My Right Money Mind

Lately, I've started a list of material things I want. This usually happens every couple of years. In between, I may want something here and there, but for the most part, I don't keep a list. Right now I have a pretty substantial list and it includes: a fitness ball, a new laptop, voice recognition software, a Wii with Wii Fitness, a few skirts, a digital camera, and some jewelry from an artist I met at the Kirkland farmer's market.

Do I need these things to be happy? No. Would having these things bring pleasure and more ease to my life and/or work? Yes. I think . . .

It was the desire for more pleasure and ease that nearly made me lose my mind... my right money mind, that is. I was on track for my second quarter plans, earning and spending as I had intended. I paid my quarterly taxes on June 15th and was able to put money into my retirement account and take care of all my monthly expenses. I felt good about all that, but I didn't really feel much pleasure or ease.

And, then I saw a beautiful jewelry display at the local farmer's market.  I don't have expensive jewelry. No diamonds, not even in my wedding ring. But, I do like unique, interesting pieces done by local artists, and this jewelry really wowed me. There were bracelets for $39 and the earrings were 4 pair for $44. Gorgeous turquoise, coral, silver... and the artist even designed the bracelet clasps to be easy to hook so I wouldn't need my husband to assist. I really wanted that jewelry, but I had nothing left in my discretionary spending budget. I considered tapping into July's budget. I even considered using a credit card, which is a huge no-no in my life right now. I'm one year from paying off my credit cards and I have no business using them. I nearly lost my mind. Over jewelry. Get a grip, woman!

I wish I could say that I took a deep breath, re-connected with my abundance intentions, and walked away from that jewelry display. I did walk away, but it was because I didn't have my wallet. Maybe I would have returned to my right money mind even if I had my wallet with me, but I'm not so sure. I'm still working on this all the time. I know I'm doing way better than I was five years ago, but I need to constantly tend to my relationship with money and, most importantly, my relationship to myself. When I get off track financially, it's like breaking a promise to myself. That doesn't feel good. Staying in my right money mind might not be fun, but the pleasure and ease I seek does come when I'm patiently tending to my goals. The jewelry is still there and I can budget for it next month or the month after that. New jewelry is nowhere near as important to me as acting in ways that are consistent with who I want to be and the goals I’m striving to accomplish.

 What helps you stay in your right money mind?