Tag: money

Categories
conscious living

It’s An Abundant World

This week has been full of surprises!

I recently connected with a hypnotherapist in Cambridge who had me on his community TV show these past two weeks. I know what you may be thinking- you went on television and were hypnotized? Were you conscious? Did you do something weird?

Let me assure you, it wasn’t a scary or strange experience at all- it was actually quite to opposite! We met beforehand to discuss the blocks that have held me back- such as self doubt, limited beliefs, and worries.

On the most recent show, we focused on blocks with money, abundance, and living a fulfilled life. For the first half hour of the show he asked me questions about what my world would look like if I didn’t have these blocks. He wanted me to share what I want my life to look like, not the limited life I thought I could manage or the life I deserved.

I was still holding myself back even when daydreaming about my ideal world!

It was amazing to learn how my own words or thoughts were preventing me from abundance. Once I learned this, he noticed how my face lit up when I talked about living on the beach, writing, being able to fly across the country on a whim to visit friends, and helping people through my work. There was a major shift when I realized I was still thinking negatively about my potential.

It’s an abundant world- and we all deserve and are able to live our very best life of happiness and fulfillment.

Instead focusing on the things we don’t want, we all need to learn to reframe our language to focus on the things we do.

This is a huge lesson for all of us. From limiting myself to thinking about what I thought I could manage in my life, he helped me expand my thoughts through imagining a beautiful, fulfilled world.

The video will be on YouTube soon, and I will be sure to share! Although it’s only been a day, I already feel lighter, more positive, and optimistic about the days ahead.

It’s an abundant universe- we just have to remember to keep thinking positive, believe in ourselves, and accept the gifts life brings our way.✨

When we believe in ourselves, the world around us will believe in us, too- so try not to limit your potential. You’re worth it!

Categories
conscious living mindfulness

The Spiritual Side of Money

Money used to be a scary thing to me.  Money is necessary for all of us to live, which can be very intimidating.  There’s good news, though: there are endless ways to earn it.  Endless!

Just the other week I was thinking, “how am I going to supplement my income when school is out for holiday?”  This was a fear-based thought.  Suddenly, I acknowledged it and re-framed my thinking.  I looked online, got some advice from family and friends, then decided to take action.  I was clear about what I was looking for, which hasn’t always been the case in the past.  I used to scramble, hustle, and take the first thing that came along- no wonder I wasn’t content in some of the positions I took.

Once I looked at my holiday week as an opportunity, not one, but two options presented themselves.  I also received emails out of nowhere from people asking about marketing work (which I have retired for writing and education).

Then, it clicked.  money isn’t anything to be afraid of.  Money is energy.

The more you put in, the more you get out- but I didn’t understand what that meant in the past.  I used to think hard work meant long hours, climbing your way to the top, office politics, networking, etc.  No.  You must work with your heart, not out of fear- fear of not enough.  You also need to work smarter, not harder.  Yes, success does come from hard work and a lot of time, but when you’re doing what you love, it’s effortless.  I found myself writing from 8AM until 2 in the morning on Saturday!  I only got up to go get food; yet it was the most pleasant day I’ve had in a while.

Opportunities begin to align when you stay true to yourself and listen to what soul your soul is saying- not the outside world.

We all need to pay bills, but there are endless ways you can do something you actually enjoy if you follow your gut and ignore your ego.  Remember that you’re of service to the world, and if you are co-creating with source / a higher power, your light will shine through and you will be rewarded.

The rewards may not always be monetary- at least not right away- but rest assured that you’ll always be taken care of.  Each day I feel rewarded after leaving school or working on my writing, but it’s on an emotional level.  These are things I would do for free! (but thankfully I don’t have to)

I have also been channeling Archangel Gabriel, the angel of communication, to help support my work.  Earlier this year I began following Melanie Beckler of Ask-Angels.com, where I have been learning a lot on connecting and communicating with our guides.  Archangel Gabriel looks over the creatives and messengers- the writers, teachers, artists, and journalists.  It’s interesting to see how angels can help us in our daily lives, including our work!

Additionally, I love using my crystals to help support my work, too.  I wear Citrine to connect with Archangel Gabriel and carry Red Jasper for grounding, Rose Quartz to keep me aligned with love, and Green Jade to attract abundance!

Remember, it’s all in your vibration.  Keep thinking positive- your energy will support you along the way.

Categories
mindfulness

Gratitude

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“You can’t be fearful and grateful at the same time.”

As I reflect on the past five months in Massachusetts- where I was at before I arrived, where I was at when I settled in, and where I am at now, I think about how resistant I was to ask for help.  I felt I needed to be strong; that I needed to do everything on my own in order to prove to those around me (particularly the naysayers) that I could bounce back from a difficult year.

It was a lonely place- a place I was stuck in until very recently.

I have always been fearful of rejection and criticism.  Instead of focusing on self-care when I got here, I focused on appearing like everything was fine.  Deeply lonely but throwing myself into work, I journaled, read self-help books, created my blog, meditated and more- but I still found myself isolated and empty.

Over the years I looked for external ways to fill the void inside; shopping, alcohol, dating. Although I learned that those things only made me feel emptier inside, I failed to do the one thing that I had been resisting for so long: looking for spirituality through other people.

With a clear head and wide eyes, my fear is starting to slip away. Over the past couple of weeks I have opened my heart and myself up to those around me; the people that have given me love, hope and strength.  There have been many changes in my life and within my own perspective that I have recently acknowledged, and one of those changes lies within my purpose.  I have felt I have merely been “going through the motions” for the past few months, wondering “what exactly is the meaning of life?”  As I continue to write, help others and look for a career that fits my passions and my purpose (spreading the message of hope to others who have been through what I have), I have nothing but gratitude from the women in my life, especially here in Cambridge, who have shown me that I am whole on my own.

This morning I have an immense amount of gratitude to those who have helped make my transition easier, have taught me to lighten up, and helped me learn to love myself.

Thanks to a little help from my friends, I live in the solutions- not the problems.

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Categories
conscious living mindfulness minimalism

Living on a Minimalist’s Budget

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Every January I tell myself, “this is the year I will stick to a budget.” While my intentions are good, my track record has been less than superb.

To illustrate, I looked at my calendar and realized that 2017 marks ten years since I graduated college. Ten years. Boy, do I wish someone would have taught me then what I know now.

In an effort to live as minimally and stress free as possible, I have begun focusing on quality over quantity, purging what I don’t need and only buying things when I need them, yet I still have failed sticking to a budget.

My Expenses

Since I have minimal bills, there is little to no reason I should go over my budget every month. First, I listed all of the expenses I know I will have and came up with a rough estimate.

  • Rent
  • Food
  • Cell phone
  • CharlieCard (train / bus)
  • Student loan

That’s right- no car payment, no credit cards, no mortgage or gas costs. Yes, this is called city life for a single woman who has little to no attachment to things. Sometimes I wonder what my life would look like today had I settled in one place, lived minimally and invested in things like a home, but the good news is that I still have time. Although I may have spent my money a bit carelessly, I’m beginning to make an effort to spend less, save more and avoid excess clutter in my life.

Need vs. Want

I could definitely use a new Henri Bendel bag for my laptop. However, this purchase can wait considering I don’t even carry my laptop to work. In fact, it barely leaves the house these days. My point is, there are many things I can trick myself into “needing,” but then I ask myself:

1) Could I get this for less?

2) Do I need this immediately?

3) Do I need this at all?

Usually my purchase can wait (also giving me time to think it over), or I can find an alternative if there’s something I can’t wait to buy- for example, buying a drugstore brand instead of splurging at Sephora. I also trick myself into thinking I have more money than I do, so a $20 lipstick doesn’t seem like a big deal at the time- but it adds up quick.

Trading Things for Freedom

I like to think of my purchases this way: “would I rather have this item or the freedom to do what I want?” Time is money, and it takes time to work for a paycheck, so I’ve been much more conscious of each dollar I spend. Sure, marketers do an amazing job fooling me into thinking my life will ultimately be better with their products, but on those days I’m waiting for my paycheck I think, “I wish I wouldn’t have gotten takeout so many times last week.” Living paycheck to paycheck is never fun, so it’s rewarding to finally have the freedom to be able to do what you want when you’re more mindful of your budget.

More Experiences

Instead of relying on money to have fun, I’ve gotten creative. One of my favorite things to do is explore the city… I love to look at architecture, go out in nature, find free days at museums, take photos and window shop. Practicing mindfulness, enjoying each moment and taking in your surroundings is far more gratifying than having a bunch of “stuff” to sort through.

I’m a firm believer that everyone needs to live in moderation; it’s important to keep a balance and not to go too extreme with your saving or spending- after all, no matter how tight the budget, I’ll never give up my coffee.

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