Spit-up On My Shoulder

Becoming a parent can really stretch your finances. Do you have money anxiety? Do you worry that you won’t have enough to cover what your family needs?

I am a big worrier about money - ask anyone who knows me! An unusually high water bill, a sick cat, the car breaking down - these and many other situations can send me into a frenzy. Like today - we received both of my daughters’ school registration packets. This usually sends me into a tailspin when I see all of the upcoming school expenses (picture day, P.E. clothes, etc…) But you know what? It’s okay, because of my new money calming technique.

Last weekend I walked my local labyrinth, a form of meditation that I use often, and pondered how to get rid of my money stress. (If you’d like to see an article I wrote about the benefits of labyrinths, go here.) After 5 minutes or so of meditation a phrase came to me and wouldn’t go away: “I am rich.” I really thought about this and noted how rich I am: my family is healthy, we have a home to live in, I have work I love, I have friends, I have books to read, and the list goes on and on.

I’ve heard of gratitude journals before and think they are great, but the expression “I am rich” has opened my eyes to so many reasons that I don’t need to worry about $. My family and I always manage somehow, as my husband loves to point out when I’m having a money freak-out.

Some interesting things have happened since that labyrinth walk: we went to the library and found 5 movies to rent for free (sometimes we can’t find 1), I received a letter in the mail about a check coming soon that I had forgotten about, I was asked to speak to a group that may lead to some book sales, and I got an email with a $5 coupon in it (I love a good coupon.) I also met some nice new people where I swim and was invited to a dinner party.

Although all of these things would probably have happened anyway, I’m finding that I’m more excited about them than usual. They are all evidence of how rich I am. Maybe my new expression will help you to lower your financial stress. Give it a try. I’d love to hear how it goes. We are all richer than we know.