MORE MONEY TO YOU

The Opportunity

Especially during trying times, it may be more important than ever still to dream…

 Imagine you could have a truly abundant lifestyle, sharing with many. What would that look like for you?

Now, for a moment or two, bear with me. I know our topic is money, and I invite you to consider a person you feel neutral about. Maybe it is a former colleague or someone in your current life.

Identify that person and pause.

What if, suddenly, your relationship with that person could be revolutionized so he or she were the co-creator of delicious fun and fulfillment in your life?

Your relationship with money can change like that; in an instant. It did for me.

And, even if you have a solid relationship with money, could it get richer, more loving…?

Check out the following exercise to discover how.

By the way, I mentioned this exercise revolutionized my relationship with money. The first week I practiced this, I tithed my income to a charity I admired, donated books to a local youth organization I loved, and had $10 remaining I vowed to contribute in some way that week. It was exciting to wonder what opportunity might arise that would feel just right.

It wasn’t about the amount. It was about flow.

And flow felt good.

I would have described my relationship with money previously as “neutral” at best – I didn’t really care about it, certainly wasn’t driven by it, and by no means said, “I love money!”

Now I do .

I also chose to invite one (or more) unexpected source of money to come to me that week, as you’ll see in this exercise. Not one unexpected source of money came to me that week, not two, not three, but seven!

I told one of my best friends about it and she said I should buy a lottery ticket. I’d never bought a lottery ticket before, as I hadn’t deemed it an acceptable way for money to come to me. No judgment, it was just that way for me. As I was inviting in a new relationship with money, I decided to try it.

The very first lottery ticket I’d ever bought: winner! I had the Powerball number.

Again, it was not about the amount – which was small. It was about flow. And feeling this new relationship with the energy of money made it now like a fun, new friend. How could I not love this?

The day I wrote this I learned another completely unexpected – much more generous – source was coming to me this year.

Not that I’m rollin’ in it but I’m loving it . And that is worth everything. To feel, after decades, I have a powerful, healthy relationship with money when I used to shy away from it?

I look forward to hearing how your experience goes, if you open up to this new love – or deeper love – too.

The blessing you can be for all those around you can expand exponentially when you do this, too; as you model living in Love, not fear. This is a gift, in and of itself.

 

The Practice

Neale Donald Walsh shares in his Guidebook an exercise called “The Money Game.” I’ll summarize what of this I’ve applied in my own life – and share an additional step to make it even more juicy.

1) INVENTORY. Neale suggested listing 3 things you do well. Then note what each of those 3 skills is worth in today’s market. Then what each of these 3 skills should be worth.

Again, particularly during Covid, challenging times for so many, this reflection may be more important than ever.

Next, because trading time – or your “job” – for money is not the only way money comes to people, Neale suggests we list all of the ways that money does come to people. Then, on that list, put a check mark by all the ways which are acceptable to you. For example, gambling was on my list but that’s not an acceptable way for money to come to me, as I’d be pathetic at the poker table , always opting to invest my time and money elsewhere.

Once you have your list of the ways that money comes to people and put check marks by the acceptable methods for you, then, from this check-marked list, put an X by the ways that money currently comes to you. So, for example, if “independent contractor” was on your check marked list and you currently receive money as an independent contractor, put an X by that.

“What percentage of the total number of acceptable ways is bringing money to you right now? Are you getting money from 50% of the acceptable ways? 20%? What is your number?” Neale asks.

Did you just see some opportunities open for you?

Now, the “WHY?”

If you’ve had a strained relationship with money, as so many of us have had, here’s a chance to galvanize the connection:

2) “TITHE.” Identify 3 causes you would love to give to. Even if you don’t know the specifics yet, if there’s an entity delivering the solution you seek, list the change you want to effect, knowing you can find the appropriate group who serves this need later – or start it yourself! And, yes, your charitable cause can – and should – qualify, if you have a special interest you are pursuing that can help make positive change.

So, identify 3 causes you’d love to contribute to – or more.

Why? Because this will fuel the flow.

Then we wrap it up with:

3) INVITE. “Come, sit down, have a cup of tea with me. Let’s explore how we can deepen our connection.” This is how I want to feel when sitting down to talk money with anyone these days.

You can consider what I’ve committed to try.

Flying home from Ashland, having just attended a retreat with Neale Donald Walsch, I was on a very small jet seated next to a Buddhist monk who lived in my hometown and who had known Neale in Oregon in his radio days! Enjoying yet another small world coincidence, I shared with her my views about money and invited hers. Not typical plane talk – but why not? It was just energy!

She told me about a Buddhist practice for accepting money which inspired me. People giving either what they could afford or what they felt the offering was worth. People had given their monastery a home! Left ½ million dollars in their will, unbeknownst to the monastery. Simply because they experienced such value there.

Why not invite that in?

I hope your “invitation” will excite you, too…

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Jillian (Robinson) Weaver loves sharing stories of the heart – for the joy of it. An Emmy-winning television producer, author-photographer and coach, she is not seeking new clients or selling anything; she simply hopes these words help kindle the light in your life to burn brighter. She’s grateful to be with you on this journey.