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I've been thinking a lot about the attitude of scarcity versus the attitude of possibility recently. The attitude of scarcity is the notion that embraces the idea that resources, clients, knowledge are so scarce so we must "take and guard" what is "ours." It is viewpoint that sees the pie as small with limited pieces for people. It is an attitude that breeds competition rather than "co-opetition." This attitude keeps people from being excited about the success of others. Instead, we feel threatened by them, we feel jealousy creep in. The attitude of scarcity surrounds us in people and society every day. It is the outlook of the person that wakes up in the morning with the assumption that life is about merely staying alive and surviving in a world of very limited resources. It is what keeps people from sharing an ultimately growing. This is an attitude and outlook rooted in the enemy... fear.
On the other side of that, I have encountered a handful of people in my life that embrace another kind of attitude... one that I admire and strive after...the attitude of possibility. This attitude embraces the idea that anything is possible. In this world of possibility, thought is not impeded by the concern of survival, but stands in the field of optimism with a posture of vast openness. These are the people that share their knowledge freely because instead of feeling threatened by the thought of scarcity they are excited by the thought of continued growth for both parties. This attitude recognizes that there is plenty of business to go around, setting them free to be happy for the success of their colleagues and counterparts. The attitude of possibility doesn't see people with eyes that limit and measure them, but rather, sees them for all of the unique potential that each person posses'. This is an attitude that recognizes that each of us is created with individual gifts and talents and that anyone is capable of ANYTHING they put their mind to. Instead of living in fear, this attitude is rooted in freedom, choice, and love. This is a perspective that recognizes that the pie is enormous and even if you take a piece, the pie is whole again.
Everyday we make a choice about the attitude we will embrace by our thoughts, words and motives. For me, I will continue striving to live in love and not fear. I will choose to see the world for all of it's variety, glimmer, hope, engagement and forward movement. The seemingly small moments of our lives are ultimately what write our life stories. We have a choice about how they will be written. For me I will continue to dance in the vast and glowing fields of possibility....
For anyone who cares to explore this idea of possibility in more depth, I highly recommend a book I read back in January called The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander. It was an inspiring read that offers great insight and perspective.
Thoughts
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thank you, I will be picking up your book reccomendation.
This is something I've been thinking about lately. Is there enough for everyone? Can everyone live the life they dream? And that negative feeling when others accomplish what I cannot and while I know it is counterproductive it is hard to quiet the negativity. thank you for the lovely thoughts and words, it reminds me of a much more loving and open perspective.
one of my favorite posts yet. you are brilliant.
Great reminder Sarah! I just read this book in April after the Jesh workshop and I too found it inspiring and aspirational - LOVE IT. Hope you're having a great summer so far :)
Love living in the world of possibility and always believing my dreams will come true. Thanks!
Love to live in the world of possibility and always beilieving my dreams will come true. Thanks!
Sarah, you're beautiful in every way. Thank you for staying true to yourself. What a gift you are..
Thank you for this Sarah. You have the amazing ability to captivate and inspire people through images and words. What you guys do it beyond beautiful. It touches my heart and changes the way I view the world for the better and I can't thank you enough.
Inspirational writing :)
I love your blog. Always so inspirational.
I wish more people would have that attitude of possibility... at least where I'm at :/
Thank you for this post. So true and inspiring.
you sure get a lot of girls to run around in their underwear! ;) would love to see a list of book recs... just finished some linchpin. genius :)
Love this! Sometimes I tend to believe that there's more than enough for everyone but me. I know it's not truth or how God intended me to live- sometimes it's harder said than done but at least I move forward.
I love your insight!! I know a lot of people probably say this, but I just feel like such a kindred spirit with you! I love living with the attitude of possibility and I think that it rubs people the wrong way. I have felt like people just look at me weird, like, "you think you can do that?" "You don't have a degree in that, we all have the "right" degree and you think you can just start doing the same thing." All I have to say is when you are born to do something you need to do it, whether it is photography, design, teaching, communicating, being a mom, accounting, the news, construction, it doesn't matter. That's the fun!
Excellent thoughts, thanks for this post!! This is a great perspective. I can testify first hand that you practice what you preach.. My wife and I are just starting out with photography, and Sarah and Chris have been a HUGE help, generously taking the time to answer questions for us, asking nothing back from us, even though we've offered. Thanks to you both so much. Your art really is inspiring. We are huge fans!!
What a beautiful post to read. You said it so eloquently. You and Chris are beautiful expressions of something grand and I love being a witness to what you both bring to the world. Thanks for continuing to share the gift of yourselves with me.
Is that you in the pic? If so I love it and kudos to Chris for capturing it!
That was incredibly inspiring and insightful, Sarah. Thank you for that. I was in a design meeting this morning, shared this with a friend, and your post ended up getting read aloud to everyone. Not only does your art continue to challenge me, but your thoughts on life allow me to enjoy mine just that little bit more. Cheers.
I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to read this. As I am a photographer just getting my start in this business, I am often shunned or ignored when I reach out to other professionals in this business, looking for guidance and mentors. It has been incredibly discouraging, so to know that there are others out there that are willing to share their knowledge and experience gives me hope. I may have to get there on my own, but you have inspired me to be diligent in helping those that come behind me.
Well done, Sarah.
Lovely. It is often trying when surrounded by so many people that are of the scarcity mindset, but it is the possibility people that make the world wonderful. Keep exploring the possible friend. :)
And that attitude is one of the many reasons you are so successful!
Cheers.
Oh Sarah, this could not have been more timely. Thank you so much for this... :)
So well said! LOVE it!!! I'll definitely be checking out that book.
LOVE this - just what I needed to read this morning.
Long time lurker.... Very eloquently put. I've been reading your words for a while now and you always seem to know just how to say them to give me hope. Thank you.
That is correct! The Universe says there is ENOUGH of EVERYTHING for everyone! Share!
Beautiful Photo!
Such a great reminder for my morning. Plus, I just love the picture!
That is correct! The Universe says there is ENOUGH of EVERYTHING for everyone! Share!
Beautiful Photo!
AMEN!