The "Abundance Mentality" Doesn't Mean THAT!

At the beginning of this year, I set out to explore a concept called "the abundance mentality".  Briefly, this concept created by Steven Covey, works from the premise that there are always new opportunities out there.  There is no shortage if we can appreciate what we do have and focus on the positives in our lives.

In the past month, through our annual Cardiovascular Disease Prevention program, we have been speaking about high triglycerides.  What is a triglyceride and why is it there? A triglyceride is a type of fat (like cholesterol only different) circulating in your blood.  When you consume calories that your body doesn't need, they are immediately converted into triglycerides.  In between meals, they are released for energy.

So what does one have to do with the other?  Well, back in more primitive times, before home refrigerators and the family car, eating calories while they were available was a life sustaining measure.  The scarcity mentality (there's not enough to go around so act now!), opposite of the abundance mentality, was a valid underlying thought.  Food was less available so triglycerides had their place in the world.  We needed to store so as to have later.  Enter modern society and what some are calling "the sickest generation".  Those of us in our 30's and 40's  may be the first generation in quite some time with a reduced life span.  Why?  Because obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome are affecting not only our cardiovascular systems, but also contributing to premature deaths from pneumonia, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer and even Alzheimer's disease to name a few.

Rewind.  The abundance mentality - appreciating what you have - and the fact that the food will still be available tomorrow, may help us avoid over eating.  If you want a cookie, have one.  But don't have 6.  They will still be in the cookie jar tomorrow.  We've heard it so many times before.  Healthy diet, regular exercise and a good night's sleep are critical aspects of maintaining a healthy weight.  Maybe we should add appreciation and "The Abundance Mentality" to the list, knowing that it's not an abundance of extra calories!