Dear Money,
It’s been a while since I reflected on our relationship, I’m sorry about that. As I sit down to write this letter, I’m struck by the huge impact you’ve had on my life and how it’s easy to forget to appreciate you and what you’ve allowed me to accomplish. Our journey together has been one of transformation and enlightenment, hasn’t it? You’ve guided me towards a path of true richness and fulfilment, for which I am truly grateful. And when I say that I don’t mean that you’ve allowed me to buy more stuff that I don’t need. I mean that you’ve shown me that what I need vs what I want has helped me get to where I am today. I spend you wisely my friend.
As I said, it’s been some time since we last connected and as I found myself starting to take you for granted and letting you slip through my fingers too readily over the holidays, I wanted to take a moment to reach out and reflect on the times when you and I were fully in-sync with our goals. I want us to get back to that stage of our relationship. I had a wonderful book launch party right before Christmas and that wouldn’t have been possible without your help, but now it’s time to get back in sync with you.
Yes, I must admit that I became complacent, taking you for granted. I realize how easy it is to become negligent and that often stems from a lack of appreciation and understanding on my part. It’s easy to get caught up in holiday (and party) spending fever and go way overboard. Even when I know we don’t need more crap in the cupboards! Now it’s time to actively cultivate a conducive environment for your prosperity to thrive. And I’m all over that, in fact, I’m super excited about it.
So, for the new year, I commit to the following money resolutions:
- I prioritize sharing the power of financial literacy.
- I will adopt a proactive approach to attract and retain your abundance in my life.
- I will remain attentive to our relationship and not take you for granted.
- I will treat you with the respect and care you deserve, nurturing our bond for sustained growth.
- I will be grateful for the abundance that life offers and approach opportunities with a mindset of living lightly in the world.
- I will confidently communicate my value to others, enriching their lives while also honouring my own worth.
- I will derive satisfaction from aiding others in achieving their aspirations, knowing that our collective success is intertwined.
- I will value my skills and time, recognizing their worth and confidently advocating for fair compensation.
- I will release any fears or anxieties regarding our relationship, trusting that you will return in due time, like a bountiful harvest.
- I will give money to support those who need it most, but knowing that giving (money, time, wisdom, attention, encouragement, love), results in receiving back ten-fold.
- I will embrace the journey of growth and development, finding joy in the pursuit of our shared goals.
I hope that these New Year’s resolutions will prove my dedication to our relationship and encourage your abundant return, enriching my life for years to come.
I admit it, in the past, I viewed you solely as a means to acquire material possessions, believing that accumulating “stuff” equated to a life well-lived. However, as our relationship evolved, I began to realize that true wealth doesn’t lie in the abundance of possessions but in the richness of experiences.
You’ve taught me to prioritize living “light” – to focus on the things that truly matter and let go of unnecessary burdens. By embracing a minimalist lifestyle, I’ve discovered the freedom that comes from needing less and the joy that stems from experiences rather than possessions. And you know what Money? I’d much rather spend a day hiking with a girlfriend than trawling around the mall. I’d much rather go to the spa with my daughter than buy a new Kate Spade bag (sorry Kate).
Living within my means is a guiding principle, allowing me to appreciate the value of what I have rather than constantly yearning for more. With your guidance, I’ve cultivated a sense of financial security that provides peace of mind and eliminates the nagging worry that once plagued my thoughts.
Also, I’ve learned the importance of planning for the future while fully immersing myself in the present. Through prudently saving and investing you, I’m not only able to enjoy the occasional vacation but also build a nest egg for retirement, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free future.
You’ve empowered me to align my actions with my aspirations, to live authentically and purposefully. Instead of being shackled by the pursuit of wealth for its own sake, I now see you as a tool for realizing my dreams and creating lasting memories.
So, as I reflect on our journey together at the end of 2024, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your guidance and support Money. I couldn’t have gotten this far without you, and you’ve helped me navigate the complexities of life with more clarity and intention, enriching my life in ways I never thought possible.
Here’s to our continued relationship and the adventures that lie ahead. May we always strive to live richly, not in the accumulation of more possessions, but in the abundance of experiences that truly define a life well-lived.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Louise
P.S. Hope you don’t mind me sharing this letter with others who might take some inspiration from my New Year’s resolutions. Till next time!