Thought for today:

One of the signs of compulsive debting is “unwarranted inhibition and embarrassment” around normal discussions of money.  A false sense of shame can inhibit our growth.   We need to counteract these feelings by remembering to have dignity, however humble our finances.  Our money is important to focus from time to time with an advisor.

A member shares:

“Whenever it came to the topic of money, I was always anxious.  I didn’t want to touch the subject in normal conversation.  I was too ashamed, and I would avoid the subject if possible. This led to many times when I was late to money appointments – taxes, retirement planning, business appointments.

“The last time I went to my financial advisor I was a half hour late due to my business’ urgent customer issues, and because I had totally forgotten the appointment.  I had muted my phone during a business meeting earlier and never saw the reminder alarm that came up on it, until I glanced down at the lunch counter to check messages.

“When I arrived, my advisor was cordial, but I felt guilty and ashamed for being late and apologized profusely.  In the end we covered all the necessary business, and he even commended me on having paid off all my consumer debts, but still I left feeling like I had insulted him by being so late.

“Aside from admitting I was wrong for being late, I also needed to put as much time and mindfulness into preparing for meetings with my financial planner as I do with my Pressure Relief Group.  I’m devoted to meticulous DA numbers, and would never think of being late for a Pressure Relief Meeting.

“This awkwardness was a symptom of my disease, and I needed to take better care of myself and my relationship with my advisor if I hoped to ‘clear the wreckage of the past’.

“I’m glad I can come to DA to talk about these feelings around debt.  When my shortcomings surface (as they occasionally still do), I can make immediate amends to whoever I have offended and then try to move on, letting go and putting things into perspective.

Sign #9 of compulsive debting:

Unwarranted inhibition and embarrassment in what should be a normal discussion of money.

Ask:

Am I learning how to relax and be attentive when discussing money matters with people outside of the fellowship?

Meditation for today:

Seek to develop inner values.  Everywhere are distractions that can keep us from honoring lasting values of thrift, mindfulness, love and patience.  But it only takes a small turn away from these distractions to get back on course.

First we must know what our values are.  What do we value most?  What do we want others to remember about us after we are gone?  J

Affirmation for today:

I will discover and honor my real values in a deeper way today.

For in-depth insights into finding your inner values, read “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change“, by Steven Covey.

Click the book image for product information.

If you like this post, please share it using the buttons below. If you are new to this blog, check out our overview of the program of recovery from compulsive debting.

Some links will bring you to other sites. Anything you buy (not just the book shown) on Amazon earns us a (very) small commission, which does not add to your cost… It’s a “Win-Win”!

Copyright 2015, PlentyOfTimeMoneyAndLove.com.