New Year! New Finances!! New Method?
I decided to do something a little different for my “Kick off the Year Post”. I decided to consult the cards. “The Cards” being my trustworthy Wisdom of the Oracle Deck. When I am at a loss and just can seem to come up with the words I want to say, I know that they will guide me to the message that needs to be heard.
They never let me down…and they often surprise and challenge me. This time was no exception.
The card that revealed itself: Time for a Nap
My question was: What do we need to know about setting our financial goals / objective / resolutions for this coming year?
Now what in the world would that card have to do with starting the New Year off on the right foot? The meaning of the card goes against everything we know about setting New Years Objectives. We want to “hit the road running”; make that grand entrance in the New Year with our 2019 goals a-blazing!!
Sorry folks, I am going to suggest you do THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE.
The “Time for a Nap” Card is about taking time for Rest and Rejuvenation. Its a reminder that guidance comes when you are centered and focused and quiet. Not when you are racking your brain trying to figure out what your next step should be.
So I give you permission, in fact, I insist, that you take the next few days and forget abut your New Years Goals and Objectives. Yup! I said it!! At the very least, park the idea somewhere off to the side and just ‘BE’ over the next few days.. Let your internal guidance system lead the way.
Oh, you are not completely off the hook. No, no, no …. I want you to notice. Notice what shows up for you. Notice your reaction to situations. Notice when you are comfortable with your financial decisions, when you are uncomfortable. If you feel so desired, start a journal. Two columns only. “What I am grateful for…” and “What I desire…”.
Not sure what to focus on? Here are some suggestions (feel free to ignore all of these and add your own)…
- Notice how it feels when you pay with debit or cash. You may want to experiment with both.
- Notice how you feel when your bills come in the mail, when you pay the bills, when payday comes, when payday goes.
- Pay attention to the offers that come your way (to buy things, to do things). What does your head say to do? Your heart? Are you following your bliss or doing what society dictates you should do?
- Ask yourself a few questions to clarify where you are (I like rating scales, so as an example, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being dissatisfied and 10 being completely satisfied)…
- how happy are you with you current financial situation?
- how secure are you with your current level of savings?
- how confident are you that you know exactly where your money is going?
- how satisfied are you with the current level of debt you are carrying?
The point of all of this, is that you want that to become aware of that one inspired action you can take to set your finances on a stronger path. That could mean that your finances are in terrible shape and you want to start the process of improving them, or that they are ok, and you want them to be great. Just start where you are and take that important first step towards where you want to be.
Don’t overdue it. Don’t overthink it. When you feel ready, after taking some time to “just notice”, ask yourself the most important question…”What is the one thing I can do to set me on my desired financial path?” And make that one of your New Years Goals for 2019.
Here’s to a Happy Healthy Prosperous 2019!
Mary Ann Marriott
aka Dr. Debt
