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Positive money beliefs are much more empowering than negative ones. The sad thing is that when most of us think about money, we do not have positive thoughts about it. As much as we would like to be some enlightened Being who have transcended above all material attachments, we cannot not deal with the practical aspects of existence in the third dimensional world.
Let’s get real!! We still need to pay for our bills, feed our kids and ensure that we have the means to have a computer, right? For those who are bloggers in the personal development field, we can all say aye to working long hours on our sites but not seeing any returns for a good many months . Well, my post is a follow up discussion to my article on 101 Negative Money Beliefs some weeks ago. Let us examine the better side to thinking about money today.
The Meaning Of Money
Money, in itself, is neutral. You cannot bring your wealth with you, after you pass away. It is impermanent, like all other material possessions. (In case you are wondering, only spiritual wealth counts towards an evolvement of your soul for all eternity). Rather, it is the meaning that you apply to money that creates its significance.
Principles of Positive Money Beliefs
Having some basic principles of what money really is and represents can help lay the foundation of more empowered thinking. We can also choose to examine the fallacy of some of our thoughts. I hereby select 10 myths from my list of 101 negative money beliefs for discussion:
Positive Money Belief: Money is A Measure of My Positive Thoughts.
Myth to Bust: “Money only comes from hard work”, “There is a limit to how much I can earn”.
What is money? Money is a form of energy exchange. It stores value by our applied meanings. It is a measure of confidence – of how much you believe that having it can be used for your future purposes, of the value that you place on your own goods and services and of how much others are willing to do an exchange with you for. It can therefore be said to be a measure of your positive thoughts on worth.
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The more confidence you have about yourself and self-worth, the more money you are likely to make and attract. For the same hour of work, person A makes $10 but person B can make ten times more because the latter is more confident, happy and easily attracts customers. Since anything is possible, there really is no limit to how much you can earn.
Positive Money Belief: Money Can Be Assigned To Good Use.
Myth to Bust: “Money is the Root of all Evils.”
Well, money does not drive you to do crazy things. Rather, you have to understand that it is the attachment or love of money that is the root of all evils. The root “evil” is craving. Craving is the seed of our egos, causing us to fight, compete or even kill, because we are unable to make peace with what we already have.
Positive Money Belief: Money is Loving Energy.
Myth to Bust: “Money is filthy or evil”.
Money is a medium that we can use to express love. It is not the only way. But it can be a useful one. Think about how the buying of gifts make you or someone else happy!
Positive Money Belief: Poor or Rich People Can Be Just As Evil.
Myth to Bust: “Rich People are Evil”.
I can never understand the myth that rich people are evil. Are they really? Are you saying that poor people cannot be evil? I can only think of the many philanthropists out there (eg. Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, etc) who have given their money for worthy causes. I have got many friends, who by local standards, will be considered rich. Believe me, they are no different. In fact, I found many to be just as kind-hearted, generous and responsible.
There are as many evil people in the rich as there are poor. The amount of material wealth that one has is no indication of his or her values whatsoever. Let us not judge a person prematurely and without reasonable basis.
Positive Money Belief: Money is in Abundance.
Myth to Bust: “Money Does not Grow on Trees”, “Money is In Short Supply”, “It is Hard to Hold On To Money”.
We believe that money is in short supply when we fret over our future, save excessively, refuse to help a friend in need and have no faith that our needs will be well taken care by The Universe/God. Our constant worries over money are essentially thoughts based on scarcity. If we harbor thoughts like “money does not grow on trees”, “money is in short supply”, “it is hard to hold on to money”, we are not aligned to abundance.
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If money is a form of energy exchange, the worst we can do is to hoard it. Money has to be allowed to flow freely. Its circulation keeps it growing. At a more macro level, think about the economy. Have nations prospered when each takes on protectionist policies? When money is centered on thoughts of fear, doubts and worry, negativity becomes more pervasive. Don’t forget that what we focus our thoughts on expands.
Positive Money Belief: Money is Spiritual.
Myth to Bust: “Spiritual people are not supposed to be rich†and “I choose to be spiritual than rich”.
You have this money myth if you are thinking that spiritual people should never charge for their services or that it is “evil” for spiritual people to be rich. You find that you are in a difficult position reconciling your thoughts on spirituality and money.
Well, money is a form of energy, just like anything else. It is not the end but a means to an end. Money can be put to good or bad use. It is how you use money that is of far more importance! Hence, by having a positive thought about wealth rather than a negative one, you can create a positive money belief that it is used for its highest good.
If money is part of abundance, then why should spiritual people be less “abundant” than doctors, lawyers and accountants? Let us take doctors as an example. Many became doctors, for instance, because they felt called to be in the healing profession. They go through years of study and at work, spend hours horning their craft. So it is that doctors tend to be generally financially wealthy. It is a “given” that we pay to see a doctor at no-less-than-cheap charges. In fact, few balk at having to foot high consultation fees the greater the reputation of a specialist doctor.
No one denies the good that spiritual people bring to the world. Yet, it is common thinking that spirituality and money “should not” mix. The reality is that spiritual development requires as much study and focus. Spiritual people also need money for their practical living needs. Pastors, for that matter, also have a family to feed.
It is a question of choice in belief. If the Universe/Source is infinite and abundant, then we need to believe that expressing our god-given talents or abilities in alignment to our soul purpose (and through our work) can help us be abundant in the physical world. In this respect, money is spiritual. More about thoughts being spiritual energy is discussed in my previous post on 10 Insights into the Power of Thoughts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our struggles with money is really how we have been thinking about money. Having a physical existence requires us to deal with the practical aspects of living. Hence, we cannot not have thoughts about money. Since this is so, it is best to choose to have more positive and empowering thoughts about it.
Scarcity and the lack of money are thoughts based on fear. If we intend to reconnect with Source, then we would need to align ourselves in thoughts of love. Money is only a means to an end. Our focus is not about how to acquire more money but how we can serve humanity in the best possible way with it.
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Repeated thoughts strengthened by emotion becomes belief. If we can have and feel wonderful every time we think about money, guess what is going to happen to us? We lose the inner sense of resistance towards it. We create the resonance for abundance, including money, in the field of energy around and about us.
Share Your Positive Money Beliefs
Do share your positive money beliefs. Your unique perspective may just help another person shift his thinking. Let us all work towards the conscious creation of abundance!
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Evelyn,
This was a fantastic post. I loved your use of the phrase, “Money is energy.” Given the fears and anxieties associated with the world’s economic situation, this post reminds me to send more positive energy to our economy…just like I would a friend needing help.
I also agree that money can be seen as something to hoard or something to share. It’s the same with people. I believe those who choose to be selfish and not share their abundance see what’s bad or scary in the world, whereas those who share, see the hope for a better world. Thanks for a great post :~)
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Hi Evelyn,
This is really good information! In my own philosophy, I believe that fear is the root of all evil, not money. So, I really liked how you showed that greed (the fear of losing money) and attachment to money causes suffering. And you are absolutely correct! It *can* be used for good means. Money is a tool, and can be used for good or evil. Here’s to more people using it for good!
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More than anything else, I think it is the love of money that is evil, not having the money itself. Many people are controlled by their need for more and see life as a journey toward what they are able to obtain for themselves. You’re right, we leave it all behind, but at the same time we can leave a positive legacy related to how we managed our finances, and the number of lives we changed for the better through our generous giving. Great post!
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Wonderful post. I love ‘Money is loving energy.’ I have been working on this one a lot. Earlier in my life making money came relatively easily to me, BUT I had a hard time hanging on to it. I see now I harbored guilt about it, related to some of these myths (it’s not spiritual, it’s evil, etc.) So now focusing on being a conduit for directing it is more meaningful to me. I do admit to having some difficulties lately with judging the ‘greed’ we are reading about it in the media, and that bringing up fears of buying into that mindset, so I think this post is very timely (which obviously you know already!)
Lisa
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I’d been one of those whose early experiences have significantly shaped my belief that money is evil, I never expected that there are many others like me – since most of us live in a materialistic society. Thought the common belief should be ‘money makes wonders’. ;p
Anyway this belief has caused me all sorts of issues with my finances, and now that I am more aware, I have begun to re-condition myself to believe otherwise. It is not easy though, to achieve that intricate balance between wishing for abundance and getting addicted to abundance.
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This is so true. Money is the same thing as this table in front of me- simple energy. We give it the emotion. If we let it come and go without the emotion we would realize that money does not have to have such a hold over us. It comes and goes. Great post Evelyn!
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Good stuff. I like your principle focus.
I tend to think of money as one aspect of financial wealth.
I like how Maslow’s hierarchy relates to money. When you don’t have enough for the basics, happiness suffers. When you have enough for the basics, having more money doesn’t increase happiness. I think this rule of thumb helps people keep money in perspective. Money is always a means, not an end.
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Thanks for this post. The point that’s most important for me to remember, I think, is #1, which is that I can have all the money that I think I deserve. Cultivating that sense of deservingness has been a struggle in the past but I think I’m coming out on top.
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Evelyn,
Wonderful post! I love your point that money is spiritual, that it is a form of energy and so spiritual workers have no reason to turn it away. I think this is the greatest stumbling block for many people – they want to follow their heart yet feel guilty for asking money for it.
I notice you’re posting less often now but you know what? I find that I’m looking forward more to each post, and you never fail to deliver value. Great job!
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Hello Sara,
I’m glad that you like the post. Hmm…great suggestion about sending positive energy for healing anxieties and fears associated with the economic situation! I never thought of that. I was more concerned that I clear my own negative money beliefs. My thinking was that if more of us clear our own sets, we would have greatly reduced the negativity in mass consciousness.
It’s so true that the more we cling on and hoard, the less abundance we all get to enjoy in totality. Hope keeps us positive and alive!
Abundance always,
Evelyn
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@Jay, it’s wonderful that you also see money as merely a tool, a medium of exchange. Yes, here’s to more people in the world putting money to good use!
@Jake, by the number of lives that we have changed by our legacy, it’s “social capital” and not “material wealth” that is the greatest asset. I wish you much success in leaving trails of light, in your endeavors!
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@Lisa, It’s great that you are aware about the blocks that you have. The first step is always awareness. I’m glad that the post was timely for you
@Winnie, I never thought that money was “evil” but more like “money does wonders”. Even then, I knew that money could not buy me happiness directly. It was more like money could buy me options. It was also about buying options for my kids in terms of life choices that I was thinking of.
Beliefs are just made up of thoughts. Oh yes, some re-programming of more empowering thoughts will be helpful. If you define abundance to include joy, peace and happiness and not just money, I don’t see anything wrong with desiring more of that!
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@Jay, glad that you can see that money is actually “neutral” and just like the table or chair…LOL!!
@J.D., I remember Maslow’s hierarchy. Yes, going for and finding the balance is what’s key!
@Chris, I’m glad that you are coming tops over the issue of being able to have all the money you deserve!! Now why shouldn’t you? All of us are entitled to as much abundance as our mind allows us to believe! The possibilities are really endless!
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Daphne,
It’s interesting that you point out that spiritual workers harbor “guilt” about asking for money. It will be tragic if these workers, who have families to feed, decide not to go into the healing or spiritual profession, even though they have a natural gift for.
I believe that we all serve humanity in different ways. We also can’t all be Mother Theresas. Every person has a role that he/she can play in helping our fellow humankind. When we live our purpose with no fear but every bit of passion, abundance will naturally come!
I’m still posting twice a week. I write fewer words though. Yes, I’m allocating more quiet time for myself this year. I find that it helps me with more clarity. Thanks for the compliments! It’s nice to know that you’ve been finding my recent posts helpful!
Abundance always,
Evelyn
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I feel that money should never be a motivator or end all, but a necessity for living. The basics, yes, but mostly, for me, money can buy freedom to do other things…like pursue a blog.
peace,
mike
livelife365
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I too don’t see the connection between wealth and evilness. I suspect stating that “rich are evil” could simply stem from jealousy.
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Hi Evelyn, wonderful post.
I am absolutely agree with your thought. It’s not money which makes man evil or gook. It’s the mental of ones using it.
Thanks for sharing, Evelyn.
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Hi Evelyn – great article. It’s interesting how widespread the idea is that people with money are evil – and the way people keep themselves poor as a result, so they won’t also be “evil”. I’m glad you are highlighting these issues!
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Money is abundant yes! I like that one best, there will always be enough. When we realize that we make room for everything else in our lives to shine.
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@Mike, we certainly need money to keep our blogs running
@Vered, I’d think that the fundamental root is insecurity. External wealth helps to boost up one’s ego. So the ego finds comfort that the “rich are evil”.
@Arswino, I’m glad that you agree it’s not about the money per se but the greed in man that causes the suffering.
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@Robin, as I’ve just shared with Vered, it can be a cover-up of one’s ego to its insecurities. Money is not evil. How can it be? It’s not even something that has a brain or emotions to begin with.
@Jannie, I certainly agree that if more of us can realize that we are all entitled to abundance, there will be less fighting and struggle! Abundance always!
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The current economic situation is a great example of how money needs to flow in order to generate abundance. When people lose confidence in the economy and start hording money, it creates a downward spiral in the market. You’ve really touched on some great points about money beliefs. Thanks!
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Hey Evelyn! What a great post. I love this ‘Positive Money Belief: Money is in Abundance.’. If we start seeing money as abundance, in no time we will get it flowing. It’s like how energy is in abundance around us – alluding to your other belief that money is energy. Stumbled!
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Hi Evelyn,
What’s jumping out at me is the idea of a ‘scarcity’ mentality. When we have this – when we hoard what we have – I see this as negative energy. And it doesn’t matter whether you have much or little – seeing the world as abundant is such a much more powerful way to live! I choose abundance!
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Hiya
Interesting post, caused me to reflect on some things i was taught as kid – ‘money from hard work’, ‘cash doesnt grow on trees’ and the all time classic in my opinion ‘life is hard.’
I’ll add that these came from successful people who lived a prosperous life compared to many. bizarre. Thankfully i removed those ‘poor’ teachings when i realised that some things don’t make you feel good and life is meant to feel good, so enjoy it as often as you can.
thanks
Jens
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I think money is a great example of the power of thought. Since I’ve reframed my thoughts on money I have been open to many more ideas on how to attract money into my life.
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Hi Evelyn,
Thank you so much for a such an great post. Money is a means of exchange. It does not define who you are as a person. An Indian guru once said that money is like a shoe. Too little money, will hurt and pinch like a shoe that is too small. Too much money may cause a person to go astray and not be balanced, like wearing a shoe that is too big.
The Universe does provide and I think the less fear a person has, the easier it is to live in the world and to achieve what you want to achieve.
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I couldn’t agree more with you Evelyn! I often hear people around me complaining, and I have to bite my tongue not to tell them that this exact type of negative money-talk is what’s keeping them poor. Or at least stopping them from increasing their income.
Great list, and I think everyone will benefit from unlearning the money beliefs we’ve picked up through society/our parents/etc.
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I love this post, Evelyn!
The strange thing about negative money beliefs is that they are hereditary! I notice in myself some unfounded money fears, such as “One day, I’ll suddenly have nothing.” And I know my mother passed that on to me.
I’m going to print out this post and hang it up where I can see it daily: it’s time to change!
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Some things I learned about money from my youngest child is that it is really just symbolic…it only has the meaning we give to it.
Growing up with parents who lived through the Depression (on farms) they always had food and shelter and responsibility with money – a plan…
I just don’t seem to worry about money or don’t think about it because it just flows or not in my life….having all my retirement funds dry up, and not having enough income to make bigger payments on my medical bills causes me to think of new ways to accomplish this and I have to ignore all the fear mongering about money – the ignoring the fear part is very hard to do right now…
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This definitely challenges the way I’ve looked at money in the past. I’ve felt that money is dangerous because it inspires greed, envy, desperation, deceit, and a host of other negative things. Perhaps this is why I don’t have much! Maybe if I change the way I think about money I will invite more into my life so I can use it positively–further challenging the myths you described. Thanks for a thought-provoking post =)
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Hi Evelyn: I’ve read books by financial guru Susan Orman inwhich she explains that when she was a financial adviser she could have two clients doing basically the same thing in terms of saving and investing their money. However, one had positive money beliefs and would do very well with his investments, wheras the other had negative money beliefs and would do poorly. So it’s definitely vital for people to work on their beliefs about money.
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DSE901,
Welcome to my site! I’m happy to know that you agreed with the points in my post.
The downturn in the economic situation highlights areas that we need to look into. I don’t view it as all bad either. It may be a signal that we need to investigate into issues on greed, fear, insecurity and selfishness. Our response is therefore crucial. Do we take the opportunity to heal, repair and realign ourselves to love or do we sink into worry and negative thoughts and emotions?
Abundance always,
Evelyn
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@Celes, thanks for the stumble! It’s great that you also see money in abundance!
@Jens, great point about having a number of money beliefs instilled in us since young. They are not all bad. For example “money comes from hard work”. It’s also how we interpret it. If we interpret it to be that “money ONLY comes from hard work”, then it may not be accurate because we know that there are other factors that contribute to success.
@Stacey, reframing definitely helps!! Good for you!!
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@Nadia, thanks for sharing the story told by the Indian guru. I enjoyed it. It is so true!! Yes to more love and less fear!!
@Nathalie, I know what you mean about having to bite your tongue…LOL!! I find that I have to do that sometimes.
@Mary, thanks for liking this post so much that you want to download and print it!! Yes, many of our beliefs are unfounded. The issue is also that since they have been ingrained in us for so long and through generations, we believe them to be true!
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Patricia,
Your youngest child is indeed wise. Sometimes we learn the most insightful things from kids
I wouldn’t suggest ignoring the fear either. Fear is a natural primal instinct. It arises to protect us in our need to cope with living on the third dimensional world. I’d prefer to acknowledge and accept that I have fears. In fact, I’d use EFT to work through my concerns. Through equanimity, my worries and insecurities dissolve.
Abundance always,
Evelyn
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Lori,
It’s great that you are considering looking into some of your thoughts and beliefs about money!! You wrote that “I’ve felt that money is dangerous because it inspires greed, envy, desperation, deceit, and a host of other negative things.” Money is not dangerous; it is men (or rather, our unchecked egos) that are dangerous!
Abundance always,
Evelyn
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Marelisa,
Thanks for sharing the story about the two clients. On the flip side, I would also prefer to hire the financial advisor who has no money blocks. I would be concerned about having one with negative money beliefs doing my investments for me!
Abundance always,
Evelyn
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This is fascinating! The last myth gave me a lot to think about.
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Mama Zen,
Welcome to my site! I’m glad to know that my post stimulated some thought!
Have a great weekend,
Evelyn
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I love the fact that for many of your beliefs I don’t have even a question about them anymore. I’ve never believed that money was evil. I’ve always loved it and what iot can do.
“Positive Money Belief: Money is in Abundance” We could stop with this one and we would be fine. All the money you want, someone else has and all you have to do is ask them for it. That’s what I like to believe.
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Oh I love this Evelyn and it is a perfect follow up to the 101 money… article!!!
I especially love the myths about money and spirituality or wanting to do good. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard people speak this way or refer to this myth. If you are good, holy, spiritual, enlightened than you and money should be as far away from each other as possible. I think this is the greatest injustice that was ever done to a lot things, people and organizations.
You are right we all have to change our thoughts on money if we are ever going to truly “free” ourselves from it and enjoy it in a beautiful way that it can be enjoyed.
To me, as with anything else, an object is just an object, it is the thought about it that makes it take on a meaning!
Great post!
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I love this! I find it hard to sometimes read the “negative” myth and figure out the flip side of it the positive… but you wrote out 10 here! Fantastic Evelyn! I love it! Perfect timing in my life too! xo
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money has always been an interesting topic for me. i had to learn how it works in order to benefit from it. you can’t fear money, but if you don’t respect it, you won’t have a dime.
i do like this thought in your post: The more confidence you have about yourself and self-worth, the more money you are likely to make and attract.
i certainly feel this way. i do depend on my paycheck, but if i didn’t get it from my employer, i’m certain in my abilities to go make more.
like you said we need money and that’s the truth, it serves as a protect. money is not the root of all evil, but it is the love of money that is. when you love it so much you’ll do anything to get it. that’s wrong. money has been put too on high and its reliance has been elevated to that of a God. not a good thing.
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@Tom, it’s great to know that you have none of the negative money beliefs!! In fact, I’d say that you are certainly optimistic in your thinking that someone else will be able to give you the money that you need, at your asking.
@Evita, I’m happy to know that you view things in the same manner as I do. To be spiritual is also about being abundant. We are meant to enjoy life, not suffer!! Thanks for liking my post!
@jenn, I’m glad to be of service. I had suspected that some of you might have difficulties on the flip side of the positive, after reading my previous post on 101 negative money beliefs. One of the root problems is that many of the negative money myths have been ingrained over many years or generations that we are unable to recognize them as “untruths” or being baseless. By highlighting them for discussion here, I hope that more of us can break free from them!
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Natural,
We all have our various issues with money. I had to work through some of mine to be where I am.
It’s great that you have confidence in your abilities to earn a decent living!! Therefore, there really is nothing to fear!! You’d be well provided for.
What we are really after is happiness. Money is just the means and it is not everything. There are other aspects of life eg. health, family, etc that are important.
Abundance always,
Evelyn
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I love how you busted the common money myths. They one that “money doesn’t grow on trees” is a big one – especially in this economy.
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This is a great article. I remember feeling guilt for spending money I shouldn’t have. That did not last long as I don’t have a love affair with money, just with things I could do with money like put a kid through college, help my parents, pay my bills, etc. My favorite positive money belief is: Money is A Measure of My Positive Thoughts.
Thanks for sharing, great info.
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@Carla, oh yes….we hear “money doesn’t grow on trees” even more so recently! It’s time to correct that belief!
@SpinDiva, it’s great that you now spend money where it is needed. I’m glad that you like and are in alignment with “money is a measure of my positive thoughts”. May you enjoy abundance always!
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Thanks for sharing this post! It’s amazing to see how ideas like these can spread and make an impact. I’m especially dazzled by the fact that we share this common belief: money is a form of energy.
Took me almost 10 years as a businessman to understand that money is barely a resource you use for your goals and not the goal itself. This list your put here is enlightening and I really loved the angle on money / guilt. The biggest obstacle in being wealthy is this constant guilt towards what you have. Completely wrong, of course, as you already brilliantly outlined in this post.
Thanks for sharing!
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