“Money often costs too much.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

But what if Money does not deserve our "_ _ _ _"?

Money can have many different four-letter words associated with it... for the love of money, for the fear of money, for the need for money or money simply could be synonymous with a choice four-letter word in your vocabulary!  As they say, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder!"

This blog outlines some of the ways our relationship with money affects our lives.

The Impact of Money on our Emotions

The concept of money evokes emotion.  Many are taught that money is a taboo topic, especially when it comes to discussing the relationship we have with it.  Money is used to distinguish the haves from the have-nots and the 1% from the 99%.  As parents, we believe we shouldn't share our financial struggles with our children.  In the Corporate world, we believe we shouldn't share our salary information with our coworkers.  And the list of "shouldn't" goes on. 

We’ve grown up with a certain view of money and its power—but what if we started to rethink our beliefs? What if we could look at money as an opportunity to create something positive instead of something negative? 

The Impact of Money on Decision Making

Shannon Vivar, the Executive Director of VitalityXchange Collective, worked with a startup nonprofit organization, Meraki Soleil, whose mission is to support the healthy development of children. 

She facilitated a strategic planning meeting for their Board of Directors, and the theme of money came to the forefront of their discussions many times from raising charitable funds to creating financial workshops for children. This in-depth discussion got her thinking about the impact our relationship with money has on decision making.

Listen to these clips from our recent discussion on The Key to Thriving Relationships:

Confronting Personal Finances with Coach Wolf Castillo

A Healthy Money Mindset with Coach Sandra D. Johnson

It’s no secret that this relationship has an enormous impact on how we make decisions in life. For example, studies have shown that for many people, their fear of losing money or not having enough impacts their willingness to take risks and try new things in life or business. We’re so afraid of “losing” that we don’t even give ourselves the chance to “win.”  

This isn't healthy nor productive! We can learn how to reframe our approach to money by looking at it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Money can be seen as a tool that enables us to create more meaningful things in life-like having more free time, pursuing passions, and being able to invest in others around us. When we start viewing money in this way, it opens up powerful and creative possibilities to take actions that support personal, professional, and societal wellbeing.

We need more people who are courageous enough to step outside their comfort zones and try something new—especially when it comes to business! Fear should never be the reason why we don't do anything; understanding our fears is key so we can take steps forward as individuals and as a community. Regardless of different circumstances and challenges we must face, managing our finances in a conscious manner will help us do great things!

Remember You Own Money; It "Shouldn't" Own You!

Money doesn't have to be a four-letter word; it's all about shifting your perspective and creating positive relationships with it. Let go of fear and embrace opportunities – by putting yourself out there, you'll open yourself up to amazing possibilities! 

To become a conscious leader means taking control of your finances so that they work for you–not against you–which ultimately leads toward financial freedom and success! So let's take ownership over our finances today and build better relationships between ourselves and the almighty dollar!

Check out these interesting reads about money

Count Your Blessings, The Spirituality of Money

Effective Altruism: How to Give Smarter