We can cultivate greater happiness and financial security by making some intentional changes in our lives.
My last blog entry was about the power of gratitude in our personal lives. Today’s blog entry is about Gratitude and Your Finances.
Gratitude exercises often focus on families, friends, pets, health, and other personal areas of our lives. I encourage you to also be grateful for the material items in your life, such as your home, a recent vacation, or the ability to send your children to college. Keep in mind that these things in your life are the result of your financial status.
We have tremendous freedom in the United States because we live in a democracy, we are safe, and we have easy access to healthy food, jobs, and leisure activities and travel. Many people throughout the world do not have these luxuries; we should not take them for granted.
Often, we worry that we do not have enough money and we want more. I encourage you to shift your perspective to realize that we are incredibly wealthy, both monetarily and personally. Establishing a gratitude practice will help you focus on the positive.
TRY IT
- As you try some of the recommended gratitude exercises, include topics that relate to your finances. If you have a good job, give thanks. If you have plenty of food for your family, give thanks. If you have access to good health care, give thanks. If you have a home or an apartment, give thanks.
- If your thoughts continue returning to wanting more money, watch a documentary or read about a war-torn or poverty-stricken country. Many people are very poor, in constant fear for their safety, and unsure how they will provide food for their family. This may change your perspective and help you realize how incredibly fortunate you are. Or, volunteer at a homeless shelter and help others that are far less fortunate.
Recognize that changing your perspective from “I want more money” to “I am incredibly wealthy” is a matter of reframing. Very deliberately changing your perspective can significantly improve your attitude, leading to positive behavioral changes such as saving more or spending less. Remember that you are in control of your thoughts, your perspective, your attitude, and your behaviors.
