Rethinking My Relationship with Money
As a creative, I’ve always shied away from budgeting and financial planning. But when I started freelancing abroad, I knew I had to take control of my finances. I turned to spreadsheets and money tracking apps, but they only led to feelings of guilt and negativity. I realized that I was connecting my self-worth to my bank account, and it was taking a toll on my mental health.
A New Approach
That’s when I turned to journaling, a practice that has always helped me process my emotions. I decided to use it to rethink my relationship with money. I started by writing a letter to money, pouring out my fears and anxieties about it. This exercise helped me identify the negative energy I was directing towards money and let go of some of those toxic emotions.
Gratitude and Forgiveness
Next, I wrote a thank-you note to money. I acknowledged that it had brought me wonderful experiences and opportunities, like traveling and pursuing my passions. I even thanked my debt, recognizing that it had helped me in times of need. This act of forgiveness and acceptance was liberating.
Visualizing My Goals
I created a physical wish list, where I wrote down things I wanted to buy or achieve. When I saved up enough, I’d cross off an item, feeling satisfied and guilt-free. This approach helped me avoid impulse purchases and focus on meaningful spending.
Mindful Spending
Instead of tracking my expenses on an app, I started writing them down in my journal. I added context to each purchase, explaining why I made it. This helped me see that my spending was purposeful and aligned with my values.
Celebrating the Good
I created a “money miracle” list, where I recorded unexpected windfalls or savings. This exercise shifted my focus from lack to abundance and reminded me that good things can happen with money.
Empowering Beliefs
Finally, I crafted money mantras to rewire my beliefs about money. Phrases like “I’m a money magnet” helped me stop thinking in terms of deficit and focus on abundance.
A Safe Space
Journaling has become a safe space for me to express my emotions about money. It’s a shame-free zone where I can process my feelings and gain clarity. By reframing my relationship with money, I’ve been able to break free from negative patterns and cultivate a more positive mindset.
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