This morning, the sky looked black and foreboding. A few light streaks where dawn was trying to break through heavy clouds. A shining pale apricot sun shone through a gap, lighting up the stormy sea.  The morning later opened out into clear blue skies, a fresh wind and a sun that actually felt hot. In January.

Issues around money are sensitive. Our sense of self-esteem, sense of personal value and even our sense of survival hangs around money. Money is emotive. Financial markets are driven by “sentiment”.  We do not need to be so driven.

Financial freedom does not mean license for unlimited spending.  Financial freedom is enjoying your life with an absence of concern relating to money. You are happily accountable for your income and expenditure; being rewarded for giving your time, talents and gifts; enjoying a sense of flow, well-being and connection with life around you.

The 5 Keys I am offering here are a beginning, a good place to start.

1.  Accept the issue

If you are not enjoying financial freedom, it is likely you have an issue. Anything from debt, to a nagging sense of lack, to guilt, resentment or fear relating to money. Acceptance is not hopeless resignation. It is a first step towards effecting a positive change for the better.

2.  Forgive

Negative emotions keep you stuck and trapped in limited beliefs, attitudes and patterns of behaviour. Forgive yourself for any mistakes you have made.  Forgive yourself for being hard on yourself.  Forgive yourself for the judgments you have held against any others, whether they are family members, politicians, corporate leaders – anyone you have assumed has leadership over your life. Forgive the circumstances that have led you to the issue you are experiencing.

In forgiving, let go of the past. Allow a positive change of conditions and outlook to become real for you.

3.  Get your financial house in order

Know where you stand with your money as it is now. If you need assistance in coming to grips with your finances, go and find it.  Know what monies are outstanding – in payment to you, and that you have to pay. Know what your assets are. Do you have any unopened invoices or bank statements? Fear can drive you away from gathering this information. There is power in knowledge. A financial issue does not make you a bad person. Financial freedom will make you a happier person.

4.  Identify your needs

While sorting out your financial position, live according to your needs. What do you need for food, shelter, clothing (the essential), recreation (does not have to be expensive). Cut back excesses like possibly cable tv, magazine subscriptions, the gym that you-never-attend-but-might-one-day. Discover how creative you can get with fulfilling your needs now.

5.  Explore new avenues for income….

……that serve others with your gifts and talents

Financial freedom is grown in part through your willingness to give to others, and your openness to receive from your world. You may have a vocation which you love, which enriches you as you express it, and others as they receive from you.  It may be that you give voluntarily of a talent, which leads to your paid employment.

Celebrate the richness with which you are born!  It will be harder to feel financial insecurity when you are doing what you really love.

The dark clouds of debt, self-doubt and the foreboding feelings around finances can be blown aside by the winds of change. You can begin to activate the winds of change with these 5 Keys. Behind the clouds of confusion are warmth, light and clarity;  joy and enthusiasm.

I offer Consultations to clients seeking resolution around issues of wealth. Click here for more information about Clear Results Consultations

Wishing you health, happiness – and financial freedom!