Money: Your Empowerment tool

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Money:  Your Empowerment Tool
By Diane Abdo, Psy.D.

So…what is money really…in your mind, in your life and in the part of your inner world that is private?
 
Many psychological, spiritual, financial and philosophical guides and leaders recognize the impact of our “Money Story”, which involves our beliefs and habits influencing our relationship with money.  That story developed from exposure to the concept and management of money from early childhood and on to adulthood.
 
To begin to outline or understand your Money Story, reflect upon your experience with or exposure to the concepts of saving, spending and managing money within your family and people of influence in your life during your developmental years.  Was it abundant?  Was it scarce?  Was it a source of concern?  How did those who influenced your development use money?  How was it viewed?  Was it considered a necessary evil, a sought-after elusive want or  something else?  Who had power over it?  Was it provided?  What were the terms for receiving it?  Did you have to earn it?   What is your first feeling when you think of money?  Fear?  Excitement?  Lack?  Insecurity?  Relief?  Uncertainty?   Control?  Expected?
 
While you are reading this article, if an uncomfortable feeling, or (hopefully) a deeper curiosity, comes to you, please take the time to explore your reaction.  An individual’s Money Story is often sinuously and intricately woven into their emotional being.  This journey toward understanding requires the willingness to gently explore and learn and to approach with an open-hearted curiosity, so that any negative emotions or realizations that arise do not overwhelm.  Rather, these realizations can be liberating.  By entering this internal conversation, you may find that more fully understanding your Money Story becomes key in your personal awareness process.  You may also realize that strategizing a new or different approach toward your relationship with money becomes an important step in your empowerment process.
 
The author believes that becoming very aware of your relationship dance steps with money is an essential process and life skill.  It is an important consideration on our path toward growth, empowerment and success (emotionally, behaviorally, personally and professionally).
 
On a conceptual level, money is a psychological and developmental opportunity.  It is our tool for facing often unpleasant challenges that can result in reliable self-discipline and self-protection skills, as well as responsible emotional and behavioral management.  An awake and aware person has more control over choices when in stressful situations.  Action chosen purposely is most often more focused (empowered), more educated (empowered) and more stable (empowered).
 
The aware, focused and self-disciplined person can more reliably direct their lives successfully.  That person feels less vulnerable and more confident and capable.
 
What a convenient tool toward empowerment one’s relationship with money can be!   It can affect us deeply on an emotional and psychological level.  This impact will be demonstrated in your behavior and financial life.  For your ever-evolving well-being, take a journey into your Money Story.  Learn how your personal journey may have influenced how you feel about or around money.
 
Please take a moment to check out the categories below and ask yourself to be open and to notice the categories that speak to you.  Some will speak more loudly than others.  The most important thing is to be able to create a dialogue with yourself about things often avoided.  Opening to our inner dance with meaningful issues is an essential step in bringing us closer to a more empowered life.
 
Before you start, take a deep breath.  Then, decide to not judge your realizations (so that you don’t stop progress before it begins).  Know that, if there is any discovery that you are uncomfortable with, that discovery is a gift in that it is an opportunity for personal awareness that can be transformed into growth.  So, put on your seatbelt and feel your way through these categories to see which purposes for money you relate to consciously or unconsciously.

Money is a revealing vehicle.  Where does it drive you?  Or, are you behind the wheel?
I hope you choose awareness and control…so that you can see where you are going and secure your path toward your goals.

Dr. Abdo wants you to connect with your inner peace to experience and develop the sense of empowerment that is rooted in this awareness.  Dr. Abdo believes that, with personal knowledge and enhanced life skills, an individual can actively participate in the course of his or her journey freed of unseen and potentially defeating influences.  She approaches her efforts to help others grow with the deep belief that we must be consciously and proactively involved in the dance steps of our lives to reach our goals and actualize our dreams.