What Is Abundance, Really?

Good evening, friends!

If you’re anything like me and consume media in the realm of self-development or spirituality, you’ve probably heard the word “abundance” thrown around a lot, sometimes in phrases such as “abundance mindset” or “living abundantly.” It typically refers to living a full, rich life surrounded (and in appreciation of) the things you love, rather than focusing on lack and what you don’t have.

Part of my own journey has been to create an abundant life for myself—to gift myself with all the experiences I desire, and to work towards a life that allows me the freedom to travel, eat well, and have plenty of fun.

I used to think that in order to make all those dreams come true, I would have to earn tons of money. Ironically, while trying to create “abundance,” I ended up feeling a lack of it when my desired income wasn’t reached.

My limited perception of abundance prevented me from appreciating all the blessings that had fallen into my life which hadn’t necessarily arrived in the form of money.

For example, I recently realized that one of my biggest dreams came true. I used to day dream about being able to walk into the airport and spontaneously travel to any destination I desired. I thought that in order for this to happen, I would have to be rich.

As a flight attendant, my company allows me to travel wherever they fly, either for free or at very little cost. I could literally do this whenever I have time. It blew my mind to really sit with that and appreciate it as a dream come true.

I already have so much of what I want and experience joy regularly without having met my “income goals.” What we truly want is usually a feeling rather than a thing. If I have joy, if I have love, and freedom and a passion for living (all the things I thought money would buy), then why limit myself to feeling abundant only when a certain amount of money is reached?

Abundance is all around us. In the greenness of leaves, in laughter, in the array of tastes we experience in the span of a day. You can find it in the smallest details or in the overwhelm of realizing that you are in a near perfect stage of your life.

If you ever feel down or stressed about money or whatever it is you “lack,” I encourage you to take equal amounts of time and energy into adding up all the little (and big) miracles, joys, pleasures, talents and gifts you’ve got going in your favor. Feel into the appreciation until your heart feels like it’ll burst. Do this as much as possible, as often as possible and tap into your wealth.

Love,

Gabriela

Protecting the Vibe

Hey lovelies:

Hope you’ve had a beautiful week thus far. I felt inspired to write the past few days because I’m coming to understand a lesson that is so vital, and which I wanted to share with you:

Things don’t have to align perfectly or according to plan in order for you to feel good.

My first month as a flight attendant has taught me a lot about protecting my energy regardless of circumstances. As exciting as it’s been, I’ve also experienced disappointment and frustration at times.

I love to travel and explore more than just about anything and of course that was a huge determinant for choosing this career. Ironically, I was assigned to work many “turns” the first month. A turn means I go somewhere and come right back, without stepping foot off the plane. Each time I was scheduled one of these, I felt my soul die a little.

I wanted so badly to see these destinations, to feel the freedom of walking through new streets, and take part in the adventure of new sights, smells and foods. I wanted to jump into this new career and experience as much as possible, as quickly as possible, but patience. is. a. virtue.

Anyways, last time I was assigned a turn to Honolulu and I’d been itching so bad to see Hawaii! Not only was I disappointment I wouldn’t explore—frankly, I was angry this would be something like a 14 hour day. In my mind I was clearly a victim to these unjust circumstances!

That morning though, I knew my attitude was setting me up to have a potentially terrible (long) day. I decided I was going to have fun at work regardless of where I was going. I put my make up on, felt extra cute and headed to the employee lounge to chill before my flight. I ended up meeting a genuinely kind and friendly man who’s been working as a flight attendant for thirty-something years.

That decision I made in the morning to feel good, plus the friendly conversation, created a snowball effect for the rest of the day. I was upbeat and extroverted when I met my crew and one of them said that man had told her she was going to love me. I just felt grateful.

Work was fun that day, and even when I was tired I had great conversation with the crew and appreciated the chillness of the passengers. Some would call this the law of attraction — your outer world reflects your inner vibration. So because I was in a space of joy, my day panned out smoothly and positively.

What was key in keeping my vibration high, was not getting bent up about things “not going my way” and deciding to have fun anyways. (Side note: I’m starting to think life is always going our way; it’s just our opinion of what “the way” should look like that’s causing frustration and pain).

Anyways, I’m still practicing “protecting my energy/vibe” day by day, specially when it comes to interacting with others. I realize how high I set the bar for people, even strangers. I often expect others to be very friendly, and when they’re not I have a negative reaction to it (another example of things “not going my way”).

When this happens, we can catch ourselves and become witnesses to our internal process. We can decide that our energy is too important and too special to be negatively affected by others or by situations outside of our control. It’s simply too volatile to constantly react.

Anytime throughout the day we can stop and remind ourselves of what we’d like to feel, and that we have the power to have fun, anyways.

Love,

Gabriela

“Your Worth is Not Measured by Your Productivity”

Hello friends,

It’s my pleasure to be writing this newsletter again. It’s been on the back of my mind for a while now. My new career as a flight attendant has taken center stage and I’m adjusting to this lifestyle change day by day. The newness of it all has been exhausting at times, and while home, I’ve spent countless of hours in bed, watching Game of Thrones. (I know, I’m still catching up!)

I’ve tackled with various emotions while being in “rest mode” ―sometimes feeling totally justified in taking the time off to completely relax, and other times not being able to let go of the list of things I “should” or “could” be doing instead. One of those being this newsletter.

The couple times I tried to start writing, my words felt lost and scrambled. I was frustrated at myself for not being able to accomplish this one task, and to let you down in a sense.

I’ve scrolled through Instagram and questioned how some of the people I look up to (coaches, entrepreneurs, spiritual teachers, artists) are seemingly so able to constantly create and finish their work; how they have mastered a state of flow that’s entirely elusive to me. I’ve compared myself and felt bad about where I am in my own journey― how far away my goals can sometimes feel. And I think: If only I could be consistent. If only I could DO MORE..

The more compassionate side of me advises towards self forgiveness and patience. It was not the right time to be writing, until now. My energy, my inspiration and creativity ebb and flow. Sometimes they are harder to grasp. Sometimes I will not live up to my own standards of productivity. I can work towards accepting that and championing the little successes I do have. Because they are enough. And if you feel this way too, you too―are enough.

I don’t have the answers on how to achieve that perfect state of flow, where you can seamlessly create and take every day actions towards your goals, but some advice I can give you is that it all gets better when you’re kind to yourself.

You can either feel bad about what you haven’t yet accomplished, or appreciate where you are now compared to the past. What are the positive baby steps you finally decided to take? How has the relationship you have to yourself changed for the better?

I could feel bad about all the time I went without writing or being productive, or I could be proud to be writing today. I could call myself lazy for all the hours in bed, or I could marvel at the opportunity I gave myself to rest, when in the past I wouldn’t have let myself.

It’s so important to pay attention to the way we speak to ourselves and whether we’re building ourselves up or down. Self criticism can seep in the most subtle ways, from comparison to guilt. It’s the underlying belief that we are not enough, even though we truly are no matter what we do. I am Still enough if I watched Netflix in bed for the rest of my life― and that is a lesson I keep coming back to.

Everything else we choose to do, all our dreams and aspirations, those are icing on the cake in this extraordinary experience of being. And you, simply being here, is wonderfully enough.

Love,

Gabriela

I’m Back!

9 weeks later… I’m back!

First time writing in a while and I already feel like crying. The last two months of my life have been a whirlwind of emotions, late nights, stress, and beautiful moments of connection, leading up to the unmatched joy of new beginnings.

All of it begs to be expressed and released through me—writing is one of the ways I choose to do it.

In case you didn’t read my newsletter sent out roughly 9 weeks ago—I was in flight attendant training for 8 weeks, and announced I may not be writing for a while. Most moments were spent either in class, studying, or sleeping. I have never been so intently focused on, and immersed in one subject matter in my life.

Being the creative, and curious type that I am, it was extremely difficult not to have the time and freedom to explore hobbies and passions, let alone, to relax. I have a new sense of appreciation for MY LIFE, which is dynamic, and full of colorful past times and the ability to create.

Since I left training, my body has been attempting to recuperate through hours and hours of sleep, and to find its balance between the time zones. My mind busily absorbs all the endings and new beginnings. What just happened? What is happening?

What is happening is I’m now in LA, my new base and “home away from home.” I will be working trips from LA while still living in Salt Lake City and flying back home on my free time. It’s actually pretty common to “commute” from state to state in the airline industry, though the overwhelm of it is still palpable.

On top of that, most of my trips this month are red eyes and I am an early bird to a fault. Yikes! Talk about disoriented sleep schedule.

My intention here is not to complain —I prayed, and worked tirelessly to be where I am today, but still there is this very human thing in me to find fault at the result of each success. Can you relate?

So, this is where I must stop myself: Breathe, acknowledge where I am (somewhere I once desired badly to be), thank myself for getting here, and see the positive in the situation.

I am a freakin’ flight attendant! Which means I travel for a living. Wild. And I get to fly back home when I’m free. For free.

Writing those words fills me instantly with gratitude and the overwhelm slowly begins to dissipate. Because I know, everything is alright. Better than alright.

Reflection Moment:

What have you recently accomplished that you’re proud of?

What have you achieved that you once truly desired?

I’m going to change the name of this newsletter to Weekly Motivation and do my best to write one weekly, on whichever day I’m free.

It feels amazing to be here again, after all this time and I thank you for your patience and your readership. It means the world!

Love,

Gabriela

Spring is Coming

I’m taking it way easy this Monday. Today, I woke up and decided to finally book a massage, take a walk, and catch up with a friend before beginning the weekly grind.

It’s funny what a different mental space I’m in than the previous week. If you caught last week’s newsletter, I expressed how much stress I was under because I’d created so many tasks for myself, expecting to be some sort of productivity machine.

Reflecting on the expectations I had for myself and whether they were fair or not allowed me to let go of a lot of pressure, and ease into a lighter week ahead by removing the tasks that could wait.

Despite still being “busy,” and having certain things to do, I feel so much lighter without the stress. I’m focusing on one task at a time, trusting that it will all get done, and stopping to rest when needed. I am supporting my mental (and physical) health in this time of transition, and encourage you to check in with yourself when needed, as well.

Speaking of transitions, it finally feels like spring is near in Salt Lake City. Today was the warmest day I’ve experienced in months. The sky was bright blue, and the wind had the perfect type of cool that makes you feel awake.

It was incredible how much Happier I felt stepping out. Sometimes it can feel like winter will last forever, and with that, the visiting lethargy and gloom. But hang in there. Whether you’re feeling uncomfortably cold, or are going through an emotionally tough patch, each new day can surprise you with a change in weather, mood, or perspective.

Spring is coming!

Gabriela

Reasons to Love or Hate a Place

Good Morning, Friends!

It’s a beautiful morning in Salt Lake City. The snow really came down last night and the trees and houses are lined white and glittering in the sunlight.

It’s views like this that make me appreciate it here, because—it truly is beautiful.

Living here though, (and living anywhere, really) is not always easy. From my experience residing in various cities and countries, each place comes with a list of pros and cons.

The other day, I found my frustrations with Salt Lake City growing. I didn’t feel free here because I don’t own a car and am nervous about driving.

It was easy to get around San Francisco (I didn’t even get my license until I was 26). But relying on the bus, my legs (and the occasional uber and lyft) to get me places here is not always easy (or cheap) —specially in the winter.

The other night I missed my bus stop on my way home from work, and was dropped off about a mile away at the next stop. I was bummed, hungry, and freezing, when I saw a Sonics at the corner of the street.

I thought, “this is the time to get some fast food guilt-free.” To my horror, it was solely a drive-through Sonics (are all Sonics like that? Idk) There was no option to order or eat inside, because the small building at the center of the lot was for employees only.

So, I had to stand next to one of the ordering kiosks outside, and yell out my order while it was 20 something degrees out. I must admit, it was pretty funny and I even made an instagram story about it. I had to laugh at the situation a little.

After my order came out, my hands were awkwardly full, when a man approached me and asked me for some money. I offered him a dollar, but was seriously struggling to reach into my bag to grab it. His friend noticed my struggle, and came by to dismiss me, ordering, “You go on home now with your bags. We don’t need your dollar!” as they walked back to their car.

I dropped some of my food in the snow as I waddled out of there, and by the time I got home my fingers were burning from the cold and I was genuinely concerned I might get frost bite?

It was one of those days that made me hate Salt Lake City. Walking home I went through a long list of reasons not to like it here. There’s no proper public transportation, the streets are too long, it revolves around car culture, State St. is so sketchy, there’s no good affordable food etc.

All this to demonstrate that if you’re looking for reasons to hate a place, or a situation, it is so easy to come up with them! I even kept going with my list until the next day, and let me tell you—it ruined that day, too.

The good news is, it can be just as easy to find things to love about a place or situation. If you think you can’t, start very small and watch that list grow and grow.

Things I love about Salt Lake: How there’s usually parking when we go out, the spaciousness of it, the cute little coffee and retail shops a couple blocks away, the epic mountains, the proximity to beautiful nature, my lovely neighbors, our cute house, etc.

I usually choose to see the good in things, and practice gratitude on a daily basis, but I also fall prey to negative thinking and frustration. And that’s when I have to check myself and adjust my perspective.

In this situation, I also evaluated what was in my control and what wasn’t. I can’t control the transportation system here, but I can adapt by driving. I started practicing again yesterday, and it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. It was actually pretty fun when I released the resistance to it. I can already feel how it will drastically change my experience here.

When in Salt Lake, do as the Salt Lakers do.

Prayer

I didn’t think I’d be writing about this topic—today, if at all. When you see the word “prayer” you may instinctively think, “religion,” which I understand is a weary subject for some. I get it. But this isn’t about that. This is about: surrender.

How much of your day to you attempt to control? How much of your life? I know I try and control most aspects of my life: from my morning routine, to the work I’m going to get done that day, my meals, my relationship, my thoughts and feelings, the fruition of my dreams…It can be overwhelming and exhausting, especially when things don’t go my way.

Lately what I’ve been doing with that overwhelm, is surrendering it. I do that by praying each morning. I light a candle, get down on my knees, and start off by thanking God/The Universe for all the great things I have going in life. I like to start off with gratitude because it makes me feel full, and reminds me that I’ve got more good things going than “bad” ones.

Then, I pray for help with whatever I’m struggling with and for the ability to stay present. I also ask God/The Universe to show me how I can best be of service that day. (Maybe I’ll write about this another time, but thinking about how you can help others and serve is a sure way to get out of your own head).

This new routine of mine has already created positive shifts in my day to day. When I pray I feel as if I’ve actually let go of some of the burden of doing it all on my own, and that I am being assisted and guided throughout the day. It’s a reminder that I’m constantly being heard and supported.

I was inspired to share this when I finished my prayer this morning and

thought it might be helpful for any of you that may be struggling to hold everything down on your own.

Remember that you can also pray in whatever way you feel comfortable. You can pray through a chant or a song. You can do it as you’re walking, or driving. You can make a little altar to pray to if you’d like, or just write down what you need help with; whatever floats your boat.

I think the important thing is to communicate with a higher power or your inner-guidance and to ask for help, or even just let it know what you’re thankful for.

art blur bright candlelight — Photo by Hakan Erenler on Pexels.com

The Power of a Gratitude List

Each morning in my journal, I write a “gratitude list.” I write down: I am grateful for… whatever it is that day. Often times, it’s my lovely little house, my partner, the kindness of someone that day, some unexpected savings or income, something wonderful I ate, a lovely conversation. It can be something big, or small. When I write this list I am thankful. I realize that I have absolutely everything I need and more. I have a BIG life, and so do you. My burdens and worries become less significant. I know there is more good than bad. Our minds often focus on lack and the “problems” that plague us. Writing this gratitude list every morning takes me out of that problematic mindset and puts me into the energy of love and abundance as I feel into that everything is going to be okay vibration. Because everything has always and always will be Okay.

Staying Positive in Times of Rejection

I am back in Utah now, and it seems that Fall suddenly happened while I was away. having grown up in San Francisco, I’m not very accustomed to seasons. It blows me away how suddenly the landscape can change and how aware we can become that time is moving forward, often urging us to rethink our direction in life.

A new path I’m currently pursuing is finding a part time job here in Salt Lake City while I work on my passion projects.

I’ve found it disheartening to either not hear back from some places, or to feel like there are slim pickings in terms of the types of jobs I actually want, and those that pay decently. I’m not usually the type to be discouraged, since I often try to look at the bright-side of things, so this disappointment hasn’t been an easy feeling to digest.

With that, I am reminded to be extra gentle with myself and to trust in the universe. Rejection, though oftentimes painful, is an opportunity to have faith in your unique path. When I don’t get that one job I wanted, I think: There is another one out there I’m supposed to have (possibly an even better one!) and some great people I am bound to meet. I just have to be patient and have faith.

Today I was actually offered a decent position and became aware of another one I could pursue, too. The key is to stay open, flexible and optimistic. And if you really really want something, rejection can be a way of testing that desire + your determination to push forward and try again.

How do you handle rejection & what are some ways to deal with it that feel more positive for you?

Would love to hear your thoughts. You can email me or find me on insta @gabrielammelgar anytime.

Shake it up

Greetings from Washington D.C. !

Sometimes you just have to fly 2,000 miles to be somewhere new with your best friend; that one person who’s known you most of your life, who can offer support and give you feedback when you’re stuck looking at things in black and white.

This was a very impromptu trip for me (first time purchasing a flight the day of), and it’s been nice to be reminded of the type of person I can be: spontaneous, flighty (literally), fun and adventurous. Travel has always been a priority of mine because it fills me with a sense of gratitude for life, for all the beauty and diversity of the world and for the amazing people in it.

I try to live life at home with the same type of attitude and curiosity, but I must admit that travel brings me right to the present moment and snaps me out of a type of complacency we can all feel in our daily routines. The upside of it too, is a sense of appreciation for everything you have at home, waiting for you.

If you’re finding yourself at home, and maybe realizing you’re a little too attached to your routine, or perhaps stuck on one perspective, you don’t have to fly 2,000 miles away like me to switch things up (though, please be my guest!)

Here’s a list of things you can do to shake things up from where you are:

Call someone you love who can offer you a new perspective on a subject you’ve been pondering or are stuck on in your life.
Go to a park, restaurant, or neighborhood you’ve never been to or rarely explore. Try and be present without any distractions, and soak it all in.
Change up your routine. Maybe you’ve been trying to incorporate a morning jog before heading to work, or you want to try a new route.
Read a book or listen to a podcast on a subject you’re curious on but don’t know much about.
Hang out with someone you’d like to get to know better, or try out a Meetup in your area.
And lastly, when bored, reach for something different. If you always go for your phone or Netflix, try drawing something, starting a puzzle, knitting a scarf, or whatever else might be fun and engaging for you!

I hope that if you’re inspired to, you can take a small step towards gaining a new perspective on life, or perhaps just a greater sense of appreciation for all that you’ve got going on now.