Powerful Money Images

When you get stressed, anxious, or fearful, "freeze-frame" the image that comes into your mind. This image is not reality, but we have a very real reaction to the image. Some people's hearts beat faster or they get nervous; they react as though the pictures in their heads are certain to happen. Their bodies physically respond, which in turn, makes it feel all the more real. For me, I lose sleep at night about money-shortage images. The process generally goes, "I won't have enough money" and in the associated images, I am always alone, it is always dark (either at night or I am in a poorly lit room), and I don't have the ability to support myself or my loved ones.

Slice away the thought, "I won't have enough money" from the little movie in your head is key. The thought is not impactful, but the images I marry to it are rich with negativity.

It occured to me today that I can simply change (1)that image and (2) my thinking. The mini movie that plays in my head is nowhere near any type of reality I have ever experienced. And, believe me, I have had my share of hardships: I have been a "starving student", I have gotten divorced, and I lost my home to Hurricane Katrina. These were all very real financial stresses.

Yet, I have never lived a life of darkness. Nor have I been out on the streets, wondering where my next meal would come from, with absolutely no family or friends to reach out to. When I got divorced, a friend had a spare bed for me on my first night alone. Granted, the mattress was bare and he only had a stolen, dark blue airline blanket for my cover, but I felt so liberated that I didn't mind.

Next, I turned that image around. See that the world is working with you in your time of need. When the image of you as a homeless person pops in your head, see the world working with you instead of against you. For example, you could walk into an employment office and get a job, or you could stop by the local fire or police station and ask to use the phone to call a friend or relative for help. My local Starbucks gives free coffee to any homeless person that walks in.

Or,one time I got really creative with my homeless movie and imagined that I found a wooded, vacant lot and there was an area where the trees formed a canopy. I put down pine needles for a bed, strung wild flowers from tree limbs for decoration, and drank from a cool stream. I felt resourceful and with a new sense that I can handle what life gives me. Now that image is a sanctuary! I go there now in times of stress and remind myself that I dont need money in order to feel nurished and be in a loving, safe place.

The thing that gets us stuck and sends us into panic mode is that there is no solution to the image, there is no way out of the predicament. So, you have to create one. Because, in reality, you wouldn't just stand on a street corner with your shopping cart forever. You would move on and you would take action. People are resourceful, stronger, braver, and smarter than they give themselves credit for. We all have unlimited capabilites. See that the world is always working with you and know that you can work with whatever it gives you.

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