Abundance

Yesterday, I was speaking with my mother on the telephone, and she told me about a conversation she had that morning with Heather, her newspaper delivery woman. Heather has been delivering The Wall Street Journal to my mom and dad in Florida since 2015, and over the years, they’ve developed a friendship. Heather explained to my mother that since the COVID-19 virus has taken hold in the US, her paper deliveries have been reduced by half. Many of her customers spend the winter in Florida, but with the outbreak, many of them have decided to leave the sunshine state and return to their homes in the north. Since Heather is paid by the number of papers she delivers, her weekly income has been reduced significantly. My sweet mother, Ruth, gave Heather $200 and said, “Please buy groceries for your family.” 

We are all in the same boat; many of us are feeling anxious and maybe even seasick as we ride the up and down waves of the financial markets. Let’s remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel stressed as we deal with the uncertainties and adapting to the new ways of life. It feels a little bit like weathering a major snowstorm and wondering when the roads will be clear, and the schools will reopen. Or, losing electricity during a thunderstorm and worrying about how many more days you’ll have to make it without a hot shower, lights, and the comfortable conveniences of modern living. 

During difficult times, our grit and resiliency are tested. I am making a conscious effort to have an “attitude of gratitude” and focus on all the things I am thankful for, rather than complaining and worrying about the myriad of daily disruptions and inconveniences that we are faced with. When we look for the best in everyone and every situation, we have an “abundance mentality.” Thinking about some of the positive things that have resulted from this tough time helps to boost our spirits as we look at things from a new and different perspective. 

For example, you may go to the grocery store and find that they are out of chicken and other items on your list. I am grateful that there are items to buy, that I have the resources to purchase food, and I am presented with an opportunity to get creative with my cooking and try a new recipe with food that is available. As well, with many companies banning airline travel and new mandates to work from home (WFH), some of you may be able to shoot hoops or play catch with your children before sitting down to a heretofore rare family dinner. I also think about the start of spring with its beauty blooming and the warmer and longer days, and that we have more time to enjoy the sunlight and the outdoors. Let’s cherish the little things and embrace our “new normal” with an open mind and heart.

My mother’s simple act of kindness, helping the paper delivery woman pay for groceries, reminds me that during this unprecedented time in our history, we need to share our abundance with those less fortunate and most at risk. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, including hourly workers who don’t have the benefit of salaries, savings, or the option to WFH. Our new living and working environments have put enormous stress on thousands of people in our communities, including neighbors and friends. Please join me in reaching out and sharing our abundance to help those in need during the coming days, weeks, and months. Each of us can find small ways to help others, and together, we can make a difference.