Want More Abundance In Your Life? Of course you do!
Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
What is this abundant life?
To me, that means life can be deep, rich, and beautiful.
Abundant Life is the promise of full access to all the good things we want in life, such as:
- love
- closeness to God
- wellness
- connection in relationships
- joy
- peace and contentment
- courage
- influence for good in the world
- purpose
- faith
- successful families
- achieving dreams
- hope
- reaching potential
- strength
- awe
- confidence
- enthusiasm for life
- anticipation for the next blessings that are coming
- plenty and enough to share
- God’s guidance and direction in life
All the GOOD things!
When I talk about ABUNDANCE, it is a symbol for all these beautiful things we aspire to in our lives. It’s a multi-layered emblem packed with meaning. It is a lifestyle fueled by a replenishing supply of all the good things you want in your life.
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah gives a beautiful description of what I believe abundant life is like:
“And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:11
Have you ever felt so desperate for water but you couldn’t drink – like maybe when you’ve had the stomach flu and you couldn’t keep anything down, or on a long hike and you’ve run out of water with the hot sun beating down on you. Then when you finally get to sip water again you are so grateful.
Or when the work of life leaves you feeling weary, brittle, and wind-blown then someone steps in to help and you feel so relieved. To not be alone and on your own makes you feel renewed, refreshed, and fortified again .
Imagine feeling like a watered garden and like a spring whose waters fail not.
That is the abundant life I’m talking about.
Here at Hey Friend, You’ve Got This, that one word – abundance – packs a big punch.
If you’re like me, you want to live life abundantly. You could use some strong doses of “peace” amidst the chaos. Maybe some “plenty” when feeling empty and used up. How about a little “joy” thrown in during times of worry and despair?
Abundance means: not being so stressed, weighed down, and overwhelmed.
It means not feeling so contentious, anxious, and worried.
It means not feeling so disconnected, discouraged, and dull.
Not just surviving.
But thriving!
And it’s available to all of us.
How to claim the Abundant Life???
In my quest for a more abundant life I have found truths and practices that align life into a sure trajectory towards abundance, even when life is hard. In the midst of heartache, illness, and disappointment we can still feel abundance.
Through study and experience I have learned what creates abundance and what does NOT. When I consistently and intentionally live the eight principles of abundance you’ll learn here, I experience the Abundant Life.
Whenever I am out of sorts and feeling overly stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, I have learned to rely on these principles to get myself back in alignment with abundance.
It’s an action plan that works.
Without fail.
I can count on it and so can you.
I created an Abundance Toolkit that takes you through the steps I use to get back in balance with abundance. It helps me see where I need to make adjustments in my life and actions I can take to get things right again. I’d love to share it with you! You can grab it for free below as my gift to you.
The following principles are the foundation of this website and my go-to source for overcoming when abundance feels far away.
I have personally experienced the power of each of these principles in my own life and in the lives of others.
Applying one or a few of these principles gives me immediate, positive results in my life. As you work on applying them in your life, I believe you can experience more ABUNDANCE too.
I’m not perfect at it, and abundance is a journey taken a day at a time. But I have found in my own life that to the degree I live these principles determines the degree of abundance I feel in my life.
I believe it will be that way for you too.
Are you ready to learn my secret sauce for living life more abundantly?
1
Develop an Intentional Mindset
When you develop a mindset of abundance, power, freedom, and purpose it changes everything!
Sometimes we don’t even realize we are going on auto-pilot in the way we view the world, perceive our emotions, let our thoughts run our lives, and conduct our relationships. We don’t even know there is a better way than the paths of self-doubt, despair, worry, negativity, and scarcity. But there is a better way!
When we learn how to develop an intentional mindset we see that the earth is full and there is plenty for all. There is an ABUNDANCE of all the good things for all of us. We can overcome contention, stress, worry, and fear. We have the power to act in ways that bring abundance.
By intentionally choosing a mindset of power and abundance you will start seeing the world in a whole new way.
By intentionally choosing a mindset of power and abundance you will start seeing the world in a whole new way.
“Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside will change along with it.” ~Steve Maraboli
“Your thoughts form your character, how you operate in the world, how far you travel mentally, physically, and spiritually. You are what you think you are, and all of your actions proceed from thought. Your inner thoughts will always be reflected in your outer circumstances, because self-generated changes in your life are always preceded by changes in the way you think about something.” ~Susan Reynolds
To learn more about developing an intentional mindset, you can find some great articles here.
How to start applying this principle in your life?
- Learn about an abundance mindset vs. a scarcity mindset.
- Learn about the importance of mastering your thoughts.
- Learn about locus of control and how you determine success and failure.
For more resources on this principle see below.
2
Cultivate Faith in God
God is the GIVER of Abundant Life. Faith is the power by which we can access the Abundant Life Jesus promised. By cultivating and acting in faith we receive God’s grace. We feel His love! We receive inspiration and God’s guidance in our lives. We see that all things are turned for our good.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
“Your happiness depends a lot more on the principles that you choose to follow than the external circumstances of your life. Be faithful to these principles. God knows you and loves you. If you live in harmony with His eternal plan and if you have faith in His promises, then your future will shine! You have dreams and goals? That’s good! Work with all your heart to accomplish them. Then let the Lord do the rest. He will lead you where you cannot lead yourself; He will make you into what you cannot make of yourself.” ~Gerald J. Causse
To learn more about cultivating faith in God, you can find some great articles here.
Plug into this power by cultivating your faith in God in the following ways:
- Create a habit of daily prayer.
- Read and ponder scripture daily.
- Practice trusting God and acting in faith.
For more resources on this principle see below.
3
Be a Lifelong Learner
The Abundant Life includes a never-ending search for truth, light, and knowledge. It is a delicious treasure hunt that expands our minds, deepens our understanding, fills our souls with wonder, and makes life exciting! Learning is the beginning of all good things.
“Our capacity for learning is a cornerstone of human flourishing and motivation … Have you ever sat in a quiet place and finished a great novel in one sitting? Do you remember the fulfillment you felt when you last settled into a difficult task — whether a math problem or a foreign language course — and found yourself making breakthrough progress? Have you ever worked with a team of friends or colleagues to master difficult material or create something new? These experiences can be electrifying…The reasons to continue learning are many, and the weight of the evidence would indicate that lifelong learning isn’t simply an economic imperative but a social, emotional, and physical one as well. We live in an age of abundant opportunity for learning and development. Capturing that opportunity — maintaining our curiosity and intellectual humility — can be one of life’s most rewarding pursuits.” ~John Coleman
To learn more about becoming a lifelong learner, you can find some great articles here.
3 actions you can take today to become a lifelong learner:
- Pick up a classic book today and start reading or listen to an audiobook.
- Learn a new skill.
- Take an online class from Udemy or The Great Courses Plus
For more resources on this principle see below.
4
Do Good in the World
When we practice doing good in the world we experience the Abundant Life in that very moment. It’s one of the greatest miracles – that when we give, we receive back abundantly. When we share with others what we have the bounty returns to us in multiples. When we share God’s love we are on the receiving end a hundred fold.
Some of the happiest people I know are often those that are finding ways to make life easier for others. It doesn’t mean their lives are perfect or without hardship, but it seems when they take time to ease other’s burdens their own are lightened.
“Doing good holds the power to transform us on the inside, and then ripple out in ever expanding circles that positively impact the world at large.” ~Shari Arison
“There is physical evidence of the body’s response to doing good. Endorphins are released in the brain when you do something for someone else. Doing good really feels good.” ~ Evelyn Lauder
To learn how you can do more good in the world, you can find some great articles here.
How to do good in the world today:
- Write and send a sincere thank you note.
- Pray to know who needs your help today and follow the inspiration you receive.
- Volunteer today through the easy Just Serve website.
For more resources on this principle see below.
5
Build Health & Wellness
Building health and wellness is something that we must be intentional about and when we are we will have the strength and vitality to receive the promised abundance Jesus was talking about.
If we don’t feel well it’s hard to feel happy or have the energy or health to chase our dreams or change the world for good.
Abundant Health is about what we consume, how we move, how we think, and what we believe.
What do you need to do to build greater health and wellness so you can live more abundantly? What is holding you back?
Learn how to prepare real, whole food in delicious ways that promote health and wellness. Learn how to move your body in ways that build strength and vitality. Learn how to master your thoughts and emotions so they work for you and not against you.
“Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:
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- Increased life span
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress
- Greater resistance to the common cold
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
- Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress”
I have overcome depression and learned how to manage anxiety through adopting a more healthy lifestyle that includes managing my thoughts, eating real, whole food, and staying active with movement and adventure out in nature. I live with chronic illness, yet I’ve found that even amidst the infirmities of our mortal bodies, we can live life abundantly.
To learn more about building health & wellness, you can find some great articles here.
Start building health & wellness today:
- Eat 8 fruits and vegetables today.
- Go on a walk and move your body.
- Make and keep a goal to not eat sugar for 3 days (or 3 weeks!).
For more resources on this principle see below.
6
Create
When we create something beautiful that didn’t exist before we feel awesome! Whether that is a painting, a baby, a business, a clean and orderly closet, or a smile.
“The link between creativity and better mental and physical health is well established by research. Creating helps make people happier, less anxious, more resilient and better equipped to problem-solve in the face of hardship.” ~Amanda Enayati
Whatever we create is our art and when we are engaged in creating art we tap into one of our deepest similarities with God. He is a Creator and so are you!
To learn more about creating, you can find some great articles here.
Start creating today:
- Create something just for fun.
- Learn to watercolor paint.
- Start a blog or online business.
For more resources on this principle see below.
7
Experience Adventure & Awe
I feel awe when I am standing on a mountain peak, or below the canopy of a giant, ancient forest, or with the ocean rushing towards me as I sit on the beach. I feel alive while biking down a shadow-dappled mountain path, hiking up that last switchback, and kayaking on top of sparkling water. I marvel at the beauty and diversity of the human race when I visit foreign lands and new cities.
Adventure and awe are two of my favorite tools for feeling abundance. When I am feeling far from abundance, a walk in the rain, a bike ride, or a day trip to somewhere beautiful can help me shift into a better mindset of gratitude and joy.
Why is that?
“Cultivating a sense of adventure allows us to engage in our daily life with a sense of resiliency, curiosity, willingness to take risk, and connect with others in a deep and meaningful way. This new way of experiencing the world, even our most routine of tasks, now has a deeper meaning and we can see how it serves the larger goals. The end result? Happiness and satisfaction — all from living in the moment and being truly present to our experiences, those around us, and living with a deep sense of purpose.” ~Sarah Treleaven
Scientists say that experiencing awe can help you think clearer, have better health, and improve relationships.
“Awe gives you a sense of something much larger than yourself, without diminishing your own existence. Awe ultimately is about the sacred and it has no monetary value. You can’t place a dollar amount on Yosemite or a bike ride or singing in a choir or looking at a painting.” ~ Dacher Keltner, scientist at the University of California Berkeley who studies awe.
What adventures do you seek? For greater abundance in your life, start incorporating the adventure and awe you want in your life.
To learn more about experiencing adventure & awe, you can find some great articles here.
Experience adventure & awe starting now:
- Go on a walk and collect treasures as you go.
- Get out in awesome nature: mountains, beach, forest, desert.
- Visit your own city like a tourist.
For more resources on this principle see below.
8
Prioritize Connection in Relationships
Seek out ways to truly connect in your marriage, in your family, with your children, in your friendships, in your community, and in the world.
In our media saturated world real connection is becoming more and more rare. And it is sorely missed. Study after study is showing that many of us are more depressed, anxious, and unsatisfied. We think we are connecting when we “like” , “friend”, and “share” on social media platforms. All those things have value, but it’s not true connection with other living breathing humans and that is what we need.
“There is very little in life (if anything) more important than our relationships. How connected we feel to others is a strong predictor of our happiness and our feelings of self-worth. From a neurobiological standpoint, we are wired for connection. Our deeply connected relationships can ultimately give us true meaning and purpose.” ~Zuhair Sharif
To learn more about creating greater connection in your relationships, you can find some great articles here.
Start connecting in your relationships starting today:
- Grab your kids and pile on the couch and read a good book together.
- Have a family council and make ground rules for phone usage to allow more quality family time when phones are put away.
- Stop what you’re doing and take 15 minutes to give a loved one your undivided adoring attention.
For more resources on this principle see below.
Hey Friend, there you have it. Eight principles to help you live life more abundantly:
Did any of the ideas presented in these eight principles of abundance get you excited? Or stir hope and possibility in your heart? Pay careful attention to those feelings and thoughts. It may be the very thing you are looking for.
The Abundance Toolkit will help you take next steps and actions for applying these principles in your life.
It’s free and I’d love to share it with you! After all, I created it just for you.
I believe it’s just the thing to help you get started living life more abundantly.
To get the toolkit sign up below and I’ll send it to you right away. You’ll also receive my weekly email notes where I share ideas, inspiration, and encouragement that you won’t see here on the blog.
Do you want more abundance in your life?
Start with the Abundance Toolkit! It’s my FREE gift to you.
The Abundant Toolkit is my gift to you when you subscribe to receive inspirational notes from me in your inbox (don’t worry! I’ll only send great stuff and never send spam!). When you sign up you’ll have access to my private Gifts for You Collection here at my website where I keep the Abundance Toolkit and a whole lot of other awesome resources to help you live life more abundantly.
What’s in the Abundance Toolkit?
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13 page printable workbook.
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3 tools to help you identify and apply principles of abundance in your life right now.
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Questions to help you determine where you’re out of balance with abundance.
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Specific and personal actions you can take to live life more abundantly starting today.
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When you learn and use these three tools and take the actions in this toolkit, you can feel more peace, joy, happiness, confidence, and purpose in your life. More abundance.
Additional resources to help you learn more about and apply the 8 Principles of Abundance:
Developing an Intentional Mindset
Get a Life Mission, by LaRayne Miller
Lessons for Abundance from the Hero Journey, by LaRayne Miller
4 Remarkably Powerful Ways a Mindset of Intention Will Transform Your Life, by Marissa Levin
What Mindset Is and Why It Matters, by Kendra Cherry
Cultivate Faith in God
When One Door Closes, by LaRayne Miller
5 things I Learned When I Asked for a Miracle, by LaRayne Miller
Living a Life of Peace, Joy, and Purpose, by Elder Richard G. Scott
Faith and Happiness, by Robert Puff, Ph.D
Be a Lifelong learner
8 Reasons Why You Need to be a Lifelong Learner, by LaRayne Miller
How and Why to Become a Lifelong Learner, by Brett & Kate McKay
Women and Education: “A Future Only God could See for You”, by Eva Witesman
Learning to Love Learning, by David A. Bednar
Do Good in the World
Just Serve, Your Go-To Resource for Doing Good in the World, by LaRayne Miller
Get a Life Mission, by LaRayne Miller
You Are My Hands, Dieter F. Uchtdorf
7 Scientific Facts About the Benefit of Doing Good, by Mirele Mann
Build Health & Wellness
Principles of Abundant Health: An Introduction, by LaRayne Miller
How I Came To Live Principles of Abundant Health, by LaRayne Miller
Healthy Eating: What to Eat, by LaRayne Miller
Create
5 Strategies to Overcome Fear & Create with Joy, by LaRayne Miller
Creativity, by Claudine Bigelow
The Concept of Flow, by Jeanne Nakamura & Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Why finding time Each Day for Creativity Makes You Happier, by Carolyn Gregoire
Experience Adventure & Awe
Pick Up that Dream, Dust It Off, and Start Living it!, by LaRayne Miller
First Solo Kayak Trip: Feeling Like a Super Hero, by LaRayne Miller
Why ‘Awe’ Might Be the Secret Ingredient for Happiness, by Grotto
Prioritize Connection in Relationships
27 Truths About Marriage & Family, by LaRayne Miller
What Happily Married Couples Do, by Douglas Brinley
How to Connect with Others and Feel Less Alone in the World, by Zuhair Sharif
Cultivate Meaningful Connections, by Faith Sutherlin Blockhurst