In the 90’s, a movie called “Father of the Bride” quickly became one of our family’s favorites to watch. In this film Steve Martin plays a nervous father that is starting to break down because of the extravagant wedding he is putting on for his daughter.
There comes a moment in the movie where all the outflowing money is just too much and Steve Martin’s character has a breakdown at the grocery store, tearing out the 4 extra buns per package so it matches with the 8 hot dogs he is purchasing at the same time.
Check it out here it’s pretty funny! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYIHLUxzRr8]
The reason I was thinking about this was when I recognized something I said in a moment of weakness as I challenged one of my wife’s purchases this past week.
I typically try to stay away from the news but felt inundated by it this week and it got me on the “scarcity spectrum.”
This is a negative mindset, where my thinking starts to shrink and I lean more towards fear and lack, rather than abundance and faith.
If you drew a horizontal line and put scarcity on one side, then abundance would be on the complete opposite side.
As we enjoy this human experience you will notice that we typically don’t stay all the way over on either the side of scarcity or the side of abundance. We can even flip flop from one moment to the next.
However, you will find those that have a more abundant mindset, the majority of the time, are usually more kind, at peace and typically have more faith that things are going to work out for the best.
Here are a few questions to test if you are in scarcity:
You see a person driving an expensive car and you judge themYou postpone important purchase or experiences that would bring value to your life, even when you have the money, because you can’t stand to part with your cashYou repeat frequently that there is not enough time or money in your lifeYou get jealous over the successes of others.
Conversely, here are a few question to test if you are in abundance:
Your primary focus in life is to lift, serve and bless the lives of others, You feel happy when others succeed — even if it is your competitionThe purchase you make in life align with your purpose and valuesYou consistently overcome fear, through faith and courage to pursue your dreams
With all the craziness swarming around us right now, I hope you can recognize where you are on the spectrum. Challenge your thoughts, your words and your actions everyday.
If you focus on gratitude and service, it will help you stay in abundance.
Take care.
Remember — It’s Your Time!