Finance

Are you worried about the price of gasoline at the pump, the rising price of groceries, and the possibility of losing your job or about just not having enough to live in your current lifestyle or pay your bills? Every time you listen to the news on T.V or the radio or read the newspaper it seems like you have been living on quicksand and the solid foundation you thought was there is slowly evaporating. Fear seems to permeate just about everything these days-especially when you're looking for signs of decline. Fear is very seductive and human beings are hardwired with the flight-fight and paralysis reaction in the face of fear. When our actual in- the- present moment survival is threatened or in a medical emergency situation our sympathetic nervous system kicks in and we can respond accordingly to save or protect.

The majority of our fears are things we perceive will happen and for the most part haven't happened yet; they are not in our face so to speak. So when financial security is threatened, reactions vary from excess spending, ignoring the bank balance or believing things will work out without any effort on one's part. (Believe me; my money gremlins had a handle on me until I began consciously changing my relationship and story about money.)

Emotions around money-the wanting of more and the lack of- are incredibly complex. So when there appears to be not enough or we need more, our beliefs and stories concerning money become the frame of reference for financial or lack of financial decisions. When finances go awry, money assumes power over you versus you managing the money in your life. In our society, the amount of money you have or earn has been equated with your value as a person- given an elevated status in society. Actually how you manage and utilize money defines how you value yourself. Money, itself, is a token of an exchange of energy for a service that has been rendered.

When positive language is used and chosen concerning your money, there is a higher vibration set. Let's look at "I hope I have enough to pay the bills this month" versus "I'm so grateful that I am able to pay this bill." Which statement gives you a better feeling? Which statement would you choose to make?"

Aside from choosing to be conscious and mindful with your language around money here are some practical hints to move slowly from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and wealth creating.

• Money loves structure. Take an inventory of what your actual money reality is. Head out of the sand and see what is. What is coming in, what are your assets? What is going out?

• What are necessary expenditures? What are expenditures that are important and have value to you which enhance your best Self?

• Are there charges for things that you no longer have an interest in or use in which that money could be allocated to the asset column or with which start a savings plan, i.e. memberships that you no longer use or use very infrequently, magazine or book subscriptions, gym memberships etc.

• Begin to respect and be polite with your money. In our society, splurging and excess have been greatly drilled into us. Be mindful and conscious of what you purchase. You've worked for your money.
A question to ask yourself, "How will this purchase enhance my life or serve to the highest good?"
Working with the resources you have right now provides a peace of mind.

• Pay yourself first: start a savings plan; even if it's $10 a week or month. You'll be shoring up your reserves.

• Inner work questions to ask yourself are: What is your relationship with money? What is your money story? Dig deep with these.

• Begin to nurture an attitude of gratitude for what you have and your ability to take care of your expenditures (or of anything.). As you innocently worry about the lack of money, the universe will give you more of the same. As soon as you become aware of worrying thoughts about money, choose a more positive thought - any feel good thought will do.