Finding abundance
The power of commitment, gratitude, and possibility
I grew up agnostic, raised by two teachers who prized logic, science, history, and the well-established facts of the world. Pragmatism and practicality were my guiding principles. But even within that framework, there was always room for something more. Something that filled me with awe. Something that hinted at a world beyond the one we can measure with facts and figures. In that space, there was a belief—a quiet, compelling one—that if I committed myself fully to the work I was doing, if I practiced being my best in every moment, things would unfold better than if I hadn’t.
It sounds simple, right? Logical, even. Yet, woven through all this was a lesson I was taught early: education and self-improvement are personal responsibilities. You are the architect of your own growth, and no one else can walk the path for you. This idea led me to create what I call my “Syllabus of Life,” a growing list of experiences, books, skills, and challenges I felt would help me realize my full potential.
Some items on this syllabus are practical, such as learning how to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT or ‘Ambo’ as they call it in Australia). Others are more abstract, like standing before a natural wonder and allowing its power to remind me of the vast, uncharted potential in life itself.
This post is a reflection on a few moments that shaped my perspective this year. Moments that have inspired me to lean deeper into my work as we enter 2025.
The Aurora Australis and phosphorescent algal waves
Storm Bay, From South Arm Road beach,
South Arm Tasmania
It’s rare that you experience beauty so profound, it changes your outlook. But that was precisely what happened when I found myself standing on a beach in Tasmania, watching the Aurora Australis—the Southern Lights—dancing across the sky. At the same moment, the waves rolling ashore were alive with bioluminescence, glowing a surreal blue, green, and purple. It felt as though I was standing in a living painting. It was awe-inspiring and, yes, otherworldly.
The Aurora Australis and phosphorescent algal waves
Storm Bay, From South Arm Road beach,
South Arm Tasmania
I grew up in northern Wisconsin, where the Northern Lights often filled the sky. I’ve always made a point to go out and watch them when they appear. I remember one time when they were especially bright, and I packed up our ice-fishing gear and we drove further north, chasing the dancing lights until we almost reached the Canadian border. There, in the quiet of the frozen night, we watched in silence until the first light of morning began to creep over the horizon.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the world, and when we are, gratitude flows naturally. And it turns out, practicing gratitude—actively—has been shown to diminish the power of life’s darker moments. It’s more than just a feel-good exercise. Gratitude helps us see possibilities. And when we’re committed to it, possibility seems to show up in unexpected ways.
A Lesson from William H. Murray: The Power of Commitment
From the Insightful Path Library
Published by J.M. Dent & Sons, Ltd.
Aldine House, Bedford Street, London
One of the books that has deeply influenced me is by Scottish mountaineer William H. Murray. In his account of an expedition to the Himalayas in the 1950s, he writes something that has stayed with me ever since:
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.”
This quote, from his 1950 expedition in Kumaon, India, has shaped my understanding of how the world works. Commitment—true commitment—unlocks something unexpected. It moves you in the direction of abundance, even when you can’t see it clearly at first.
I was reminded of this truth on January 1st, 2025, when my wife and I set out on an adventure to find the "Grove of Giants"—a place where some of the oldest, tallest trees in Australia stand. We didn’t have a clear map, just a set of screenshots and a general sense of where we were headed. The journey through the Huon Valley was winding and uncertain, but within an hour, we found ourselves standing at the foot of trees that were hundreds of years old, towering over us like silent giants. It was humbling in the most profound way.
This moment—an unexpected meeting of intention and chance—reminded me that sometimes the most remarkable things happen when we commit to something, even when the outcome isn’t clear.
I’ve another post (not yet published) on this amazing place, and how The Tree Project and work of many passionate arborists are trying to protect big trees. (You can find out more about how to support this work at their site, www.thetreeprojects.com/groveofgiants).
The ‘Syllabus of Life’ and Finding Common Good
In the process of living this Syllabus of Life, I’ve come to believe that the world’s greatest solutions emerge when we bring our “best selves” to the table. This isn’t just an idealistic notion; it’s a practical one. Whether it’s a business challenge or a societal issue, when people—often with differing interests—show up as their best, they’re more likely to find pathways to collaboration. They tap into the shared good that lies beneath conflict, and that good can create solutions that benefit everyone.
But here’s the thing: finding that “best self” requires awareness and a commitment to growth. It requires looking for the possibilities that exist in every situation—especially when times are tough. That’s when true abundance can emerge. Not a wealth of material things, but a wealth of possibility, of insight, of growth.
Violet Coral (Clavaria zollingeri)
(Best guess of identification!)
The Power of Self-Awareness: A Path to Abundance
As I reflect on my own journey, I think about the work I want to do in the years to come. Albert Schweitzer, one of my boyhood heroes, realized early on that his talents weren’t “his” to keep. He believed they were given to the world through him. This idea resonates deeply with me, and it’s a principle I’m carrying into 2025. My goal is to continue to discover how my work can contribute to the world, how I can help others unlock their self-awareness, and how together we can find the magic of life in even the most mundane moments.
Beautiful sign (and sentiment) on a food cart
Botanic Gardens, Hobart, Tasmania
If you, too, are seeking to build your self-awareness and unlock the potential that lies within you, I’d love to help guide you on that path. Abundance isn’t just about what you accumulate—it’s about what you discover, what you create, and how you bring your best self to the table for the benefit of the world around you.
