Do you want more happiness, abundance, or fulfillment in your life?
We all do! Some of us just don’t know how to get it. Instead we get caught up feeling deprived, inadequate, and feeling sorry for ourselves.
Several years back I read a short piece from Susie Orman’s book, Courage to be Rich, which has stayed with me. She pointed out that there are two ways of viewing something we really want, but feel we can’t have. Instead of saying, “I can’t afford it,” or “I don’t have the time,” Orman suggests saying, “I’m choosing to apply my resources (time, effort or money) towards something of greater importance.” The first two statements imply a lack of control over circumstances and resources. The second affirms that a conscious decision was made on how to allocate resources. Conscious choices are empowering and self-affirming.
Throughout the years it was Orman’s statement on choosing how to apply resources that kept me on track. It’s one of the reasons I was able to buy a condo. I forgo many little wants and pleasures for the larger satisfaction of having my own place. This slight shift in attitude helped me maintain a positive outlook and prevented a precarious slide into feeling deprived and sorry for myself.
In my practice I’ve seen what happens to individuals who get stuck in negative thinking and wallow in feeling sorry for themselves. Some fall into the “victim” role and console themselves with food, impulsive spending, or other self-sabotaging behaviors. In others, the “rebel” might be activated, which can be even more self-destructive. The rebel doesn’t care about the outcome and acts out of resentment and anger, regardless of the consequences. Both personality traits prevent us from achieving the deferred, but more satisfying, goals.
So the next time you start to say, “I can’t afford that,” of “I don’t have enough time,” STOP and shift your attitude. Remember that you are in control. You have choices. Empower yourself by making a conscious decision to apply your resources (money, time or effort) towards those things which will bring the most fulfillment and pleasure.
If you feel your negative thoughts are creating feelings of depravation, inadequacy, and victimization, give me a call to schedule a 30 minute complementary consultation to see if transformational and empowerment coaching can help you change your thoughts and create a happier and more fulfilling life. Contact me TODAY at Joy@joyreichard.com or call 415-819-8769. For more information about my services go to HealingWithJoy.net