“Abundance is about being rich, with or without money.”— Suze Orman
Many of us struggle with money, or rather, the lack of money in our lives. And even if you have enough money, it feels like you don’t.
At different points in my life, my work provided me with enough money. For example, when I was working as a lawyer, I was compensated well. But, interestingly enough, I felt that I didn’t have enough money. I was always running short, incurring debts, and focusing on how I needed more.
Other times, I’ve had less money from lesser paying jobs, and felt an even greater lack of money in my life.
It’s taken me a while to realize that when we focus simply on money, and on earning more of it, we are in a losing battle.
When you think about earning more money, you’re already starting from a place of lack.
I realized that the key to earning more, having more in your life, and being fulfilled has little to do with money; it has to do with your state of abundance.
When you’re living a rich life with blissful experiences, you’ll create more abundance. Sure, the money will follow, but you’ll also experience unlimited joy and bliss.
Stop thinking about money and live a richer life by using these 7 strategies to create more abundance:
1. Create more “feel-good” experiences.
You don’t need money to feel good. There are many, many things that you can do for free, but that create a priceless feeling in your life. When you do things that you’re passionate about or that make your soul sing, you’ll raise your internal vibrations. You’ll operate from a place of bliss and joy.
Action steps:
Do more work that brings you joy. Look for alternatives to your current career and think about transitioning to work that fulfills you. Spend time helping and serving others. Use your skills to bring happiness to people around you. Donate your time or money to alleviate other people’s suffering.
Be willing to say “no” to obligations and situations that don’t bring you joy. Stay away from toxic people and people who compare you. Bow out of obligations that deplete you of energy, or that create negative energy in your life.
2. Become aware of all the miracles in your life.
“To me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle.”— Walt Whitman
There are small and large blessings continually happening in your life. You hardly notice them, but you can change that by becoming more aware of all the good things unfolding in your life.
Extend gratitude for all the small and large coincidences, kindnesses, and magnificence that come your way.
Action steps:
Write down 10 things daily that you’re grateful for. Do this first thing in the morning, last thing at night, or both.
Acknowledge something that works in your favor, a surprise that delights you, or something that goes your way. Send a silent prayer of gratitude when positive things happen to you.
Be grateful for small things that make you smile: kindness, truth, someone helping you, beautiful weather, chirping birds, or even a blissful, quiet moment.
3. Make space
You can allow abundance in your life only if you create space for it. Much of our day-to-day existence is filled with toxicity, negativity, and anxious thoughts. Most people are caught up in a past that they can’t change, and uncertain about a future that isn’t here yet.
Action steps:
Start living more in the present moment. Take note when your mind slips back to the past or ahead to the future. Use mindfulness techniques to remind yourself that now is all you have.
Cut ties to toxic friends or acquaintances who make you feel inadequate about yourself.
Commit to healing your wounds, making peace with the past, and becoming whole by practicing self-love. Treat yourself with kindness, love, and compassion.
4. Forgive and let go
When you’re mired in negativity and anger, you block abundance. One key principle to clear the blocks in your life and to allow for more miracles is the “F” word: Forgiveness.
“Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.”— Marianne Williamson
Action steps:
Forgive as an action of compassion for yourself. No matter how great the wrongdoing or the trespass, find the strength to forgive. Let go of the coal of burning anger and bitterness in your heart.
Try to have empathy and compassion for the person you’re forgiving. Use forgiveness as a spiritual practice to let go of the burning pain and sadness in your heart.
Choose to release the grudges that you’re holding in your heart. You don’t have to reconnect with the wrongdoer, but by holding onto the grudge, you allow him or her to hurt you repeatedly and daily.
Forgive so that you’ll sleep better and breathe easier.
5. Respond to every situation with love
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”— Wayne Dyer
You can’t change what happens around and to you, but you can change what’s in your power—your perspective.
When you’re confronted with anger or simple daily irritations, choose to see the circumstance or person with love.
Action step:
Choose to see love instead of what’s happening.
Use compassion, empathy, and understanding to see where the other person is coming from. When someone treats you with anger or contempt, respond with peace and love.
This is not something that you can do overnight; it’s a practice that must be cultivated over time. Learn to shower your anger and judgment with compassion so you can emit love to all those who hurt you.
The next moment you’re irritated, infuse the situation with love.
6. Live with joy
Some people say you should live it like you’ve already received it.
You don’t have to experience a false sense of abundance. Instead, live with joy now. You already HAVE received it. Your ability to experience joy and abundance is in your hands at this very moment. You’re blessed beyond belief.
If you live like you know this, you’ll be experiencing a state of contentment, fulfillment, and happiness, which brings more joy and abundance into your life.
Action step:
Experience and embrace the joy in your life today.
Consciously be aware of what brings you joy and do more of it. When you find yourself doing activities or being with people who, make your soul sing, appreciate the moment. Seek more moments like it.
The more you embrace abundance, the more abundance shows up.
7. Celebrate other people’s abundance
The universe is generous and abundant.
As humans, we are filled with jealousy, lack, and envy when the universe delivers to others. When other people get new jobs or exciting opportunities, you might respond with disgust.
When you repel abundance for other people, you’re filled with negative and lacking energy.
Action step:
Get excited for other people.
Universal energy is all encompassing. Think of what the universe has delivered to others as a gift for you as well. The universe is being generous with the people you know; this must mean that more is on the way.
When you welcome universal gifts that others receive and celebrate other people’s blessings, you’ll open your heart to receiving more gifts and blessings yourself. Be appreciative of and genuinely thankful for the achievements and opportunities of others.
The more you celebrate others, the more readily the universe will celebrate you.
