The following is a list of what I have found most people to know or believe about money:
- Money is currency
- Money is a medium of exchange
- Money is a measurement of value
- Money is a measurement of wealth
- Money is a means of payment
- Money is a means of survival
And then there are idioms that provide a different slant on the meaning of money.
- “Put your money where your mouth is.” A means by which you prove your truth and integrity through action.
- “in the money” Perception that one is rich.
- “money to burn” Having more than you need.
In large part, my role as a Money Coach is to help my clients shift their current perception of what money is…to transcend their current beliefs and recognize money as their teacher. I can say this because money has been my greatest teacher, personally and professionally.
“The word “money” is believed to originate from a temple of Hera, located on Capitoline, one of Rome’s seven hills. In the ancient world Hera was often associated with money. The temple of Juno Moneta at Rome was the place where the mint of Ancient Rome was located.[18] The name “Juno” may derive from the Etruscan goddess Uni (which means “the one”, “unique”, “unit”, “union”, “united”) and “Moneta” either from the Latin word “monere” (remind, warn, or instruct) or the Greek word “moneres” (alone, unique).” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money
Money is “the one” that “reminds” and “instructs” us of who we really are. It is your relationship with money that will teach you about your true Self, your relationship with others, and the world.
I also believe that money is more than the exchange of currency, more than paper, coin, or debt. Money is symbolic of the giving and receiving of love, appreciation, insights, creativity/ideas, inspirations, peace, and joy. All too often I hear the words spoken, “If only I would win the lottery, all of my problems would be taken care of.” That is a false belief. There are many individuals that have a lot of money and yet they are miserable, unappreciative, and depressed.
So it’s not really about the money per se, it’s about what money and your relationship with it, is trying to teach you, about you.
For several years I have studied and worked with Archetypes on a personal level and more recently on a professional level with my clients and in my writing. I am most familiar with and fond of Caroline Myss’ work with Archetypes–although much has been documented throughout history including the works of Plato, Carl Jung, and many others.
I thought it would be fun to explore the 4 Survival Archetypes–Child, Victim, Prostitute, and Saboteur–within the context of one’s relationship with money. To look closely at how each serve to either empower or dis-empower the choices we make about our finances. And of course, what those choices say about our-Self now and how we may choose more wisely going forward in an effort to perhaps not just survive but, thrive.
My next blog post will be the first in a series…beginning with the Child archetype. Getting personally acquainted with your Survival Archetypes will empower you to $wim versus $ink when it comes to money and life. Be sure to stay tuned in!
That Money Girl 