Finding Abundance: A Lesson on Financial Freedom

Many people dream of achieving financial freedom, yet they often feel discouraged because opportunities seem scarce. I’ve heard this countless times from friends who believe that living in a country with “limited possibilities” makes wealth out of reach.

But here’s the truth: opportunities are always present. They may not be as big or as obvious as those found in other parts of the world, but they do exist. With the right mindset and determination, they can grow into the very foundation of your financial success.

To illustrate this, let me share with you an old story that I find deeply inspiring.

A Lesson from the Sea

During the age of sailing ships, explorers faced the terrifying challenge of crossing a region near the equator known as the doldrums. In this area, winds could vanish for days, weeks, or even months, leaving ships stranded at sea.

Imagine a vessel drifting endlessly, supplies running out, and the crew desperate for drinking water. Many ships found themselves in this situation after crossing from Europe to South America.

But here’s the twist: sometimes, while sailors were dying of thirst, another ship would appear in the distance. When they called out for water, the answer they received was surprising:

“Lower your buckets over the side.”

Unbeknownst to them, their ship was already floating in the outflow of the Amazon River, which carries massive amounts of freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean. Even a hundred miles from shore, the water around them was fresh enough to drink.

The sailors thought they were surrounded by scarcity, when in fact, they were drifting in abundance the whole time.

The Message for Us

This story is a powerful reminder: sometimes, what we need is already around us—we just fail to recognize it. Scarcity often exists more in our beliefs than in reality.

When it comes to wealth and opportunities, the same principle applies. Even in environments that feel limiting, there are always ways to grow, learn, and create. All it takes is:

• Optimism – believing that possibilities exist even when they aren’t immediately visible.

• Continuous learning – equipping yourself with the knowledge to recognize and seize opportunities.

• Faith in abundance – trusting that with persistence, you’ll find more than enough to succeed.

Why We Miss Opportunities

So why do so many people feel stuck? It often boils down to three things:

1. Limiting beliefs. If you think “money is hard to earn” or “only the rich get richer,” you blind yourself to opportunities right in front of you.

2. Comparison. People often compare their situation to those living abroad or in bigger cities, thinking their environment automatically holds them back.

3. Fear of failure. Many miss chances not because opportunities aren’t there, but because they are afraid to try, invest, or start something new.

The sailors in the story represent us when we focus only on what we lack. They believed they were doomed, but fresh water surrounded them. In the same way, many of us miss hidden opportunities—side hustles, skills, connections, and even simple savings habits—that could transform our finances.

Finding Opportunities Where You Are

Here’s how you can start “lowering your bucket” in your own life:

1. Look for everyday opportunities

Not all opportunities are huge or glamorous. Sometimes it’s as simple as:

• Turning a hobby into a side hustle (baking, fitness coaching, content creation).

• Selling unused items online.

• Volunteering for a project that helps you build skills.

These small steps may not make you a millionaire overnight, but they open doors to bigger opportunities later.

2. Invest in skills, not just jobs

Jobs can be lost, but skills stay with you. Learn something that can increase your earning power:

• Digital skills (graphic design, video editing, coding).

• Financial literacy (budgeting, investing, entrepreneurship).

• Communication and sales (because every opportunity involves people).

In today’s world, learning can be free—thanks to YouTube, podcasts, and online courses. You don’t need a foreign degree to be valuable; you need skills that solve problems.

3. Start small, scale later

Too many people wait for “the perfect capital” before starting. But most successful entrepreneurs didn’t start with millions—they started with what they had.

• A sari-sari store can grow into a mini-grocery.

• A freelance gig can grow into a full agency.

• A small farm can expand with better techniques.

If you only wait for big opportunities, you’ll miss the small ones that lead to growth.

4. Connect with the right people

Your network is your net worth. Join communities, attend events, and connect with mentors who can guide you. Sometimes, opportunities don’t come from what you know, but from who you know.

5. Shift from consumer to creator

Most people focus on consuming—buying, scrolling, watching. But those who build wealth often focus on creating—content, products, services, solutions. Ask yourself: Am I just consuming, or am I creating something valuable for others?