Money is emotion!

Money may make the world go round, but it also has a way of putting our emotions through the spin cycle. Our relationship with our finances can be as complex as a soap opera, full of unexpected twists and dramatic moments. But understanding our feelings about money can help us transform it from a melodrama into a more peaceful, purposeful script.

Growing up in India, I was taught to view money as a means to an end, a tool for survival in a world that often felt unforgiving. Little did I know then that money would become more than just currency; it would become emotion personified.

My journey with money began long before I started earning a living of my own. Growing up in the lap of luxury, I watched my mother, a homemaker, navigating the delicate dance of financial dependency. Despite our family's abundance, she often found herself in the uncomfortable position of having to ask my father for money.. It was a subtle yet poignant reminder of reality. That being surrounded by wealth can not guarantee autonomy and financial freedom.

This dynamic, ingrained, a perception of money within me. I witnessed the power dynamics at play, the unspoken rules that governed financial decisions within our household. And as I grew older, I found myself mirroring my mother's reluctance to assert financial independence, hesitant to break free from the chains of familial expectation.

Yet, it was a childhood incident that truly crystallised the emotional weight of money in my mind. At the tender age of five or six, curiosity led me to sneak a few rupees from my aunt's purse. The repercussions were swift and severe – a harsh reprimand and a punishment that left me trembling with fear and shame. In that moment, I learned that money was more than just currency; it was a symbol of trust and integrity, a fragile thread that bound relationships together.

As I reflect on these formative experiences, I realise the profound impact they've had on my relationship with money. Even as an independent woman carving her path in the world, I find myself grappling with echoes of my childhood – the ingrained beliefs and behaviours that shape my financial decisions.

My upbringing had taught me to be self-reliant, to shoulder my burdens without seeking assistance from others. So, when financial hardships loomed on the horizon, I hesitated to reach out to my affluent family for support. Pride clashed with practicality, and I found myself caught in a tumultuous whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

I learned that money is not just a means of exchange; it's deeply intertwined with our emotions and identity. So, the key to understanding and improving our daily lives and finances lies in understanding these emotions and our relationship to money. An enquiry into these can bring up a lot of wisdom, such as:

• Our feelings of self-worth
• Our deep fears and dreams
• Our sources and emotions of pride, shame, guilt, and joy
• The burden we carry in our hearts around expectations and responsibilities
• The weight of tradition, duty, and the need to achieve stability for the family
• The desire to provide and nurture and how that shapes our sense of identity

The list will be long. What is important to realise is that all of these shape and color our judgements and can even show up as biases in financial decisions. They shape the way we give meaning to the world around us - money as a source of misery or a source of freedom. Through my own struggles, and the triumphs and tribulations along the way, I realised these and other such profound truths.

Most commonly money is a source of stress and anxiety, as it can carry with it the weight of security and survival. But it doesn't have to be this way. By acknowledging our feelings about money we begin the journey towards transforming it from a source of burden into a powerful tool for growth and self-discovery.

When we take the time to understand our emotions around money, we open the door to a more peaceful and empowering relationship with it.?

It is a three-phase journey consisting of Learn, Analyse, Transform!

Here is how you can get started for the Learning Phase:

• Think about your own journey with money—what does it mean to you?
• What emotions does it spark? Does it bring up anxiety, joy, or even a sense of achievement?
• Observe whatever comes up—from a point of curiosity and non-judgement.
• Acknowledge those feelings that you noticed.

By facing our emotions around money, we can begin to reshape our relationship with it. Instead of seeing it as a source of stress, we can learn to use it as a tool for growth and fulfilment. Imagine what it would be like to feel confident and at ease with your finances, knowing you have control over your financial future.

You're not alone in this journey. Many of us have faced challenges and uncertainties when it comes to money. But by exploring your feelings and taking small steps towards a healthier relationship with it, you can start to transform your perspective.        

Today, as I navigate the labyrinth of wealth and privilege, I carry with me the lessons of my past – the humility to acknowledge my privilege, the courage to challenge outdated norms, and the compassion to recognise the humanity that binds us all. And in the ever-changing landscape of wealth and abundance, I find solace in the knowledge that, no matter how complex or tumultuous, my journey with money is a testament to the rich tapestry of human emotion.