If you've taken a class with me, you've probably heard me say that gratitude is the pathway to joy and abundance. At the end of every class, we spend a few moments acknowledging what we're grateful for.

Recently, while talking with a client, I heard myself say it a little differently. And it made me stop and think: Have I been talking about abundance as though it's something we're trying to get?

When I say, “Let's bring in joy and abundance,” does that sound as though abundance is something we earn? As though, if we practice gratitude well enough, we'll receive more of what we want?

That gave me pause. Because that's not what I mean, and I want to spend a little time with that distinction today.