Do you really want to feel empowered? Then stop being afraid and start making money. Money – lots of it. Yes, you read it correctly. Money – it’s a very good thing. However, money has often been given a bad rap, and somewhere along the line we may have been given the wrong message; so today, we are faced with the consequences of that. In fact, many of us were taught to feel guilty about pursuing money, as though it were a bad thing. However, that really is a misconception. Money is just an energy, which represents whatever meaning that we attach to it. Therefore, money itself can not be something bad or negative; it is just the intention or meaning that we assign to it. So, what better time than now, to bridge that gap between the physical world of making money and spirituality?

As we continue to explore its positive meanings, the color of money, which is green, symbolizes nature, life, health, well-being and growth. Just think for a moment of all the wonderful things that money can offer you…freedom, independence, self-esteem/self-worth, security and a great lifestyle. You can do a lot with money as it affords you the ability to be good to yourself and to others. When we make money we offer a great gift to society. By being financially independent and responsible, we get to pull our own weight; and as we live an abundant, prosperous life (which is the opposite of lack) we generate a flow of energy that contributes to society in a positive way.

Money is a huge part of practicing self-care. Being financially independent is a significant act that shows you can take care of yourself by being self-supporting and meeting your own needs. And what better way to raise your level of self-worth and self-esteem? Self-worth and money go hand in hand. Earn money and watch your self-worth increase, and by improving your self-worth, you will earn money. These ideas actually work in tandem because they are two sides of the same coin. You see, it is very hard to make money without feeling that you have some value to offer the world; and on the corresponding side, making money is a tangible way to see your value and it feels great, so your self-esteem goes up.

Achieving a healthy relationship with money in spiritual terms occurs when you are being true to your authentic self while earning money. And what better way to enjoy life without the constant struggle of being worried about material cares? Once you are able to release these money concerns you are freed up to live your life from your highest potential. So, isn’t it about time to let go of your survival mode attitude that keeps you stuck and prevents you from being your larger self?

Now that you are ready to become financially empowered you must set your intention in order for things to change. Declare what you choose to create for yourself. Affirm your intention to be financially independent – and be clear with the specific dollar figure that you choose to earn. Once you make this decision, get ready for things in your life to shift!

Also, keep in mind that anything positive can be pushed to the extreme. This is not about money worship or earning money with an all or nothing attitude. You are not meant to compromise yourself or someone else for the sake of a dollar, and there is no need to work extremely hard by putting in crazy hours at the expense of your personal life. This is about finding a rhythm for making money that works best for you, and then creating the right balance for your life.

Next month we will further examine the meaning behind money and explore our relationship with it. Until next time, wishing you much abundance and prosperity!

Many of us start out the New Year with a gangbuster attitude that is sparked by a list of desired goals combined with a hopeful expectation for change. While this is a great way to psyche yourself up, somewhere along the way you may lose steam and those best intentions wind up falling along the wayside similar to previous years. The good news is that you have another opportunity to make a choice to do things differently this time around.

To help get you started on this new path, consider the following ideas:

1. Set your intention for a specific state of being and focus on that rather than an outward goal; for example, creating inner peace, introducing more fun in your life, etc. With this in mind, ask yourself what you need to do in your life to support these intentions. And then write out those steps or actions that you can follow through with each week, using a consistent and reasonably paced timetable.

2. Ease yourself into the New Year. Be realistic about your goal; ”Rome wasn’t built in a day” and neither is your goal. Allow yourself the time to accomplish it.

3. Write out a plan of action that is very specific and break down your goal into smaller baby steps that you can take, which will move you closer to your end result. This will prevent you from being like some people who put forth lofty goals but forget to put the necessary foundation beneath them, which is required for their completion.

4. Again, be realistic. If it is a diet, think of it instead as a plan for eating that is healthy for you. Therefore, make the goal about being healthy rather than dieting. And allow time for you to make those subtle changes. Each week plan to let go of one negative eating habit and then implement a new positive habit in its place. Focus on feeling good in your body rather than tying up your energy into the numbers game of weight and calories.

5. Realize that we can sometimes put a lot of pressure on ourselves. When making changes, know that it is a process, so go easy on yourself. Allow the time for your body and mind to get accustomed to a new way of operating in the world. You’re basically re-programming yourself so allow for slip ups along the way. It’s not about being perfect so remember to factor in the obvious learning curve.

6. Don’t try to accomplish too many things at once, which can set you up for overload, leading to failure. Instead, apply your energy to one or possibly two specific goals at any one given time. As you achieve your first goal, you will get a great feeling of accomplishment combined with a taste of success. This in turn will energize you, and as you build on these feelings, you will have more impetus to move ahead with yet another one of your goals.

After you put all of these practices to use, acknowledge and reward yourself for your perseverance and commitment to yourself and to your accomplishments.

May you have a Happy and Healthy New Year that fulfills you in every way!

As I take the time to reflect back on this past year, I am filled with many memories and the accompanying feelings that surround my accomplishments as well as my disappointments. And it is through all of these experiences that I wish to thank everyone for their continuous support throughout. Most importantly, I  want to thank my clients and workshop attendees for enriching my life, and allowing me to work with them    in such a meaningful way. You have all taught me so  much in the process.

 As you go forth during this holiday season, it is important to take the time to savor each precious moment. Connect with family and friends and be grateful for the many blessings in your life. Remember that whatever the moment brings, you can choose to enjoy it. After all, this is a time of celebration.

 However, in addition to celebrating, you may also feel the stress of the season especially when shopping. So just in case you find yourself waiting too long in a checkout line, you can stay calm by using the following helpful tips:

1. Practice deep breathing exercises./li>
2. Recite a mantra or affirmation under your breath, (using the word peace, relax, etc.)./li>
3. Bring your own book, magazine, newspaper, etc. with you so that you can read./li>
4. Practice visualizing that special something, which you have been intending to create./li>
5. Allow yourself the space to just “be” and simply do nothing but accept the moment./li>
6. Strike up a conversation with someone on line./li>

May you all have a very blessed Holiday Season filled with an abundance of love, peace, joy, good health and prosperity. And last, but not least, remember that this time next month it will all be over!