i think when we think of money, we need to think of abundance instead. what do we need in this lifetime to be abundant? what do we need in this here and now to feel fulfilled? that is how i like to look at things. . .and even in those moments when i feel like i don’t have enough money, when i stop and think, i am richly abundant and full with all i need.

blessings and love to you and yours,
danielle

I made my way through the world as an interior designer, specializing in the psychology of color.

I’ve sold chairs and curtains that I could not possibly afford myself, but most important, I helped people create a sanctuary called home that they truly loved.

I’ve helped accurately forecast color and design trends two years in advance, so that a company would have the right product in the marketplace at the right time to get a share of consumer dollars.

And I watched in wonder as consumption became a little indulgent, then progressed to what looked vulgar.

Design jobs always began with purging what was no longer useful (poor quality furniture with a lifespan of 3-5 years instead of 40-60) or they just didn’t like it anymore. Some never was useful (pasta bowls with matching cruets made in China, in the original box, never used), untouched scrapbooking supplies, cutesy, mass-produced picture frame sets, etc.

Then there was the razing of good homes to make room for a bigger one, with granite tops and brushed stainless faucets and door knobs, and $3000 washers.

Somewhere, sometime, it became unacceptable to display any symbol of middle classness. The only goal, and comparison of success, has been high-end luxury! Nothing modest, only the very biggest, the very best, the most expensive.

It was, and still is, bewildering to me.

It seemed, as I watched the actions of the collective consciousness as early as ten years ago, that we were headed for a crash. There is no way to sustain that level of consumerism.

Along with so many others, my life tanked: foreclosure, broken wrist, bankruptcy, health issue after health issue, two moves in 13 months, disability and public health care. (The latter is quite humbling in a luxury-driven world )

It took a while, but I’m enjoying the serenity of a smaller space (half what it was two years ago), the creativity of using what I have instead of buying something new just because I can. It’s been friggin’ hard, but continues to be rich in many ways. My choices and actions now are driven by what is deeply satisfying, instead of what may be trendy. And I know that what I build from here will be sustainable.

I, too, know in my bones that the law of attraction is in motion, and every step of the way I’ve been blessed with great GRACE.

What I’ve come to in the past week is that large-scale, upper-class luxury is not my dream. I house sat in a 10,000 square-foot house once:it took over two hours to vacuum. That’s too much to manage.

My new vision is of just enough for grace, beauty and comfort. I’m re-defining my wishes as wealth without waste, and abundance without excess. I’m not sure yet what it will look like, but I really really like the way it feels. Deeply satisfying is my gauge.

I’m thinking this may have been the inner conflict all these years—what got it the way of big manifestation. It isn’t that luxury is bad, it’s just that too much is too much, and more for the sake of more becomes onerous and irresponsible.

Meantime, I’ve found a way to re-fashion the flood plants that looks saucy and stylish.

I miss your weekly posts, but understand your need to direct your attention elsewhere. Thank you so much for continuing to give such valuable information. Blessings to you and yours.

Carpe diem
Rebecca