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"Money has been a measure of my Recovery growth from Addiction..."Are you wondering what money has to do with recovery from addiction and other emotional disorders? In my experience a darn lot as the healthier I’ve gotten the more paper dollars I seem to accumulate. I came to hate this paper dollar that I thought was my enemy, why, because it was so hard to keep. The nasty addictions stole it all from me and my parents were astounded that such a talented person could not get ahead in this area of my life. Denial was thick and foggy; at no time did I stop and think that the reason the dollar was such a bitch to me was because it was consumed by my addictive substances. Cigarettes can steal $70.00AUS from a long term addicted smoker per week. Ripped off in the true sense of the words is what addiction can do to our bank balance. I have known alcoholics/addicts that have had through their acting out, lots of dollars. Some have had heaps of it. However if you speak with them they’ll tell you they lost a lot unnecessarily and some lost the whole lot as their dis-ease of addiction progressed. Either way, addiction and finances do not dance well on the floor of life. It takes a definite education about the paper dollar to have it grow and work for a person. That education can come from our experienced parents or we may have to take a course of formal study to grasp financial principles. Applying these principles is the next step obviously. I guess I was lacking ‘self-control’ or ‘discipline’ in this area of my life. “Oh der, you think so”, I hear some say. Put it this way, what self control did I really have when I allowed myself to succumb to the treacheries of addiction and self destruction? Even in the first couple of years coming off of my substances of choice there was extra cash around, I was still in pain so I chose to continue acting out my addictions by spending big bucks at the Casino. Dear dear dear what a vicious merry-go round I was on. Today as I’ve grown and become educated I can proudly say it’s all coming together in the $$$ department. For me, MY BANK BALANCE HAS BEEN A MEASURE OF MY SUCCESS IN RECOVERY FROM ADDICTION. Wealth doesn’t maketh the man however it does make this member of mankind mighty happy that I’m not a loser in the stakes of life concerning finances. Having financial wealth doesn’t make us happy yet I’m not free to evolve and do the things I want to do in life without it. It does pay the bills and it gets me out of ‘my head’ when it’s there, waiting to pay those bills. As long as I manage and control my finances and don’t allow 'them' to have this privilege, I’m doing fine. In fact it becomes a game and the self-esteem that is built as a result of winning the game is just what all addicts’ need. Powerlessness does lead to power as promised by the 12th Step Recovery fellowships.
Lastly I’ll share one of my secrets with you. I learnt how to BUDGET. Author Monique Louise Hill
Producer www.wounded-healer-support.com
How to Effectively Deal with "Broke Folks" - FamilyVision Column
Ima Rich is a classy lady. She drives a fancy car, lives in an exclusive neighborhood, and associates with upscale people. However, Ima is one of the “Broke Folks.” She lives paycheck to paycheck. Her life is filled with debts and worries. Although many people envy Ima’s luxurious lifestyle, Ima is constantly haunted by her financial fakeness. The Financial Situation Do your friends hound you because you’re financially shrewd? Are you ridiculed because you have a simple lifestyle? Many Americans live flashy lifestyles (fancy cars and expensive houses) but lack a strong financial basis for living. In our early years of marriage, some people tried to influence our living habits. We were professionals. We needed to act the part. You live in a certain neighborhood and possess the finest things. Fortunately, we didn’t buy-in to this hype. It was all about image but no substance. The media bombards us with lies that acquiring material things will make us happy. This falsehood confuses our children and makes us “Dream Brokers.” It appears that many Americans have bought this superfluous living. Therefore, we have created a nation of Broke Folks. What are Broke Folks you may ask? Broke Folks relates to individuals who try to portray an upscale image but lack the financial asset to back it up. It’s not about a high paying job. There are numerous examples of professionals (lawyers, doctors, etc.) who are deep in debt but refuse to correct it because of this image. Being broke is now normal. The Reality Check Dave Ramsey, author of Freedom Peace, constantly runs into Broke Folks on his nationally syndicated talk show. Ramsey explains, “If you are taking advice from Broke Folks then you are stupid.” The following 2004 statistics by Bankrate mark the increase of this social class:
Much of the problem with these statistics relate to not delaying personal gratification. Most Americans can handle their money better. We are no exception. However, the myth exists that rich people spend a lot of money. Stanley and Danko, authors of The Millionaire Next Door, maintain that most Americans don’t understand how to build wealth. They explain, “Many people who live in expensive homes and drive luxury cars do not actually have much wealth…Many people who have a great deal of wealth do not even live in upscale neighborhoods. Obviously, the media promotes this urban legend of the “Rich & Famous.” To help you with building your wealth, here’s a summary of wealth building tips from the Millionaire Next Door:
The Logical Solution Become financially responsible. Financial independence is more than show. Don’t let your family and friends talk down to you because you are managing your money wisely. Don’t be discouraged because your friends are living the Glamour Life while you eat “beanie weenies” for dinner. Take the offensive by continually getting financial education and by staying away from “Broke Folks.” Build your financial portfolio. It is not too late. Start today!
Daryl D. Green has published over 100 articles in the field of decision-making (personal and organizational), leadership, and organizational behavior. Mr. Green is also the author of two acclaimed books, Awakening the Talents Within and My Cup Runneth Over. He is a columnist, lecturer, professor, and management consultant. Mr. Green has a BS in engineering and a MA in organizational management. Currently, he is a doctoral degree in strategic leadership. For more information,visit his website at http://www.darylgreen.org Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daryl_Green
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