The other day I was in line at a grocery store. The woman in front of me was sighing heavily, tapping her foot, and waiting for me to make eye contact so she could share her frustrations. I could feel it coming- the dump. She looks at me and quips, "It never pays to be in a hurry." Not wanting to be rude, and not wanting to join in the complain game, I tried a different approach.
"But, wouldn't it be great if it did?"
There was silence for a moment. Then she burst out laughing. I continued my role as stand up comedian. "Can you imagine how great that would be? The person in charge of all money shows up and says 'Thank you for your patience, how much would you like to be compensated for that?' Let's get them over here right now." We continue to chat it up for a bit, visualizing money and all good things coming our way. Her toe tapping and sighing stops.
Isn't money funny?
Though her statement wasn't directly about the green stuff, it fell right in line with common money beliefs held to be true. It doesn't grow on trees. (Made of paper, so essentially, it is from trees). There's not enough. (Depends on who you ask.) We are in a recession. (Not all industries). It's how you look at it. And how you look at it influences how you feel, act, and receive.
If you are like most people I come across, you may have mixed emotions about money. You like it, but you don't have it. You have it, but you don't feel fulfilled. You're private about it, and get offended if others bring up the topic. You're not private about it, and everybody you come across knows your opinions. Then add into the mix - cultural dynamics, social expectations, family beliefs, past experience. No matter what angle you come from, money is a hot topic.
Truth is, money is just money. Everything else is about us and our reactions.
Not that the situations aren't real. Whether there is a lack of money or a lack of gratitude for it, the experience is definitely real. But if buying mayonaise is a luxury or not, you are still the common denominator - determining your reaction to the situation and the next steps that you take regarding it.
What in the world am I writing about it on here for?
Money can have an impact on your health. Stay tuned for Funny Money - part 2, coming tomorrow, with resources and tips on how money is good for you and your health.
Way to turn it into a positive moment!
"Truth is, money is just money. Everything else is about us and our reactions." Absolutely!
Great post!
Posted by: Mark Salinas | July 18, 2008 at 02:40 PM