Have you ever heard the saying, “without a strong foundation, you’ll have trouble creating anything of value” – Erika Oppenheimer?
How about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? Both physical and safety, lower-level needs are at risk if there is concern around food, shelter, or financial stability.
There is truth here in that a strong foundation includes feeling safe and secure in your basic human needs, which includes the resources you need to live. One resource is money. What you may not realize is that your perception of your financial situation and the reality of your circumstances may not be the same. And if they are not, your actions will make them so.
You create stories around what money means to you and then make decisions based on these beliefs. Some people think they would not want too much money because they wouldn’t know what to do with it all. Others dream of financial freedom for retirement, philanthropic work, or simply to have unlimited choices. You’re probably somewhere along that spectrum.
Many of you may have resigned to your circumstances with thoughts like,” I’m poor, and that’s just how it is” or, “there aren’t any jobs available in my area that pay enough for me to even pay my rent and bills” or maybe, “no matter how hard I try, I am always sent back to where I belong.”
Come with me and let’s explore some of the most common money beliefs you and I have heard our entire lives and have learned to believe some of these are true.
Money is the root of evil
The greed caused by the pursuit of money is damaging spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
How can you feel good about making money if you also believe each dollar has the potential to bring evil into your life? You may think that too much money will impact your values or influence your relationships. What is missing here is the belief that you have control over the choices you make with your money. You can make choices based on your values. You can invest in activities or programs that support the needs of your associates. You can create philanthropic organizations, or join one, and contribute in a meaningful way that fulfills you.
It’s selfish to want money
Let’s take a moment to define what you mean by selfish. You see, taking care of your self is the most important work you can do in your lifetime. Finding programs, mentors, and coaches to improve your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing always improves life for those you are associated with. How you use your money will determine if you are being selfish (caring for self) or living selfishly (using others to better yourself). You can choose to use your financial wealth to make an impact on you and the world.
Money is not that important (it’s only money)
On some level there is a bit of truth here. Money is not everything, but it is tool that enables you to create that foundation we talked about. You protect yourself, feed and clothe yourself, create a lifestyle you desire for you and your family, build a business or a community you desire, and give in a manner that feeds your soul. While money is not the only priority in your life, it can be something you care about.
It’s more “spiritual” to not care about money
Why is it that you believe spirituality means you’re supposed to be poor? This is a kind of wealth-shame that makes some of you feel bad, or even “dirty,” for making “too much” money. Money is energy and spirituality is about connecting with energy for the greater good. This financial energy has so much potential and how to use it is always your choice. There is no correlation between being rich and being good or spiritual. You can be wealthy and spiritual at the same time.
Avarice and greed coveting what others have, and pride where you think you deserve more are issues the poor, middle-class, and wealthy face. They have nothing to do with money, the root is feeling dis-empowered to create a life you want and a desire to feed that void.
What beliefs are you listening to in your mind? What stories do you tell yourself to justify not having what you want? What action can you take right now to make a positive change, create a different story, and step into a better life right now?
Isn’t it time to get unstuck and move into a life you intentionally create?
What would it take for you to set yourself free, to believe in yourself, to know your choices matter?
It takes allowing yourself to feel worthy of self-care and self-development. It takes having someone at your side guiding you through the barriers that could hold you back. It takes someone who has done it and is willing to go through it with you.
Let’s talk and see if I am that someone for you. Schedule our discovery meeting today.
https://calendly.com/empoweringprocess/complimentary-session
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