teaching kids from underprivileged families. No biggie for her, just sitting with them on the floor, helping them read, count, add and write. I could never understand her purpose then, but I believed because "She could, and they mattered". The lesson did stick with me. Also, there's so science behind it, acts of giving releases dopamine and serotonin but beyond the hormones, it gives us sanity in the chaos. A sense pf grounding. A reminder that life isn't just chasing more for oneself but sharing what you have. Just like you let your tenant stay in the backyard, to make them feel home. You made them feel "Secure" and you did "Human".
My mom also says - Abundance shouldn't be loud. Sometimes, it’s just making someone else feel like they belong, they matter. And I feel in doing so, I remember, I do me too.
With care, grace and light
S
I love your mom's story. It reminds me of the starfish story retold by my my pastor.
A man walked along a beach and saw thousands of starfishes stranded, left behind by the tide. Without the ability to get back into the water, the starfish would wither and die. He saw a boy picking up a starfish and throw it back into the water. But there were so many, he thought about how hopeless the task was. He went up to the boy and said, "You can't possibly make a difference when there are thousands out here." And the boy replied as he threw a starfish back into this, "It made a difference to this one."
So apt!
I love this! I can feel the calmness that giving brings to someone through your words too. Just what I needed when I was feeling a bit overwhelmed in all that I've been offering of myself lately.
Thank you. I find that giving helps ground me when I am most overwhelmed too.
Very timely. The abundance mindset reminds me of an open palm, ready to give and, in doing so, also ready to receive something new and valuable. In contrast, a scarcity mindset is like a clenched fist, focused only on holding tight to what you already have and unable to grasp anything bigger or better.
this was such a beautiful and timely read. I love how you framed abundance and the stories you shared. Thank you for the reminder that generosity, curiosity, and trust can create space for unexpected “win-wins” in both life and work.
I loved your point about expanding the circle and how helping others doesn't diminish your own journey, but can actually enhance it. It reminds me of those times when you're so focused on your own path, convinced that every resource is finite, and then you open yourself up to helping someone else. Suddenly, you realize that by sharing, you're not depleting your own well, but actually digging a deeper one. It's a bit like believing there's only one pie, and if someone else gets a slice, you get less, when in reality, the act of sharing can often lead to a bigger, more delicious pie for everyone.
Thank you for giving, Deb.