I love this quote! Abundance is an interesting thing. I have been reading quite a bit about the differences between an abundance mentality, and a scarcity mentality. Most people in this world have a scarcity mentality, and it’s interesting to see how people react to the circumstances around them when that is the case.
A scarcity mentality is the idea that there will not be enough of whatever, resources, food, warmth, success, whatever it might be. People who have a scarcity mentality cannot look at someone else’s success with a true appreciation for that person, or what they have accomplished. There is always an underlying feeling that because someone else has succeeded, it makes their success either null and void, or unacceptably small all of a sudden. People with scarcity mentalities are less willing to share, especially if it doesn’t get them ahead somehow. Information is kept private, and only given out on a need to know basis. They see problems everywhere they go.
People with an abundance mentality however, are open and free with who they are and what they have and do. They don’t base their success or failure on anyone else, and look to improve themselves and their situations, looking for solutions to problems, not problems in every solution. People with this mentality are genuinely happy for others successes and appreciate the work that everyone does, not just those in positions of authority. They share knowledge with whoever appears to need it, and especially those with whom are in the same type of business, enjoy the same hobbies, etc.
I have met several people over the years who have helped me with my art, with my business, and with my mentality. There was a time when I really had a scarcity mentality, and I look back and wonder what I was thinking! Why did I worry about some of the things I worried about, why didn’t I share better, or give more freely? I’m not saying you have to give everything away, and live as a pauper, but generosity doesn’t involve just our money or resources. Ideas, information, and advice can all be shared, to better someone else’s situation, without reducing your situation in the least. And, I’m still not perfect, but I am working on this everyday.
One person in particular, an artist friend, saw my art. I was at a show right across from him, and he helped me. It was my first time selling, I didn’t even know if anyone would like what I had produced, and I didn’t know if it was even possible to sell it. He came, complimented my work, and then spent the next year and a half before his death, helping me learn about selling my art. He taught me about pricing my art, about commission pieces, about selling art, he took me under his wing and became my friend. I am so grateful for his help and guidance, and especially for his friendship. Never did he convey a scarcity mentality. I have learned from him, and when people ask for guidance in their business, or want to know how I got where I am now, I love sharing, listening to their ideas, and giving what I can to help them succeed. I don’t know if it helps, but I want to share. There is enough success to go around.
What kind of mentality do you have? I would encourage you to work toward a more abundant mentality, whether you’re already headed that way, or you have had a scarcity mentality throughout your life. There is enough to share and more. Find someone you can share with today.
Stephanie Richey Art 