Today, in my month-long nod to inspiration, I share a word.

Abundance.

As you know, this year, I dedicated my 365 days to uncovering abundance. What is it? What does it mean? What does it look like?

So, at first, I asked around. I asked my friends, family, and people in my daily life.

Here’s the funny thing about abundance… everyone had a different definition for it. I dare you to get the same answer from 5 people.

In all my conversations, one word kept popping up.

Thanksgiving.

Now we find ourselves here, on the cusp of Thanksgiving Eve. And I am asking myself what have I learned so far about the “A” word?

So tonight I share my TOP 5 Abundance Lessons and what I have discovered thus far… but I warn you …there is still one more month to go in this search for abundance so this is not final.

1. Health is our greatest wealth

Thank you to my thyroid for that one. And a long string of doctor’s appointments across the country from the east coast to the west coast and finally into the caring hands of Dr. Milas of OHSU in Portland, Oregon. The thyroid was benign and as a wave of relief cast over my entire being, I realized something I have known most of my life: health is wealth.

2. Forever Friends are Family

I love my friends dearly. Always have. But this year, in the midst of a cancer scare (see #1) I was reminded what it means to have forever friends. The kind of friends who show up no matter what. The kind of friends who call, write, send surprise gifts in the mail, text, or find some other way to connect and remind you that they care — and are there, even across the miles. These are forever friends. And they are more like family.

3. True Love is for the Dogs

It doesn’t take long for love to set in. Just look in the eyes of a puppy! We successfully passed “Fostering 101” last week according to our Aunt Judy — which means we were able to foster a puppy and then actually follow through to find it a home. It would have been easy to keep her in our little family pack — she was that sweet and that cute. But it wouldn’t have been the best thing for her. And isn’t true love all about knowing what’s best for the one you love?

4. Focus. Focus. Focus.

This year I took on something new — you! Every single day I write to you to help you along with your goals over at The Promise Daily. My mission is to give you a kick in the pants. But what I have learned is that I need this as much as I thought you might like it. Focus is power. And keeping your focus is what allows abundance to grow.

and finally…

5. Words are gifts.

I know I have already shared The Card Crusade with you. But here’s the thing… I truly believe it changed my life… just three little words:  I. LOVE. YOU. — or even — I. THANK. YOU. bring more than a smile to someone’s face. These words warm a heart, they tell someone it was all worth it, they show someone how much you mean even after all these years, after all the tears, hard work, long days, good tries, bad endings, happy reunions or long lost memories in between. Words heal. Words connect. Words work magic on your heart.

So let me leave you with these words of thanks.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for skimming, looking, reading, sharing, posting, referring, and supporting me.

Your presence makes me want to keep my promise.

Your comments get me up in the morning to check and see who’s here.

Your dreams send me searching for more good ideas, inspiring quotes and touch your heart sort of songs that I can share with you.

I. Thank. You.

On this eve before a Thanksgiving celebration, I am full.
Or, you could say, I feel abundant.

All because of you.

More tomorrow.
Lovemore {fearless!}
Jamie

Tags: abundance, dogs, focus, health, love, magic, secret, wealth, words