Hi, I’m Judith Ashley, author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series,
romantic women’s fiction with light paranormal elements. My stories show you
what life could be like if you had a place like The Circle where you are
unconditionally accepted, supported and loved. And where, with this support,
you make choices to overcome the darkest nights and choose love and light.
Abundance, what does that word mean to you?
It’s November, Thanksgiving’s month in the USA. Decorations include cornucopias overflowing with the fall harvest. Thanksgiving dinner is celebrated with a table overflowing with foods of all kinds. We look at the world around us and label countries and people with lots of material goods as abundant.
When I think of abundance from the perspective of wealth, of having
more than enough, I know I’m abundant in my friends, my connections in the
writing world, my family’s love. I’m wealthy in my Core Values as they give me
a solid foundation from which I can move forward in my life and into the world
around me.
However, the dictionary defines abundant as more
than enough or amply sufficient. Synonyms are copious, plentiful,
bountiful and ample. None of the words describing abundant are inherently defined as positive.
+ Copious and plentiful amounts of rain can create flooding
+ Ample is a word used to describe body shape as in ample girth.
+ Bountiful supply of
squirrels? I see this animal as extremely destructive (think chewed hole in
heat pump). I would not be elated yet others would be clapping their hands with
glee.
We have our own internal pictures, definitions of what certain words
mean. What’s important when using words like abundance, love and even
hate is we understand anyone else who is a part of the conversation may have very different pictures, definitions of
those words.
Another thought about abundance:
“Where
and in what way do you have too much?”
“What impact does all that you have on
your health, lifestyle, sense of self, etc.?”
I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below. I will be checking
throughout the day and even into the weekend to respond.
Look for my next non-fiction Yes, You
Can Create The Life You Love this fall.
All of my books are available at your favorite e-book vendor. Be sure to ask your local library if
you’d prefer to read my books through that resource.
Learn more about
Judith's The Sacred Women’s Circle series on her website JudithAshley.net
Follow Judith on
Twitter: JudithAshley19
Check out
Judith’s Windtree Press author page.
You can also
find Judith on Facebook!
© 2021 Judith Ashley
7 comments:
I've found in moving we have an abundance of 'things'! I've been donating 'things' to the victims of the Dixie Fire in CA. this includes : 28 bath towels, four sheet sets, two extra comforters, extra blankets, clothes, household items we had 2,3 or 4 of, etc. good post!
Your post got me thinking, Judith. When I was nearing forty, I remember thinking, 'I love my life, but there's too much of it!' It's hard for me to figure out what to focus on and what to let go. I'm looking forward to your book release because I know you'll help me figure it out.
I also have too many things. We've lived in this house for seven years. It's time for a deep sort and donate/pass on event. I tried choosing one room a week, but that was overwhelming. I'm switching to one room a month. I'll be done by the end of 2022. Since we've decided to stay here for a few more years, slow progress is fine -- It's still progress.:-)
Diana, When Mariah moved, I went through the kitchen and sent off with her things I knew I'd never use again like the toaster, set of pots and pans, etc. Recently I looked at upper cupboards and realized I'm not going to bake bread and with my InstaPot, I won't be using the big pots I used to make chili in. Time to go through them again!
Sarah, just last night I looked at my living room bookcases and said to myself, "I've not looked at most of these books in two years." That's when I went through and got rid of dozens and dozens of books keeping those that I thought I'd read/look at again. They feel "heavy" to me now. Time to do another cleanse!
Great post, Judith! In terms of "things" for the most part we went through downsizing three or four years ago out of necessity--moving from 1800 sq. ft. to 750 sq. ft. for three years will do that to you. We now have 1200 sq. ft. and it seems just right. We donated a lot of things and it was hard because every thing (a piece of furniture, a book, dishes) had sentiment attached to it. Though it was hard, I don't miss them as much as I thought I would.
Today I have not as many things, but an abundance of love and opportunity. On the good side I have always been blessed with an amazing family who loves me unconditionally and would do anything to help me when needed. In my life, I have never felt completely alone--misunderstood perhaps but never alone. I'm truly blessed to have that. I am also blessed with many friends who are like family to me. Some I've known since childhood. Others for various numbers of years from 50 years to three or four.
The abundance of opportunities is in relation to my writing an coaching life. In each aspect of that life I have far too many opportunities and it can be challenging to analyze and decide which ones I want to take. If I wanted I could work two jobs just in my author services business. There are many more people who want help than I am able to provide. On the marketing side, there is always something more to do, more to learn, more to evaluate. I could do that full time as well. On the writing side, I have more stories in me than I will likely be able to write in my lifetime. I'm never at a loss for more stories. The problem is deciding which ones I can do, should do, and in what months/years ahead.
That abundance of opportunities can be paralyzing at worst and time consuming at best, as I always try to maintain balance. I don't have too many "things" but I definitely have too many opportunities. Deciding what to do and how much time to give to it is a continuing challenge for me, and I suspect will be so the rest of my life. I've never been very good at saying "no" to opportunities. But, I'm learning it's the only way to maintain my sanity.
Thanks for sharing your perspective, Maggie. I'm contemplating your statement "I have never felt completely alone--misunderstood perhaps but never alone." in terms of my own life. There are times that I've felt alone - now I'm wondering if I was misunderstood.
Thought-provoking comments on abundance in things and in opportunities. Thanks for making me think.
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