Live Like You Don’t Need the Money

When someone says the "M" word ("money"), what sort of reaction do you have? If you’re like most people with a pulse that are drawing breath, you likely have some sort of charge about it. After all we have given money SO much power over us that when we think of it the emotions and thoughts can be overwhelming.

As I say the word money to you, what immediately pops into your head?

* Not enough, lack, scarcity

* Greed

* It rules my life and has me in its grips

* Money is bad, unspiritual, dirty

* People with money are arrogant, greedy, mean, spoiled, lucky, <insert your word>

* I’m at the mercy of money (that’s why I’m stuck in this horrible job, marriage, relationship, neighborhood, etc.)

* Fear, intimidation, lack of knowledge

* Mounting debt

Now none of these reactions are inherently bad or good. They just are. Yet they likely dominate your relationship to money (which is often a reflection of your relationship to yourself) and more often than not, not in a productive way.

We give so much power over to money. It is just another thing in our lives. Imagine if we gave that same level of power and importance to, say shovels. Can you hear yourself saying: "I don’t have enough shovels it is so awful!" Or "Shovels are the root of all evil." Or "That guy has so many shovels, who the hell does he think he is?"

Laughable, right?

Yet that is exactly what we do with money. We will abuse it, abuse ourselves and others to get it, and in some cases die or kill for it. Would you do that for the latest shovel? I doubt it (well, maybe that new shiny model from Lowes....just kidding...but you see how silly it is?).

Now before you throw me under a train telling me I’m being unrealistic and that it takes money to live in the REAL world, hear me out. I’m not saying money doesn’t matter. It does. Unless you live on a commune and have no expenses, it matters and is necessary to live in our society. In fact a certain amount of money allows us to live comfortably and enjoy experiences and things that make life a more enjoyable. I think money is great and everyone should have all they need and desire and then some if they are willing to be good stewards of it.

So, what is standing in your way? Likely your money mindset which consists of all the mental and emotional baggage you carry around with you as it relates to money.

What would be possible if you approached money for what it really is, a form of energy, and a medium for exchange? On a practical level money gets exchanged for something of value. I give you money and you provide me a good or a service that is of value to me. Energy in motion. Then you have a need for something so you give money to someone else for a good or service. The energy of money circulates. Because it circulates and builds upon itself it is not limited in the ways we traditionally think it is.

Money circulates, moves, and serves. That’s it. Nothing more and nothing less.

Your financial freedom comes not from a certain amount of money, a particular job, client, or industry. Financial freedom comes from your ability to take your unique talents and abilities and put them to use in the world (in a way that only you are meant to do I might add) and do so in a means that serves others.

When you allow yourself to stay stuck in thought patterns that don’t serve you and give up who you are, your very life purpose - to be a slave to - instead of a master of - money, you are doing yourself and the world a disservice.

My coach’s challenge to you:
Take a few moments and answer honestly and heartfelt these questions:

* What do I believe about money?

* Are my beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors productive or unproductive?

* What quality within myself do I need to tap into/strengthen in order to shift my relationship to money so my beliefs and my actions move me toward financial freedom vs. money servitude?

Does your relationship with money keep you enslaved or allow you to be of service in the world? Are you ignoring your true life’s calling because you’re so busy chasing money that you don’t have the time, energy, or inclination to come alive?