Whether we realize it or not, many of us are stuck in a “money pattern” – and it affects everything we think, see, and do around money.
Our beliefs about money have been handed down to us through generations, in a variety of different ways, shaping how we view the subject of money.
Think about the news you see on television or hear on the radio or read in the newspaper.
How much of it is fear-based?
How much of it stems from scarcity – the fear of never having enough or being good enough?
Now think about the news you’ve been given through others – about money.
What have you learned about money – through your family, your friends, your colleagues, and from society?
Take a moment to ponder the money decisions you make on a day-to-day basis, both personally and professionally.
Do they serve scarcity or wholeness?
Do they honor superstition or co-creation?
Do they cause you continuous struggle – or do they support you in thriving?
Now think about some of your bigger money decisions.
How does saying “yes” or “no” keep you in survival mode?
How does saying “yes” or “no” support your personal and professional growth?
What Is Your Perception of Wealth?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines wealth as an “abundance of valuable material possessions or resources” and as an “abundant supply.”
Typically, when most people think of the word wealth, they think of money.
When they hear the description, “These people are wealthy” – their thoughts immediately go to money.
We’re always getting messages from society on what wealthy means.
We watch reality television shows with contestants competing for a chance at wealth.
This may come in the form of a million dollars – or it may come in the form of the winner receiving his or her dream job with a handsome salary attached.
Where does your mind go – when you hear the word wealthy?
What images come to mind for you?
And what’s the history behind these images?
And thinking back through your life, where do you think your definition of wealth came from?
Who defined it for you?
Allow yourself to revisit your past, tracing back the steps where you first learned about wealth – and what you understood that to mean.
How has this definition of wealth shaped your life?
How is it shaping your life now?
Looking at How We Feel about Money
Our relationship with money is not just a series of practical actions.
If that’s all it required, everyone would have an easy time with it.
The truth is – there’s both an emotional and practical component involved.
When we address the emotional and energetic pieces of our money relationship, the practical actions become very simple and easy – and success is more attainable.
What emotions are you currently attaching to money?
In your journal, complete these two statements – honestly.
Don’t over think it.
Just write the first word (or group of words) that come to mind:
* When I have money in my bank account, I feel ______________________.
* When I don’t have money in my bank account, I feel __________________.
Then ask yourself, “Why? Why these two particular emotions? Where in my life was I taught to feel this way?”
When it comes to money, you are either feeling joyful, abundant, relaxed, happy, excited, secure, bountiful, and in deep gratitude and appreciation – or you’re not.
The not feelings are made up of fear, doubt, worry, concern, nagging, guilt, anger, embarrassment, resentment – any kind of feeling that makes you feel yuck.
Take some time to explore your feelings about money and what you’ve come to believe about it.
How has it shaped your life?
And how is it shaping your business?
Take some time to write about this in your journal – and give yourself the gift of noticing your own money patterns.
About Tina M. Games
Tina M. Games is an author, a certified creativity coach, a certified journal writing facilitator, a possibility artist, and a creative development consultant who takes a unique approach to working with clients. Through her signature coaching programs based on the phases of the moon, Tina gently guides women from darkness into light as they create an authentic vision filled with purpose, passion, and creative expression. Tina serves on the Journal Council for the International Association for Journal Writing (IAJW). She also volunteers her time as an advocate on issues of importance to women, particularly mothers, on a local, state, and national level. Tina is a frequent guest on blog talk radio shows and speaks to many groups and organizations on the importance of creative expression, living your best life, and how to journal your way to a new beginning. She is also a contributing writer for a variety of print and online publications. Learn more about Tina M. Games at www.moonlightmusemedia.com.
