Abundance is all around us, and even when we’re not aware of the bright signs of prosperity, they shine on, hoping to attract our gaze.  Sadly, our attention is often misdirected.  We concern ourselves with the depressed economy, or compare ourselves to those with more stuff, cash or opportunities, or we pine over dreams that have yet to come true.

This Holiday Season, we invite you to reconfigure your focus. We know that the greatest rewards in life are free: the health and love of family, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs. We challenge you to adopt a spirit of gratitude. Share in the revelry that life’s simplest pleasures can offer. Laughter, community, and the bold expression of your talents are the seeds of gentle greatness, so selflessly feed on these fruits to nourish and grow strong.

After a free coaching session with Santa's elves. Bryan asked for cookies...Hats are not cookies.

There’s plenty of time to think about and talk about money. Let’s continue that conversation in 2010. Together. For now, the one opportunity for joy exists in this moment. Seize it intently, live fully and without restraint, smile broadly and dance. Celebrate all that you have with humility.

From our entire team, our best wishes for a joyous, passionate and prosperous holiday season.  Thank you for choosing to be part of our community.  We simply cannot wait to create 2010 with you.

With gratitude,
Miata & The Abundance Bound Creative Team

My daughter’s school follows a method of teaching that helps children to develop mathematical skills  by focusing on their practical applications in life. Instead of memorizing times tables and formulas  – which is the way that I learned math – the children are taught how to use math to solve real life problems. There are plenty of arguments both for and against this type of teaching. While I do see some of its shortcomings, one of the things I am very happy about is that since kindergarten my daughter has worked with money in the classroom, becoming increasingly comfortable with some financial basics that I know will serve her well.

I remember the first time  she was learning the differences between pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. We would play a game where she would be offered a “trade” and would have to decide if she wanted to make the deal. For example, I might have two dimes and offer to trade them for one of her quarters. It was fascinating to watch how in the beginning she would eagerly make that trade. I could also easily get her to hand over those two dimes for just five pennies. Of course, given her basic understanding of numbers – two was better than one – and five was certainly better than two! Read more »