A note from the Author: Below, since we will finally publish on October 27th, is the final excerpt from my book, Empty Abundance; Finding Meaning through Mindful Giving. Appropriately for you, dear reader, it is the last two pages of the book. Thanks for hanging in with me; it’s been a shockingly long process from concept to actual printing. Note: I’ve yet to see the final sample book! The book itself can now be pre-ordered on our site and on www.emptyabundance.org. Next month, I will return to original blogging each month. As always, I’m grateful that you care to read because believe me, it is an honor and a privilege to be read.
There’s an exchange in the movie City Slickers where Curly the cowboy tells Mitch the city slicker the secret of life. It goes like this:
CURLY: Do you know what the secret of life is? [Holds up one finger.] This.
MITCH: Your finger?
CURLY: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don’t mean shit.
MITCH: But, what is the “one thing?”
CURLY: [Smiles] That’s what you have to find out.
Though it is often difficult and sometimes embarrassing, I’m having fun finding out what my “one thing” is. Maybe I’ll find something better, but today, I’m following a path centered on serving others gladly. And each day I seem to have a little more fun doing so.
Always, We Begin Again
Music is a meaningful part of my life. I most enjoy the singer/songwriter poets. Early on I enjoyed Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Paul Simon, and later, David Wilcox, Amos Lee, and the Indigo Girls because they create music with meaning for me, songs I can reflect on.
My current favorite artists/poets are the Avett Brothers. The words from their song “February Seven” seem to summarize this book and spark my final thought.
There’s no fortune at the end of the road
That has no end
There’s no returning to the spoils
Once you’ve spoiled the thought of them
There’s no falling back to sleep
Once you’ve wakened from the dream
Now I’m rested and I’m ready and I’m ready to begin.
The world is ready for you to begin on your path away from anhedonia and onto truly abundant living, whatever form it might take and whatever form of wealth you choose to share. I wish you untold happiness on the journey—and may you share your happiness and good fortune with many others.
