The year prior to last was frankly put, lousy.

We had some health issues, which, as you know, are not only frightening, but also expensive. To make matters worse, what I thought was a very successful business model suddenly collapsed as if built on rotten toothpicks, leaving me financially scrambling. I’m fortunate; I’ve always put money away for a rainy day, but this was a downpour.

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said,

“That which does not kill me makes me stronger.”

So, I guess I am sturdier for the experience. Yet, I retained scars.

One result was that I hunkered down, even as the tides began shifting. I looked for where I could shrink my life instead of how I could once again blossom. Because I attempt to live simply (all things being relative), there wasn’t a great deal to prune. I was faced with decisions akin to, “How can I save three dollars on the power bill? Is it really essential to patch the roof now or can we wait? How long can I hold off before replacing my brakes?”

Don’t misunderstand, we muddle up our existence with all too much unnecessary clutter so, if given the luxury, living within one’s means is admirable and even virtuous. However, unless one is extravagant or wealthy (or both), he or she can only cut so much fat before grinding away through bone.

Eventually, I was fortunate enough to be confronted by someone willing to have with me one of those unpleasant — but many times necessary — “courageous conversations.”

In a loving manner, she pointed out her concern that I had shifted to existing in a state of Spartan contraction rather than enthusiastic and energized expansion. “You’re at an age,” said she, “where you don’t want to be counting every penny if you don’t have to. It’s all right to splurge now and then; you get to be comfortable. You’ve worked for it. You’ve earned it. You have always managed to create what you want when you’ve needed it. And now I’m afraid you’re creating an atmosphere of fear. Create something different. Imagine abundance again… please.”

To her credit that she was willing to “go there.” To mine, I followed.

Since that talk, I began a thankfulness journal; I’ve imagined how well things can go instead of how poorly; I reaffirm gratitude whenever I can. And you know what? You can’t feel bad when you’re grateful. It’s impossible. Moreover, living in a state of thankfulness instead of trepidation allows you to see what was always there that you didn’t notice. It’s like flipping a light switch and opportunities become brightly illuminated. I don’t know whether God or the Universe or Fate or even Coincidence responds to attitude adjustment but I do know that oh so quickly, several marketing clients came from nowhere wanting to utilize my services. I was offered an expanded, creative, exciting position working for my city. Old clients reconnected. The company for which I do coaching expanded my hours. I’ve shifted from praying to survive to figuring out how to manage all my new assignments (which is a much better “problem” to have I assure you).

I even developed a mantra, which I repeat often. I am gladly willing to share. Feel free to use it whenever you wish. Consider it my gift:

“I live in a state of constant abundance.”

We know not from where abundance or prosperity comes nor in which form it will manifest, but in a Universe with so much, and where we are so small, it doesn’t take much to give us what we need.

We must however be willing to gratefully accept it.

About the author: Scott “Q” Marcus is a nationally known weight loss expert for baby boomers and the CRP (Chief Recovering Perfectionist) of www.ThisTimeIMeanIt.com. Check out his new series of free weight loss videos and other inspirational material at www.FourMonthsToGoal.com