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9 Ways to Recognize Abundance

By Aryn Henning Nichols | Summer 2025 Inspire(d)

“What makes you feel metaphorically wealthy?” I was posed this question in a newsletter last year, and it sat with me for a long time, tickling the edges of my brain with little pockets of delight. What makes me feel abundant? What makes me feel vibrant and lucky and taken care of?

I started with some little things: A whole pizza. Herbs on food. Beginning a new book series. Then I went a little bigger: TSA precheck. Nicely framed art. Monthly massages.

But it can be hard to feel like there’s any abundance of good things in the world when your grocery bill ratchets up, there’s no time for a summer vacation, your car breaks down…you get the idea. Bad stuff happens. And it always will. But you mustn’t forget that good stuff happens too. And it always will.

Approaching life with an abundance mindset can help make those harder times feel just a little bit easier. 

Much of an abundance mindset lives in the ability to believe. In yourself, in the world, in the future, and in the big, beautiful, unknown universe of possibilities. It also lives in the ability to hold gratitude for your current reality.

The way I see it, there are three aspects of an abundance mindset.

Manifesting abundance: Believe that good things will come your way. They have before, why not again? Set intentions and activate your faith in the universe.

Recognizing abundance: Focus on the good things in your life and let yourself feel happy about them. Savor them. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a positive feedback loop, and we’re allowed to utilize this tool whenever we want. It doesn’t mean the bad stuff is gone; it’s just a reminder that we don’t have to carry it all the time. 

Cultivating abundance: Make a plan to bring more abundance into your life. Buy some fresh herbs. Wash your sheets. Make an Abundance Jar (click here for a template & prompts!). Set goals and go after them.

To start building an abundance mindset, try practicing an Upward Spiral of Gratitude. Gratitude produces dopamine and boosts serotonin, making you feel good. Instead of spiraling down, you spiral up. I promise: If you look for gratitude, you will find it.

Start by tuning into your senses. Close your eyes, breathe, and focus on what you hear, feel, or taste that makes you feel grateful. A warm cup of coffee, a cool breeze, the smell of fresh bread, etc. Then open your eyes and look around. What fills you with gratitude? Maybe knowing there’s food in the fridge, a sleeping dog at your feet, or fresh flowers on your table. Focus on those things and let yourself feel happy. Repeat as often as needed.

When you change your perspective, you change your reality. Remember though: People can change, but you can’t change other people. Your abundance mindset is for you, and you alone. Other people’s abundance will likely be totally different from yours. Don’t compare, and don’t allow other’s opinions to sour your thoughts on what makes you feel abundant.

Generally, there is always something that is working well in every person’s life. Focus on what’s going well in yours, and tap into that gratitude, happiness, and fulfillment. We live in a glorious, complex, abundant world, friends. Let’s grab hold of the good this summer.

XOXO – Aryn


ARYN’S CURRENT ABUNDANCE LIST:

Monthly massages
Frothy coffee
Herbs on food
Cloth napkins
Nicely framed art
TSA precheck
Fizzy water
Clean sheets
A whole pizza
Beginning a new book series 
Car wash tokens
Time with my besties

9 Ways to Recognize Abundance

1. Live in the possibilities
You can’t know the future. Let go of your limiting beliefs and imagine what good could come.

2. Say Affirmations of Abundance
Try these: “Even if I lost everything, I am surrounded by people who would help me rebuild.”
“I am resilient. I have handled many challenges in the past.”
“I am creative and resourceful, so I will always be able to find a path forward.”

3. Celebrate wins big and small. Celebrate other people’s wins, too

4. Be Mindful of a Scarcity Mindset
When you notice a feeling of scarcity in your statements, try reframing them.
Instead of “I can’t do that because I’m too busy,” say, “I’m not prioritizing that right now.” 
“I don’t have the money for that,” becomes “I don’t have the money for that yet.”
“I can’t do it,” becomes “I’m going to learn how.”

5. You Are What You Think
When you focus on things you don’t like, you’re more likely to notice other things you don’t like in life.
When you focus on things you do like, you’ll see more of those.
And when you tune into what you want in the future, you start seeing paths toward that future. 

6. Ask Yourself Questions
A little introspection can open up possibilities. What do you feel when you’re seeking abundance? Who has a positive influence on your life? What do you do when you’re not feeling abundant? What little things make you feel metaphorically wealthy?

7. Turn problems into puzzles of possibility.
How can you solve this in a creative way? When you believe change is possible, your brain starts noticing solutions. The more you do this, the more confident you become in your ability to create change.

8. Make an Abundance Jar!
Write down the things that make you feel abundant. Put them in a jar and pull them out whenever you’re feeling low. Check out our templates and prompts here!

9. Practice an Upward Spiral of Gratitude!
Gratitude produces dopamine and boosts serotonin, making you feel good. Instead of spiraling down, you spiral up. If you look for gratitude, you will find it. Tune into your senses and note the things around you that make you feel grateful. Repeat as needed.

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