Serving from Abundance, Not Lack

I was listening to a podcast by Dr. Wayne Dyer when I heard something that made a lot of sense to me and inspired me to write my first article for September.

Dyer spoke about a quiet transformation that happens inside us when we realize it’s not about

• our egos

• What’s in it for me?

• How much can I get?

but rather about

• How can I be of service?

• How can I reach out to someone in need?

• What can I do to help?

Most of the time, as humans, we’re stuck in the mindset that we’re “missing out,” that something isn’t right, or that something is lacking.
Usually, it’s because we’re focused on ourselves, our needs, our wants, feeding our ego to feel good.

When we “achieve” or “get” things, the ego feels soothed, giving us a temporary, dare I say false, sense of satisfaction. But it’s fleeting. Soon, we’re chasing the next achievement or acquisition to keep that ego high alive.

Now, shift to a different mode: I’m going to forget about myself for a moment. How can I help someone else? How can I serve without expecting anything in return?

Suddenly, a new part of you opens up, a part that is steady and peaceful, that recognizes you are already content, fulfilled, and loved. You begin to see yourself as a living reflection of love.

When you pause that self-craving voice and focus on being a source of love, joy, and support for others, you may find that you become happier.

That said, before stepping into service, it’s important to heal yourself and recognize that you lack nothing. True service flows from an inner abundance, not from emptiness.

Sometimes people, wounded by life’s experiences, try to compensate by giving to others. But if they haven’t yet embraced their own worth and inherent love, they may give from a place of lack. And when you give from lack, hidden expectations creep in. When those expectations aren’t met, resentment follows.

You’ve probably heard someone say, “After everything I did for them, they couldn’t help me when I needed it.” That’s a sign of unhealed wounds. Without care, this can lead to bitterness.

So, if you’re giving as a way to fill a void, or if you’re overly nice because you hope others will “owe” you later, pause. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

How can you tell if you’re serving from abundance? Notice how you feel when your help goes unappreciated or unreturned. If you feel angry, resentful, or hurt, that’s a clue you’re giving from lack. Step back and work on yourself.

Self-work can take many forms: meditation, journaling, quiet reflection, therapy, spiritual practice, deep study. Over time, you begin to realize that you have always been worthy and loved, that your very existence asserts your worth.

When you truly know you are love and abundance, service becomes effortless. You help without expectation. There’s no attachment. And from that place, giving brings a continuous joy that seems to echo back to you in every experience.

Just a thought I wanted to share.

Keep winning!

- Ike