Being small: Scarcity mindset.

We've all been there before.

"I only have…"

"I can't afford…"

"I don't have enough..."

These statements can be factual and often are rooted in harsh reality. I know that for people with physical and mental disabilities, there is often a cost/benefit analyzes when trying to decide how to go about their day. In a way, everyone makes those choices and divides the resources they have. It's the way the world works; our biology often alerts us to the need for preservation above everything else.

The word preserve means maintaining (something) in its original or existing state.

It reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend a few times over the summer. They were worried about losing the services that they needed to live more independently: Friendships, finances, material goods, community resources, etc. I empathized with my friend. I, too, worried about losing things that I already have. After our initial conversation, I found myself feeling anxious. I spent time with this feeling and realized that a part of me was convinced by my friend that preserving what I had would be complicated and that those things wouldn't come back if they left.

My friend was so worried about losing what he had that he lost sight of what he could gain. At the very least, he never considered that what he lost could come back again. He may lose those services one day. There is no hiding from that fact.

I see two options.

Use what you have while you have it.

In terms of services, you have to take them for all they're worth while you have them. Gain strength, independence, confidence, etc. and enjoy it while it lasts. Also, understand that the goal is to eventually outgrow or outpace them.

Realize that allowing things to exit enables things to enter your life as well.

Those that spend money often believe that they can make more. Those that say goodbye to some friends believe that more friends will come, and old friends will come back and visit.

Now friends, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Obviously, everyone should plan, calculate and save a portion of everything they have, but I encourage you to look deeper into the stories we tell ourselves.

Preserving your grades may look good on a college application but challenging yourself promotes growth in the long run.

After all, a preserved flower doesn't grow. Preserved fruits don't produce seeds.

So if you find yourself in a scarcity mindset, I would encourage you to take a step back and ask three questions:

Am I burnt out or need to recharge?

Am I just scared that things won't come back?

Do I believe I can't gain anything new?

Take care of yourself first; sometimes, the best way to prepare oneself for the next step is to rest.

There was or will be a time when certain things are scarce. There is no shame in that.

Find ways to allow new things to flow into your life.

Have grace for yourself when things are scarce.

Do not let the scarcity mindset carry over into the abundant periods of your life.