The Surprising Truth of Sufficiency
We each have the choice in any setting to step back and let go of the mind-set of scarcity. Once we let go of scarcity, we discover the surprising truth of sufficiency. By sufficiency, I don’t mean a quantity of anything. Sufficiency isn’t two steps up from poverty or one step short of abundance. It isn’t a measure of barely enough or more than enough. Sufficiency isn’t an amount at all. It is an experience, a context we generate, a declaration, a knowing that there is enough, and that we are enough.
In our relationship with money, it is using money in a way that expresses our integrity; using it in a way that expresses value rather than determines value. Sufficiency is not a message about simplicity or about cutting back and lowering expectations. Sufficiency doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive or aspire. Sufficiency is an act of generating, distinguishing, making known to ourselves the power and presence of our existing resources, and our inner resrouces. Sufficiency is a context we bring forth from within that reminds us that if we look around us and within ourselves, we will find what we need. There is always enough. [...]
I am not suggesting that there is ample water in the desert or food for the beggards in Bombay. I am saying that even in the presence of genuine scarcity of external resources, the desire and capacity for self-sufficiency are innate and enough to meet the challenges we face. It is precisely when we turn our attentions to these inner resources – in fact, only when we do that – that we can begin to see more clearly the sufficiency in us and available to us, and we can begin to generate effective, sustainable responses to whatever limitations of resources confront us. When we let go of the chase for more, and consciously examine and experience the resources we already have, we discover our resources are deeper than we knew or imagined. In the nourishment of our attention, our assets expand and grow.
--Lynne Twist, in Soul of Money
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83 Past Reflections
On Oct 15, 2022 Liusot wrote :
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On Aug 3, 2021 Usha wrote :
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On Jun 2, 2020 Misha wrote :
What resonates with me most is thatONLYWHENwe turn our attention to our INNER resources, then can we see clearly and even begin to produce effective measures to confront our limitations.
Worth pondering over again and again!
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On Mar 23, 2020 Nova ledesma wrote :
Also,I know that Iam powered by love,more than enough, I havelearned to thank how grateful I am.
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On Nov 26, 2018 Terry Patten wrote :
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On Nov 15, 2018 RusselSalinas wrote :
Well, we often find a difficulties to take a decision between two good deals. We need our beloved ones to share and give suggestions to our problems.
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On Nov 20, 2017 Bindi wrote :
I am actually grateful for this suficiency challenge because it has made me think the sufficiency is not just in terms of what one has in tangible terms. Now I am thinking that I still want and search for more knowledge, hence the knowledge I have be it spiritual or other, is still not enough for me. Secondly, good health comes to mind as I feel I do not have enough of it.
Also, time will be of limited resource to everyone, however we all know that time is a same constant for everyone, hence it's what we perceive of it, how we make good use of it because by recognising that our time is limited in terms of spiritual development, we will strive to make good use of it.
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On Nov 14, 2017 Roseann Russo wrote :
Whether I have enough knowledge or not, I have learned that curiosity and determination go a long way in finding out what I need to know for myself and for others.
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On Nov 4, 2016 Rob Morris wrote :
Reminds me of lessons from my parents when we were growing up: Money doesn't buy happiness, material possessions don't satiate appetites for more, people matter, and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
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On Jul 21, 2016 Pradnya Dhargave wrote :
I am grateful that i have good parental support , inspiration from my brothers and family friends, caring husband, loving children, I have a good job, I have got enough to educate and upgrade my knowledge, I have enough confidence, strength to fight for injustice, too much love to give. I strongly believe that i m a blessed personality to help the mankind. Its now time for me to give back to the society.
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On Jun 21, 2016 Dorothy wrote :
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On Apr 12, 2016 Karen wrote :
I have enough love inside me. I am thankful for how much love I feel. I know that I am powered by love. My love is joy! I am filled with love. I is like a little nuclear furnace inside of me, burning steadily, and blazing up when ever I need it.
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On Dec 1, 2015 rganeden2U wrote :
I am sufficient within mySelf. I trust that all is well in my life and I have sufficient money resources to live, revive and thrive. I have the abundance and luxury of time. The abundance of love from my man who respects and supports me. Love,smiles and 2 Puppies in my lap as I write this. I am blessed. Yet you who reads this is also blessed!!!
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On Nov 25, 2015 ANANTHARAMAN M wrote :
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On Nov 24, 2015 AK wrote :
Started the 2015 Gratitude Challenge. Very excited about it. Here's something I made: http://i.imgur.com/8Cqaj3q.jpg.
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On Nov 24, 2015 Laurie wrote :
My true self knows that I am sufficient... My true sense of self worth comes from within. Therefore I can't see scarcity in anyone else . I love in the article when we are encouraged to look at our inner resources...creativity, compassion, acceptance ..well the list goes on. There is enough inside us to change the world.
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On Nov 24, 2015 Marie-France Alexander wrote :
Grateful for all the blessings of my life, and that I do have enough, and also that I am enough just as I am. I am grateful for the abundance of good healthy food and that the access is so easy. Grateful for my spiritual sangha and the nourishment I always receive there.
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On Nov 24, 2015 Gina wrote :
I have enough love and support from my family, co-workers, friends. I need to remember to soak in this love and let it overflow to others...
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On Nov 24, 2015 Jill wrote :
I have enough---more than enough---of everything I need and want. Love, friends, money, health, supportive coworkers, laughter and fun...
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On Nov 24, 2015 Nina Sanfilippo wrote :
I do have enough love from my Higher Power, my best co-workers, my friends. I need to take one day at a time and keep my head where my feet are. The grace I need for today I always received - for just one day at a time.
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On Nov 24, 2015 Tasha wrote :
This is about sufficiency being a state of mind. It seems to me a call to reflect, appreciate our inner strength and to see that we don't need to be afraid. I spend a lot of time being afraid, running out of time, money, everything. A change of perspective could perhaps change everything, a prospect that allows me to feel more peaceful and empowered.
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On Nov 24, 2015 jane wrote :
I have sufficient, food, heat, housing, love from my children and friends, understanding of the trials I am going through, this is a true blessing , friends have been sufficiently gentle and yet honest with me to help me move forward in my journey. I have sufficient sunlight YAAAYYYYY :)
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On Nov 24, 2015 Paula Clark wrote :
This post really resonated with me. I have spent much of my adult life feeling that there simply isn't enough time. What I have come to discover is that I have sufficient time when I am deliberate and intentional about how I choose to spend my time. It requires active reflection and establishing priorities based on what I most value. That realization has grounded me in my own life. As the writer notes, how I spend my time is now much more of an expression of what I value.
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On Dec 8, 2014 Margo McHattie wrote :
My reaction to this reading is to remember that I am enough, period. And that gives me permission to be in the world from that perspective such that what ever I do, if I am as authentic as I can be it will be enough and I don't need to worry. And as a result of that I will be provided with all the tools I will need to thrive. I have a choice of the lens I choose to see the world through; the lens of lack or the lens of abundance. It is a choice, not always an easy choice when bills are due and I am not sure I'll have enough money, but it is still my choice. I need to remember that to help me understand my part in my happiness or suffering.
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On Nov 7, 2014 Csmilligan2003 wrote :
In the nourishment of our attention, our assets expand and grow...PROFOUND
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On Nov 3, 2014 Keshia Evans wrote :
I feel that I have sufficiency in all areas of my life. I am learning to be thankful for everything and with every situation that I encounter. I am blessed and highly favored!
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On Jun 28, 2014 Akshay Sadana, NJ wrote :
I dropped a Dollar some time back, I just forgot it and it never mattered me any thing in my life. I gave a penny to some one; I still remember it and think of it. Why? Just because we don't want to give any thing to any one willfully. We expect either gratitude, appreciation or recognition. If that is the feeling no use giving any thing if you cant forget after giving. If god would have been remembering what he has given to us probably he would not have been continuing give us more and more all the time, as we hardly recognise or appreciate what he has given us or is stilll giving us.
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On Jun 25, 2014 Akshay Sadana wrote :
Every one has a desire and inner feeling to be generous and to give others, but we are always in search of a needing persons and in our that search for a real needing person to whom we should give we over look hundreds of needing persons who come across our search and as a result we don't give and go on searching the needing person.
It is better stop your search and give to one or every one who comes in your way and would be benefited more by your coin than you will be effected by loosing it. You will find hundreds of persons who come across you can be benefited without your loosing hardly anything.
So start giving from today to any one who comes across you and you find he needs your coin more than you need your coin.
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On Nov 16, 2013 Colleen wrote :
I feel strongly that I have enough love in my life, that I am very much loved and yet love is unquantifiable. A little girl of six whom I care for daily, asked me, "Who do you love more, Thomas (her brother) or me?" I answered, "Who do you love more, your father or mother?" She knew instantly that there was no measurable difference. I know her parents. They love each other and their children well. I feel that I am blessed in that I can't distinguish a degree of difference between the love I feel towards my own two adult children, or my parents or my siblings or my grandchild and friends.. I simply love and this is sufficient.
2 replies: Wingsoon, Roger | Post Your Reply
On Nov 12, 2013 Cindy wrote :
Since I missed the 3rd, 4th and 5th days of the 21 day challenge to seek gratitude every single day I am grateful for the fact that there is forgiveness for the errors of my ways for He is merciful and forgiving!
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On Nov 12, 2013 Cindy wrote :
On this 6th day of the 21 day challenge I am grateful and surprised by the sufficiency in the love and support I receive from friends and family in times of need...even when the need is unspoken...they just seem to know!
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On Nov 11, 2013 wingsoon wrote :
I have enough family support to see me through the darkest hours of my heart by-pass operation. I was given so much care and shown so much concern prior to and after my operation
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On Nov 9, 2013 Mary wrote :
I have enough time in my life to connect with family and friends, while working from home.
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On Nov 8, 2013 Chris wrote :
I am grateful for being laid off my job so I can spend time with my husband who has Parkinson's. Money is always sufficient but time is not.
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On Nov 8, 2013 Sharon wrote :
Support. It seems from the day I was born, there was always someone placed on my journey, at key moments in my lfe, to guide me through difficult times. Be it when I decided to leave an abusive situation, or during the loss of my son. There was always someone who would suddenly appear in my life, stranger or not, that would give me exactly what I needed, guidance, patience and respect, and they would always help me find my way. It really is amazing when you open yourself up to be vulnerable to others and truely listen to advice given. It makes such a difference and for that, I am so grateful.
1 reply: Donald | Post Your Reply
On Nov 8, 2013 Carol wrote :
While going through a number of surgeries over a period of two years I discovered I had a sufficiency of positive being to overcome the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges presented. I am grateful for my kind, supportive husband; my giving brother and sister-law; my loving sisters, brother and friends - all who encouraged me to find my own way through the challenges and letting me know they were there when and if I needed assistance.
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On Nov 8, 2013 Sherry wrote :
I know that I have the sufficient strength to do whatever is required of me today. Each day is a gift from God and along with that gift comes the resources necessary to see me through.
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On Nov 8, 2013 Yvette wrote :
Some of the best days of all do not involve the use of money, but the use of our kindness. What we earn from that act of kindness is priceless and supports our sense of sufficiency.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Amanda wrote :
There have been times in my life when resources were little, yet happiness was abundant. At this time in my life, resources are far more plentiful and happiness is still there. I try to think of material means as simply a tool that we all use to assist us and others, but that is in no way connected to the happiness factor. Always being content with what I have at this time in my life is something that allows me to look at the more important aspects of true happiness - the realization of that we are all connected.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Cindy wrote :
On this 1st day of the 21 day challenge to seek gratitude every single day I am grateful that I can awake every morning and see the beauty of nature even in the midst of all the troubles and turmoil that may surround us everyday. I have been blessed with sufficient senses to enjoy what beauty surrounds us everyday.
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On Nov 7, 2013 bob wrote :
Today I had not eaten lunch, just grabbed a plastic container for some nacho chips and put them on the passenger seat as I had to drive home. I stopped and the chips went flying. "F--k I shouted, then as I leaned down to pick them up, I laughed and said to myself " I have sufficient chips for a snack, sufficient teeth to chew, enough fingers to pick them off the floor....etc.. I changed from a swearing upset man to a thankful, grateful person in a few seconds. Thanks for the essay on sufficiency. Tomorrow it is very possible I will meet a man who has 100 MILLION dollars in net worth, yet I feel very wealthy in my own life..
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On Nov 7, 2013 ventisqueras wrote :
da noi in Italia si dice " sapersi accontentare" oppure "apprezzare quello che si ha" talvolta ci si stupisce che di questo tipo di filosofia sappiano usufruire proprio coloro che in apparenza meno posseggonograzie a te del bel modo di riflessione e a Cristina( Dadirri7) che qui mi ha indirizzatoVentis
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On Nov 7, 2013 ventisqueras wrote :
da noi in Italia si dice " sapersi accontentare" oppure "apprezzare quello che si ha" talvolta ci si stupisce che di questo tipo di filosofia sappiano usufruire proprio coloro che in apparenza meno posseggonograzie a te del bel modo di riflessione e a Cristina( Dadirri7) che qui mi ha indirizzatoVentis
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On Nov 7, 2013 Pamela Tinnin wrote :
Not long ago I read that "if you have a library and a garden, you are rich." (can't remember author or source, but would add "music") We live in a funky old house and on an income designated by our society as "limited." However, the family ranch where we live in Northern California is beautiful beyond words, we have ten bookcases filled with books collected over my 67 years, and a large and very eclectic music collection, plus we raise organic produce for ourselves, for sale, and to give away to those who cannot afford to pay. We are indeed rich with more than a sufficiency of what makes life good.
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On Nov 7, 2013 kyenne wrote :
I have a tiny house by most standards (< 800 SF) and it is more than enough! However when I woke today, I realized even before reading this essay that I had made my house smaller by over-filling it. While I am grateful for all I have, it is more than sufficient, and time this winter to unpack what is more-than-enough and share it so others may have access for their own sufficiency.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Ingrid wrote :
my life is full of kitty purrs, my sweet companion ^-^, pink sunsets as my daddy lights up the sky from heaven, the passionate music of Chopin and Beethoven who speaks through silence, grand bat mas, farapus e samba a dance of life, creativity, light, stars, serenity, water all around
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On Nov 7, 2013 Jeannie wrote :
I am grateful for a day in which I spent time with myself as well as others. I am grateful that I was able to offer service to others. Today my spiritual, emotional and physical needs were met. I am grateful that this challenge is more than I expected. I love surprises. Thank you.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Jane Doe wrote :
Sufficient. I try to remind myself it's just stuff. I have more than what I need if not always what I want and am very fortunate to be in that position.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Deborah wrote :
We forget too easily that all that is bought in this world is left behind after we leave. We are born with everything we will ever need right inside of us. It's such a treasure to know that and an inspiration to live by it. Beautiful passage, thank you!
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On Nov 7, 2013 angie wrote :
When I worry about getting old, I try to remember that I am lucky to have my life, so many die young
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On Nov 7, 2013 kristi wrote :
I am grateful for what I have now. When I am just going along each day just existing I always want more.
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On Nov 7, 2013 BDeRicco wrote :
What is "enough"? Is it the amount it costs me to pay my bills/run my household? Is it twice this amount, so that there is some to spare? I have enough - not everything I need or want; and not cold, or hungry or uninformed...
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On Nov 7, 2013 Laila Sanchez wrote :
Having my family, friends, health, roof over our heads, food on the table, warm clothes and simply breathing is a blessing!
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On Nov 7, 2013 Ninure da Hippie wrote :
Having once lost all that I owned, I have discovered that I still have more than I need.
To fail to share is not wrong, it is hurting and damaging myself.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Nushik wrote :
There's a saying I've printed and placed on my wall: "I was sad because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet." My family carries the gene for Motor Neurone Disease (Lou Gehrigs disease). I'm grateful every day that in the genetic lottery I was lucky and didn't get the gene. This means my children can't inherit it or pass it on. I don't take for granted walking, eating, breathing.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Linda wrote :
I am thankful each day for sufficient health and energy to do all that is required of me at work and for my family.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Ann Anderson wrote :
I am blessed with three wonderful children, and one grandchild, who bring so much joy into my life.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Robyn Folkard wrote :
I feel so empowered and safe knowing that i have sufficiency. I am blessed, and its great to remember that, feel it, live it, know it and embody it.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Mary Ortiz wrote :
Money comes money goes love is forever! I am kept woman Jesus has blessed me without or with a job!!!
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On Nov 7, 2013 Julie wrote :
Thank you. Every time I feel myself getting caught up in the world of money and material things as measures of the value of your life I feel stressed and anxious because no matter how hard I try I never measure up. But a part of that is because each time I feel I am supposed to have achieved more, have more and be more in this way, it is like saying that as I am I am not good enough, when inside I know that we all are. I feel the pull because it seems to be the way of the world but it is not in line with my true values. When I sit quietly with nature I feel a sense of peace, abundance and joy. I love these moments. They are the wealth building of my soul.
1 reply: Ann | Post Your Reply
On Nov 7, 2013 Cynthia H wrote :
I'm feeling so grateful that I have enough, and that I have many wonderful reminders that I have time, energy, and goods that I can share with others
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On Nov 7, 2013 Mindy Lou wrote :
Sometimes I just want to live off the land because money has become the thing that most humans strive for. To get things. Things can be helpful and wonderful and pretty, but there are so many other wonderful things that are free. I want to focus on those things.
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On Nov 7, 2013 Bobbi wrote :
Growing up with limited resources, my family subscribed to the old saying, "Less is More." It worked until later in life, I realized that "More" came with expectations...possibly of rewards. I now believe that "Less is Enough."
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On Nov 7, 2013 Donald Green wrote :
These are timely words given my current circumstances - thank you.
Namaste.
1 reply: Lisa | Post Your Reply
On Nov 7, 2013 Lisa wrote :
Give of yourself and the universal energies will reward you...be honest and come from the heart.
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On Dec 17, 2009 Lysa wrote :
What a beautiful way to describe moving from thoughts of lack and limitation to overflowoing abundance...from "surviving" to thriving." Your prose is moving and inspiriational. Thank you.
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On Dec 12, 2009 Somik Raha wrote :
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On Dec 8, 2009 Zachary Pope wrote :
I very much enjoyed this article. It is very easy at this time of year for me to get down because things haven't been going well financially for my family. But realizing that I can view what my family and I have been given as sufficient and do as much as is possible with that is a blessing. I also believe that the time we can give to others can be the most priceless gift of all. Everyone has a different amount of money available to them, but everyone has the same amount of time. What we do with that is priceless and can go towards blessings the lives of others.
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On Dec 8, 2009 Sharon wrote :
Fear is a huge tool being used to direct our energy from our source and self referral, to the opportunists and object referral, in our world. Fear as a tool to hook you into another's dream, can only work if you choose to focus on it, put your energy into it. However, if you choose to focus on solutions for your own problems, changing and growing as needed, flowing around obstacles and making this life an adventure without fear, you find that you have everything you need to succeed and make your own dreams come true. Focus on what you want and not on what you don't want, because you will get it. We manifest into our lives what we put the most attention on and that can't be changed, it is universal law. So put your energy into focus, total focus, on what you want and make it happen.
1 reply: Wendy | Post Your Reply
On Dec 8, 2009 Patsy wrote :
This reading is completely relevant to this day in this month. So many are struggling to come to terms with reduced incomes during a season traditionally celebrated with excess.
Our money, our possessions, can be either a burden or a blessing. This is decided by whether we, ourselves, choose to be a burden or a blessing. This decision has nothing to do with wealth, health, intelligence, education, looks, ability, or any other thing we use to define worthiness in ourselves and others. It has only to do with recognizing our unique place in this world at this time. It has only to do with embracing our ability to transform our world - for good or bad - and deciding how we will use this power.
Thank you for a lovely holiday reading.