This book, like everything else of great importance that I have created in my life, is the result of the dedicated efforts of many people. I extend my heartfelt thanks to:

Janet Switzer, whose expertise, guidance, and sheer ability to produce under incredible deadlines made this book possible. From introducing me to my literary agent to producing the book proposal to stepping me through the publishing process—and helping to create a book I’m so very proud of—you have been a true professional. Thank you, Janet, for your smart insights and long hours spent in the original conception and planning of this book; the easy-breezy interviews that captured my thoughts, stories, and training content; the writing of a manuscript that so eloquently presented my teachings; your work on AbundanceNowOnline.com and the book’s marketing campaigns; and for keeping me always focused on serving the world. You are an amazing woman and I treasure you!

Steve Harvey, whose friendship and support in adding a foreword to this book made the message of abundance come alive for readers. You are a brilliant businessman and a talented orator. I admire your work ethic and your commitment to family. Thank you for reaching out to me so that I could be blessed by your friendship. I look forward to serving the world beside you.

Stephen Hanselman, my literary agent. You are more than an agent. You were involved with this book from start to finish with savvy advice, keen editorial insights, and superb guidance. Thank you for convincing me to broaden my message so more people could benefit, and for recommending a unique way to bring it to the world. Not only did you become a champion for my message, but you inspired me to serve the world in a much bigger way. I’m grateful for your dedication to educating and uplifting humanity. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Carrie Thornton, my brilliant and supportive editor at Dey Street Books. Thank you for your enthusiasm and boundless energy for this project, for your uncanny attention to detail, and for smoothing the process of bringing Abundance Now to readers everywhere. Your thoughtful dedication to inspiring others through the written word has, in turn, inspired me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your partnership and for your friendship.

Michael Barrs, who oversaw the marketing of this book. I appreciate your unflagging efforts to expand the reach of this message through countless channels and markets. You are smart and insightful. Thank you. Lynn Grady, senior vice president and publisher of Dey Street Books, who championed Abundance Now at HarperCollins and who created rousing support for it with your amazing sales team. Thanks for the work you do to bring important educational and inspirational content to readers everywhere. I’m honored to refer to you as my partner in publishing.

Laurie McGee, who copyedited the manuscript. You have a keen eye and impressive attention to detail. Thanks for a fantastic job.

Amanda Kain, who designed the book cover and jacket. It’s beautiful!

Zyaire Porter, who shot the cover photo. I had a blast in the studio. Thanks for a fun day and a superb set of photos! A very special thank you also goes out to my stylist Janelle Carothers, to makeup artist Tavia Gainer, to hair stylist Curtis Venters, and to Lakeisha Michelle. All of you worked tirelessly—with great energy and upbeat attitudes—to make the essence of me come alive in the studio. You truly are the bomb squad!

Heidi Richter, Kendra Newton, Shannon Plunkett, Andrea Molitor, Sean Newcott, and all the other professionals at HarperCollins who were instrumental in producing this book, the e-book, and the audio book—and getting them into the hands of readers everywhere. You are so good at what you do. I was delighted to work with you.

My son, Jelani Nichols, for being my gentle, calm reminder to breathe. In you, God me gave the most perfect child. Your grace, ease, and compassion toward others is inspiring to watch. I am truly grateful to have you in my life—not only as my child, but as my friend.

My mother, father, grandmother, and brother. You each serve as a fueling station for me. When I stop by and share either a quick moment or an all-out slumber party, I leave your presence feeling rejuvenated, inspired, grounded, and ready to serve the world again. You are my rocks. You give me far more than any words on paper can ever express. The world gets that best of me because I have a tribe like you.

Isiko Cooks, thank you for your friendship and inspiration. You and I have a beautiful son together and I appreciate how we have been intentional under our unique circumstances to parent as one voice. Thank you for working hard to maintain a place in Jelani’s life and in my life. You are a good man.

Susie Carder, President and COO of Motivating the Masses, Inc., but most of all my sister-friend, for your vision of what this book could do for our community. You took up the torch and jumped in with enthusiasm. You are an awesome friend, an incredible coach, a visionary, and a force of nature. I’m constantly in awe of your wisdom, your tenacity, and your willingness to play big even when we are scared. Words simply cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for what you have done for me professionally and personally. I admire you.

Alex Henderson, thank you for your calm demeanor in the midst of my whirlwind life. You’re a true gentleman.

Margaret Packer, my sister-friend, prayer partner, armor bearer, coach, and executive manager at Motivating the Masses, Inc., for your constant support as the company grew and our work expanded. You have constantly reminded me of the Divine assignment on my life to serve and heal. And you remain unwilling to allow me ever to think that the demand upon my life is greater than God’s supply. For every time you have picked me up, dusted me off, and sent me out to serve the world again, I say thank you for trusting me. Our lives are both barely recognizable as a result. I love you, sis. To my MTM team: Tia Ross, Director of Motivating the Teen Spirit, for your tireless dedication and commitment to the most important aspect of my business—the children. Your caring and devoted advancement of my original work with hundreds of thousands of teens shows up in so many ways. You’ve not only been there from the beginning, but you’ve also kept the flame alive and expanded the program with grace, ease, and assurance. I appreciate you!

Jen Kem, MTM’s Global Marketing and Brand Officer and my sister from another mister, your brilliance and excitement feeds my soul. Your creativity and vision for what’s possible wakes me up early with great joy and anticipation. Nicole Roberts-Jones, Director of Development, for the commitment and passion you bring to every single project you touch. You are a Godsend who crossed my path twenty-plus years ago, and I knew then that we simply had to work together. Thank you for coming home. CeCe Clark, Director of Global Sales, for your unyielding tenacity and unwavering commitment to truly touch and serve the world. You are the sugar and the honey in the iced tea.

My ever-expanding team—including Shayna Rattler, Director of Corporate Development, and Sean Smith, Director of Coaching and Training—for instantly upleveling our game when you showed up to play. Your sense of excellence and work-integrity have been awesome to witness. Matt Gil, Community Fulfillment Specialist, Carla Rivas, Event Coordinator, and Virginia Andrade, Administrative Assistant, your demonstrable love and care for the work that we do, for our clients that trust us, and for the role that we play in so many lives. Your job is, in many cases, the most challenging of all because you have to be the MOST consistent in your daily representation of the brand, no matter what! Thank you for owning it like it’s yours, because it is!

To my entire MTM team who supported the customers of Motivating the Masses, Inc., and kept the machine running while I was on the road and was involved with this book. I’m so proud of the professionalism and heart you bring to your work as you serve our community. You rock the world every day. Thank you.

And finally, thanks to the assisting teams and all the participants in my training events over the past two decades for sharing their dreams, struggles, and victories with me. Your passion to achieve and desire to change your lives is what continues to inspire me every day. Special thanks to my Global Leaders and friends for stepping out of your comfort zones and being role models the world can look up to. Your hearts and souls are woven throughout the pages of this book. This is our book. Thank you for believing in me—and believing in yourselves.