By Kristine A. Hodsdon RDH, MSEC
Money — the lack of it, the fear of losing it, the dread of not having enough, etc. — tops the list of concerns of many people these days. That’s because the economy is in bad shape, you may say. But didn’t those fears predate today’s bad news? Even when the economy is flourishing, we are still a debt-ridden nation.
What’s going on?
Our ability to create sufficient money in our lives is anchored by our financial attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors; what you believe can be true for your life. When these beliefs and values remain unexamined, they can get in the way of a sense of well-being and security.
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Here are a few of the more common money attitudes. Read through to “see” if you recognize yourself and what might be getting in the way of your currency of abundance.
I wish I didn’t have to think about making or managing money
This attitude is held by people at all income levels. It can have its origin in religious beliefs, political beliefs, or guilt at inherited privilege. This may be you if you never allow yourself to have what you truly want and always buys the cheapest version. Or the business owner who regularly under-bills your clients. You may prefer someone else makes the financial decisions for you.
I have a love/hate relationship with money
This may be you if you avoid or ignore anything to do with finances; you rarely balance your bank statements; or you don’t know how much money you have or spend and, as a result, find yourself saddled with late fees and bounced check charges. You may believe that they’re not skilled enough to handle your money or may think that money is uncouth. You may make a good income, but your unwillingness to pay attention to it also may limit your wealth accumulation ability and increases your vulnerability to theft, fraud, debt you can’t afford, and bankruptcy.
I’m a slave to money
This may be you if you worry often about money. Although your income is maybe twice that of your friends, you talk to them often about how hard it is to pay the bills. At the root of your fear may be a belief that you can’t take care of yourself or that the world is a harsh place with scarce resources. You may sometimes fear that you will lose everything and hence not truly create practical money goals and habits.
I’ll never have enough
This may be you if you feel you don’t have enough money. Rather than feeling that the world is a harsh place for everyone or that the worldwide the economy is to blame, you believe it is especially hard for you. Other people will do just fine, but you’ll always be lacking. You like to keep track of all strikes against you. This might be you if you are blind to the opportunities that are available.
If any of these attitudes resonate, you may want to explore your relationship with money and seek support. As you bring awareness to self-limiting beliefs and adopt a more empowering stance, you expand into a larger sense of personal freedom. Also, healing our personal relationship with money helps build a solid foundation for creating meaning and worth in life, beyond which money cannot buy.
Blessings,
Kristine A. Hodsdon RDH, MSEC
Director, RDH eVillage
Kristine’s Disclosures: Kristine’s website is www.kristineahodsdon.com and a consultant and trainer with Pride Institute www.prideinstitute.com.
