Here’s the definition from the Oxford Dictionary:
• noun 1 a very large quantity. 2 the state of having a very large quantity; plentifulness: vines grew in abundance. 3 the amount of something present in a particular area, volume, or sample.
— ORIGIN Latin abundantia, from abundare ‘overflow’.
Usually, people think of abundance like meanings in #1 and #3. Having lots of things, stuff, money, clothes, etc. Of course, if you DO have these things you’ll think you’re in a state of abundance. Then again, the question becomes “Are you happy with that type of abundance?” The richest person can feel poor in spirit. Someone with multiple closets full of clothes can feel poor in love. Having five cars doesn’t mean you necessarily feel abundant in your family life.
Now, I’m not saying that folks with lots of stuff aren’t grateful for having that stuff. What I’m getting at is that having an abundance of stuff doesn’t instantly change your feelings of abundance in other areas of your life (i.e., emotional, mental, spiritual).
So, how do you come to feel abundance in your daily life without taking into consideration any stuff you may own?
Look inside. Look around you. Look at the sky. Look.
Then reflect on what you have observed. What your life is like. What feelings move within you. What type of person you are — loving? impatient? ungrateful? hard? compassionate? Take an inventory of where you currently are in your life. Take a fearless inventory of what you feel. Imagine who you want to be. Don’t discount the little things that seem to initially be mundane (the flowers blooming in your backyard, your child playing ball, the wide blue sky above). Truly, deeply LOOK at these things.
Once that self-awareness and discernment take place, shift from any feelings of non-abundance to abundance. Your mind is under YOUR control! You aren’t a victim of it! Be grateful. Be kind (even to yourself!). Be loving. Share. Grow. Feel. Hold to faith in the goodness of the universe. Do these things daily.
You are living an abundant life already! (Notice that definition in #2? The key word is “plentifulness”.)
Go forth in your life with this approach so that you always feel abundance within and without. There’s no need to spend another moment feeling any sense of lack.
Forget your stuff and start remembering what really matters.
When you come from a state of abundance your life will change, and change for the better. You’ll be overflowing with abundance! Try it out today. 
Abundantly,
Daphne Cochran-Shapiro is an Author, Virtual Assistant and Entrepreneur who specializes in working with people seeking lifestyle changes, interested in starting an online business, and needing web design assistance. My goal is to empower you to be the best you can be in ALL your endeavors. Be sure you grab the free Celebrate Life! Newsletter while you’re here. I invite you to join me on this exciting journey!
