"It's not your work to make anything happen. It's your work to dream it and let it happen. Law of Attraction will make it happen. In your joy, you create something, and then you maintain your vibrational harmony with it, and the Universe must find a way to bring it about. That's the promise of Law of Attraction." ~ Abraham Hicks

Photo Credit: Bing Ramos

This is a guest post by Steve Brunkhorst...

How can we have more abundance in our lives? It begins by noticing the abundance that we already have.

We cannot experience abundance yesterday or tomorrow. Only in this moment can we be aware of our richest blessings. Only now can we visualize those things that will represent abundance for each of us. The key is to realize that we will get no more and no less than we ask for, work toward, and believe we will receive.

Abundance does not begin with material wealth or treasure, although those things may manifest with faith and action. Abundance is first a state of mind. It arises from feelings of gratitude for all that we have and all that we visualize.

Sarah Ban Breathnach wrote, "Whatever we are waiting for -- peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance -- it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart."

Neither does abundance occur by chance. Lewis Grizzard (1946-1994), said, "A lot of what we ascribe to luck is not luck at all. It is seizing the day and accepting responsibility for your future. It's seeing what other people don't see and pursuing that vision."

To experience abundance, we must first decide what abundance means for us. Then we must see ourselves as already abundant. Most importantly, we must begin to give to others in whatever capacity we are able. We eventually receive in great multiples the abundance that we bring into the lives of others.

Ask yourself this question: What do I already have in my possession that will contribute to my personal vision of abundance?

Become aware of the abundance all around you - the brilliant autumn sunsets, the sound of a friend's voice, the touch of a child's hand. Treat every breath of air and every act of love as a gift. Take nothing for granted.

The Creator wants you to be abundant. He will reward graciously all who share their faith in an abundant world with others.

© Copyright by Steve Brunkhorst. Reprinted from Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue and pick up some great gifts by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

I know that many of you have subscribed to this blog after reading the post about my vision board/book sample, so I thought I'd share these tips from the makers of the Vision Board software on how to get the most out of your vision board...

"We live in a world in which we often look at each other for inspiration and tend to follow the general consensus in many ways. Even our Vision Board may have things on it that consciously or subconsciously are inspired by our partner, children or by social norms. However, if you truly wish to create the life that you love and dream about it is crucial to define YOUR unique goals and dreams. These are totally personal and your visualization therefore needs to be as specific as your fingerprint! Make sure to avoid being influenced by anyone telling you what you should be dreaming about, or what car or partner you should desire. Stay away from dream stealer’s and nurture your OWN goals and dreams, whatever they may be. Whatever you visualize with intent and strong desire, will manifest in your life! So on your Vision Board, make sure to only visualize the dreams that are important to YOU. Dreams that make YOU feel totally excited and tingly warm just thinking about achieving them, as that is what will attract them into your life.."

Click here to get started with your own virtual vision board!

There are times when I feel unmotivated and uninspired. It's a rare thing for me to feel this way, so I know that it's definitely time for a vacation.

I even went to the bead store today and only walked out with a few things. Usually I get a surge of energy when I walk into the bead store and see all the different colors of beads.

But today...nothing.

I've been feeling this way for the past few days.

I do acknowledge that I am a workaholic and these not-so-productive days is The Universe's way of telling me to just slow down. (Yeah, still working on it!) Believe it or not, I actually felt guilty for not doing anything this past Sunday when I stayed in bed all day long!

I do like this reminder that it's ok to do nothing: The Art of Doing Nothing posted over at Zen Habits.

When I start to feel blah I also turn to YouTube for inspirational messages.

I came across this video clip of Tony Robbins talking about clarity and purpose. It really helped me get back into focus...I wanted to share it with you for those of you who are feeling the same way.

I love it when The Universe delivers reminders like these at just the right time!

Would you like to treat me to a cup of tea? Please make a donation! Thank you!

During my blog readings today, I came across a few articles that inspired me and hopefully they'll spark something within you as well...

• Suzie Cheel of Abundance Highway asks, "Are You Listening To Your Intuition?"

• If you dread paying your bills every month, this post by Antonio Thornton is worth reading: Attracting Wealth: Don't Feel Bad About Paying Your Bills?

• Edward Mills offers up The Two Keys to Making Conscious Choices.

• Here is A Recommended Daily Practice from my friend, Rob Cooke.

Do you have an inspiring story or tips on how to live an abundant life? I will be going on vacation in a couple weeks, so I'm looking for guest bloggers to share their knowledge. Contact me @ maria [at] salondemaria [dot] info.

One of my favorite social networking websites to visit is Twitter. For those of you who don't know, Twitter is the social networking/social media platform that is also known as a micro-blogging tool. Check out an explanation of Twitter I've written here.

One of the nice things about Twitter is that you can connect with like-minded people. I've found other awesome inspiring bloggers who write about the Law of Attraction and abundance. I also follow people who offer inspiring quotes.

My philosophy regarding Twitter is this: You just never know you're going to meet.

You may have a follower who becomes your best customer or supporter or you might connect with someone who inspires you to do great things!

Recently I attended the San Diego Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Ceremony which included an exhibit hall full of local businesses. It was there that I finally met Giovanna Garcia, someone I've been following on Twitter for awhile now.

Here is a picture of me (on left) and Giovanna at the event...


Giovanna is a life and business coach who has an inspiring story of her own. I love her motto:

"Imperfect action is better than no action"

It's great when you can connect with inspiring people online. It's even better when you can make that face-to-face connection!

Visit Giovanna's website: www.imperfectaction.com. Follow Giovanna on Twitter: @giovannagarcia.

Life is a roller coaster ride - up and down, up and down, round and round…Most of the time it seems as if there are more down times than there are up times. Going down is scary, but it can also be exhilarating if you let go and just ride the wave. Living an abundant and good life is about enjoying both the up and down times - and everything in between.

As I’ve written in a previous post, I’m learning how to slow down my life even more. Actually, “slow down” isn’t really the right phrase - it’s more like I’m learning how to enjoy each and every moment in the day. Even a simple activity such as brushing my teeth has become an opportunity to meditate and be grateful that I have teeth to eat food with!

Allowing Life to Unfold

It’s amazing what happens when you just let go and allow the flow of life to just unfold. When we’re rushing around trying to get more done, it seems as if there isn’t enough time in the day. Rushing around is actually counter-productive because you end up using more energy stressing over what needs to be done and what hasn’t been done yet.

Stop. Take a breath.

This may sound like an old cliché, but it bears repeating: Life is not a 100 yard sprint, it’s a marathon.

Pace Yourself

When I was in high school, a friend of mine talked me into joining the cross-country team. I told her, “No way! I can’t run long distances!” She begged and pushed and begged for me to run with her…and so I gave in.

Oh, I was just a little terrified, but you know what - that was probably one of most eye-opening experiences of my life.

At the end of the season our team participated in a half-marathon and the whole time I was running I kept telling myself, Just pace yourself…Just pace yourself… I ended up finishing in the middle of the pack - which was perfectly fine with me. I was just happy to have made it through the season!

In this day and age everything is done at lightning speed (at least on the internet, it is!) We seem to be running toward this finish line that promises a life of happiness and riches. However, as we’ve seen from the countless number of reality TV shows featuring “rich” people, life with tons of money isn’t necessarily a happy life.

The Perfect Life Is Enjoying Each Moment

So what if you’re not “ahead” of everyone else when it comes to living a perfect life as defined by other people’s standards. Just know that this perfect life you’re so busy running after is right here, right now.

Living a truly an abundant and good life is knowing that your life is perfect just the way it is.

Living and enjoying each moment is what you’re here for.

No matter what’s going on right now, it’s your job to understand that everything is happening the way it’s supposed to happen.

Just ride the roller coaster! Roller coasters are supposed to be fun!

Photo Credit: Jamie Lantzy