I have serious money issues—not the in-debt kind that prompts people to sell their organs to pay the rent but the I-love-to-hate-you kind, the kind that looks like every one of my romantic relationships between the ages of 14 and 28. Most of us work hard for our money (isn’t that a song from the 70′s?), and subsequently some of us have a really hard time letting it go. I’ve been known to curse and cry and throw tantrums while paying bills or shelling out money for “necessities.” For me, money has become a possession bought with sweat and held in a suffocating embrace.
Part of my recent financial anxiety is, of course, caused by transitioning from unemployed to self employed in 10 months time. And anyone who’s paddled that dingy knows the early days as an entrepreneur can be far more expensive than unemployment. And watching money pour from a flimsy raft is not a comforting activity for someone with account-balance anxiety. But the situation has forced me to address my relationship with money and strive to adopt a few bailing coping skills.
In recalling the times I’ve enjoyed spending money I came up with two scenarios: the occasions I felt I had enough to splurge, and the times foreign currency lined my pocket. Foreign money not only looks but feels different, as if adventure seeps from its colorful ink. I remember seeing a Canadian dollar for the first time and being excited to visit a country that circulated beautiful bills. My perception, then, was wrapped up in the romance of traveling and the freedom to experience new things—an opportunity money can buy.
But plain ole American money, spent in the states, does that too—we I just fail see it that way most of the time. I think of money as something to damn and preserve for doomsday instead of considering it a fluid entity that flows as easily to me as it does away. According to the law of attraction we are, our reality is, a result of how we think. The longer I tangle myself in the negative net I cast toward money, the faster I will drown.
From now on Today I will commit to seeing all money as foreign currency: happy to have it and excited about trading it for new experiences. And no matter the direction it flows—to me or from me—I am grateful for whatever adventure it buys, locally or otherwise.
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Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
I’m impressed!! Really informative blog post here my friend. I just wanted to comment & say keep up the quality work. I’ve bookmarked your blog just now and I’ll be back to read more in the future my friend! Also nice colors on the layout, it’s really easy on the eyes.
Seeing all money as foreign currency. What a juicy idea! Thank you. Best wishes for your new business.
Thanks Sharon. “Juicy” … I like that. The concept does make spending money a little more palatable.
Thanks for the business mojo too!
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