Whether we realize it or not, many of us are stuck in a “money pattern” – and it affects everything we think, see, and do around money.

Our beliefs about money have been handed down to us through generations, in a variety of different ways, shaping how we view the subject of money.

Think about the news you see on television or hear on the radio or read in the newspaper. How much of it is fear-based? How much of it stems from scarcity – the fear of never having enough or being good enough?

Now think about the news you’ve been given through others – about money. What have you learned about money – through your family, your friends, your colleagues, and from society?

Take a moment to ponder the money decisions you make on a day-to-day basis, both personally and professionally.

• Do they serve scarcity or wholeness?
• Do they honor superstition or co-creation?
• Do they cause you continuous struggle – or do they support you in thriving?

Now think about some of your bigger money decisions.

• How does saying “yes” or “no” keep you in survival mode?
• How does saying “yes” or “no” support your personal and professional growth?

What Is Your Perception of Wealth?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines wealth as an “abundance of valuable material possessions or resources” and as an “abundant supply.” Typically, when most people think of the word wealth, they think of money. When they hear the description, “These people are wealthy” – their thoughts immediately go to money.

We’re always getting messages from society on what wealthy means. We watch reality television shows with contestants competing for a chance at wealth. This may come in the form of a million dollars – or it may come in the form of the winner receiving his or her dream job with a handsome salary attached.

Where does your mind go – when you hear the word wealthy? What images come to mind for you? And what’s the history behind these images?

And thinking back through your life, where do you think your definition of wealth came from? Who defined it for you?

Allow yourself to revisit your past, tracing back the steps where you first learned about wealth – and what you understood that to mean.

How has this definition of wealth shaped your life? How is it shaping your life now?

If you’d like to embark on a deeper exploration, please consider joining me later this month in a special journal writing class, “Transforming Your Money Story” – being hosted by the Story Circle Network. You can read more about it here: Transforming Your Money Story

We’ll be taking a deep dive into your money beliefs as we journey toward transformation.