Posted: 10/4/2013 | Personal Development	Comments
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Part 3: Write it down.

In Part One and Part Two, we’ve talked about discovering the limiting beliefs, often unconscious, that keep you stuck, as well as learning from, being responsible for, and healing your past relationship with money. As you continue this journey, it’s important to keep a money journal. As mentioned in Part 2, a lot of difficult feelings can emerge as you examine your past and unearth your views and beliefs about money. You may find yourself feeling guilty when you ask for money owed to you, for example. Or you may feel guilty when you pay bills late. You may feel elated when you see a deposit made to your account, or angry when you think of money stolen from you. Whatever the emotional experience, begin to externalize your thoughts and feelings about money by writing it down.

As you examine your relationship with money more deeply, you might find yourself dreaming about money. Record these dreams as well. As you write and reflect, you’ll dissolve the unconscious impulses that cause poor financial decisions and keep your negative beliefs in place. You’ll begin to recognize those unconscious patterns that keep you stuck and hold prosperity at bay.

It’s also important to record your income and outgo. This may be more difficult than it looks. Sometimes we just don’t want to see how much money we have coming in, and how much we really spend. We may fear we spend well beyond our means, and we don’t want to give up the comfort or habits of spending. It might make us anxious to think of a possible shopping or spending addiction. We hope that if we ignore the facts we don’t have to face our fears. We might also be avoiding the financial responsibility that comes with being an adult. Again, your limiting beliefs and values around money come into play. However, by becoming aware and getting a grip on your current financial situation, you can empower yourself to make the changes you need.

Begin by recording every expenditure, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. It may surprise you how those expenses really add up over time. It’s easy to be unconscious about the money spent daily on coffee, a lunch out, a quick taxi ride or a newspaper or magazine. Record also everything you receive, even the quarter you find on the pavement. It doesn’t have to be complicated and it’s not intended to be your only accounting tool. Just carry a small notebook with you and jot down what comes in and what goes out. As you watch the flow of money move through your life, you’ll begin to recognize your relationship with it.  Choosing how and when to spend your money is empowering.

Have you ever kept a money journal? What have you learned from it? Please share your comments, they make a difference for all of us!

For further information on accessing your wisdom, happiness, fulfillment, and peace you desire, click here to learn about Dr. Howard's Multiple Award Winning Book "Your Ultimate Life Plan: How to Deeply Transform Your Everyday Experience and Create Changes That Last."

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