I write this post today as much for myself as for you–although, I suppose, that’s the truth on most days. As the the wisdom of the sages goes, we teach what me most need to learn.
The lesson today: Don’t let money stand in the way of living fully. I say that humbly and with trepidation. What I want to do requires money. And my funds are low. And I am not wanting to tell anyone–not even myself–to spend money lightly or to get into debt (or deeper into debt).
However, two things I know. If I died tomorrow, I could not take my money with me and I would regret not having spent it on something meaningful to me.
I’ve been working on a manuscript based upon a course I offer, called The Living Fully Challenge. This year-long course is being made into a book. One of the first chapters is on finance. My editor, a friend of mine, and I thought of moving this farther back in the book, figuring that money issues are hard for people to deal with–especially right off the bat. In the end, we decided to leave that chapter first. Why? Most people use money as an excuse not to do the things they want to do.
Last night I was at a meeting of sacred activists. I was asked to answer the question, “What would you most regret not doing if you died tomorrow?” Not writing and publishing my many book ideas, I thought. And what is stopping me right now (and has stopped me before)? Money.
On my way home from the meeting I decided: I will write and publish the books. One way or another. I will. I will not let money stand in the way of me reaching my fullest potential and living my life fully.
There are so many ways to live our lives fully–even without spending a lot of money. Without going into great debt, which I don’t recommend, find a way to do what you want or were meant to do despite the thought that you can’t because you can’t afford to. Find a way to earn, borrow or raise the money. Scale down your budget. Get creative and think outside the box.
If your dream is to go to Hawaii for a week and you can’t afford to do so, get some travel brochures, create a treasure map or vision board, start planning and saving, and, in the meantime, go to the nearest beach for two days instead and visualize and pretend you are in Hawaii. (You can even make some drinks and place little umbrellas in them.) In my case, while I still need money for an editor (although the Living Fully Challenge is being edited by my friend in trade for me editing her book), I can, if need be, publish it as an e-book instead of a printed book, which saves on design and printing costs. If you’ve dreamed of climbing Mt. Everest, but you can’t afford the time or money for the trip, join a hiking or rock climbing club instead–and, again, start planning and saving. Or go hike some other mountain; there are plenty of worthy peaks. You get the idea.
The point is not to let money stand in the way of living our lives to the fullest extent. I realize that there are many things we can’t do that we want to do because they require money. But a change in mindset and some determination added to our passionate desire can go along way towards making our dreams come true and creating a fully lived life.
If you are interested in The Living Fully Challenge, the course is available here. The book will be out in one form or another later this year and will give the course a bit different form. Plus, it will include additional information, stories, etc.
