At the beginning of the movie Forrest Gump, a feather floats out of the sky and lands at the foot of the hero. Forrest reaches down and picks it up.
I believe the feather is a metaphor for the opportunities that appear like magic in our lives. They show up when we least expect them. They seem to appear from thin air.
A scarcity philosophy is based on a limited number of feathers. Feathers are few and far between. I better grab whatever feather appears and hold it for myself before someone else grabs it for her self.
I believe just the opposite is true. I believe in an abundance philosophy.
An abundance philosophy believes there are an unlimited number of feathers. Feathers are plentiful and everywhere. I get to choose and select whatever feather I want. There are plenty of feathers for everyone. Everyone gets to choose whatever feather they want. There are more than enough feathers to go around.
Here are eight ideas on finding opportunities – or feathers.
- Choose to believe there is abundance – feathers are everywhere … all you have to do is look for them.
- Become excited by opportunities – when you see a new feather, revel in it’s beauty and potential.
- Choose win-win outcomes – help others find feathers that they’ll revel in.
- Know you can always choose again – when you find yourself holding a feather that you don’t like or is causing you trouble, you can drop it and pick up new feather – one that better fits your needs.
- Setbacks and loses become new opportunities – when circumstances dictate that you must drop a feather, do so knowing you’re free to find a new, better feather – one you’d otherwise have missed.
- Be appreciative – enjoy the feather you’re currently holding, be grateful, show appreciation.
- Abundance is not a zero-sum game – there are countless numbers of feathers, there are more than enough feathers for everyone. Someone picking their feather doesn’t preclude you from choosing yours – and vice-versa.
- Associate with other people who have an abundance philosophy – like attracts like, avoid the feather hoarders, or people whose glass is always half-empty.
I believe an abundance philosophy will help you live your life with more Peace, Love & Gumption.
- Peace and freedom from the pressure and anxiety of not having enough
- Love for yourself and others while knowing you-re helping others and yourself
- Gumption for taking responsibility for your thoughts, actions, and interactions with others
Living your life with Gumption is synonymous with a Gumption abundance philosophy.