I’m not rich. In fact, I currently don’t make enough money to cover my bills. I watch my savings, which I worked hard to build during my 9-5 job, slowly dwindle month by month. But even so, I’m not panicking.
Some might look at this and think, “That’s foolish!” They might expect me to be tightening my budget, counting every cent. Yet, here I am, spending and giving like I have extra.
I’m not buying frivolous things; I’m investing in what brings me joy. I don’t give to people who don’t need it; I give to help others. I spend money on gifts for people who will appreciate them, and I create gifts for those I care about because that kindness brings them joy.
I live in abundance.
Unlimited Money
I used to have a partner who would often ask, “Are you sure?” whenever I’d treat them to dinner or contribute to their kids’ activities, gifts, and other things they wanted or needed. My response was always, “Of course, I have unlimited money.” They’d laugh, knowing it wasn’t true; in fact, they always made more money than me. But I understood they were tight with their own finances, and by easing that pressure, even if it was unequal, we both found happiness.
What It Means to Live in Abundance
Not long ago, I was living paycheck to paycheck. One day, I was behind an older man at the grocery store. As they scanned his items—mainly TV dinners and other ready-made meals—the clerk said, “Sorry, sir, you’ll have to take this up with customer service.” I saw him take his cart over, looking defeated.
Curious, I asked the clerk what had happened, and she told me his card was declined. After paying for my own groceries, I went to customer service, where he was on the phone, visibly distraught. I stepped up and paid for his groceries. He looked at me in surprise and handed me the phone. Thinking it was the bank, I explained that I was covering the bill.
On the other end, a woman asked, “Who are you?” I replied, “Just a friend,” but she pressed me, and I shared that I knew about the declined card and was happy to help. It turned out she was his wife. She went on to share their story: she was battling stage 4 breast cancer and had been in the hospital for weeks. She’d always taken care of her husband—cooking his meals, handling the home. Now, he was struggling on his own. As she shared this, I felt her pain and couldn’t help but cry with her. She thanked me repeatedly and offered to pay me back, but I refused. I hung up, gave the man a warm hug, and went on my way.
I’m not telling you this to suggest I’m a saint, Mother Teresa, or anything close. I share it because we never know what people are going through, and when we live in abundance, it makes room for empathy, patience, and kindness. Did the money come back to me? Yes, though in ways I hadn’t expected.
Abundance Is Not Just About Money
While I’ve been talking about money, the principle of abundance goes beyond finances. Living in abundance means giving away something valuable, knowing it may or may not return, and being at peace with that, because it helped someone else.
Money is often essential, but there are countless things you can give in abundance. Give your time to listen to someone, even when you’re busy. Smile at someone, even if you’re hurting inside. Share your knowledge with someone who could benefit, even if they’re a competitor. The list goes on.
I encourage you to look around, see the needs of others, and ask yourself what you can offer.
Do you live in abundance? If so, I’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments or send me an email at CoachSamanthaE@gmail.com.