Where's My Prosperity Progress?

Dear Soul Sisters-

While I have made progress at living within my means, I'm still not getting ahead. Since I have made significant lifestyle changes, it seems my income (or lack thereof) is the issue. Any advice for me?

Thank you,

Where's my Prosperity Progress?

"You are never given a wish without what it takes to make it true." Richard Bach

Dear Where's my Prosperity Progress?

Thanks so much for your question. We hear that you have made some positive financial shifts and are feeling frustrated with not getting “ahead.” That is a hard place to be and we are holding light for you in this space.

With the global economy in flux, you’re not the only one wondering how to work thorough this. And yet, there are people out there gaining more abundance and financial freedom everyday. What’s their secret and how can you make it work for you?

It seems most experts agree: prosperity is not just about your bank accounts or credit rating; it’s a way of thinking and operating in the world. So is poverty. Even the über-rich like Donald Trump who have lost everything, quickly gain it back because he expects to be rich. But, there are countless stories of million-dollar lottery winners who return very quickly to poverty because their consciousness is not yet not aligned with having and holding onto new wealth. So what’s a person to do?

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, let's turn things around and look at it from a completely different perspective: What are three things you are grateful for right now specific to your financial situation? Do you own your own home? Do you have some money in savings? Have you paid off or lowered your interest rate on a credit card since making these changes? Are you covering all of your bills each month without going further in to debt? Do you have enough money to buy the food you need for yourself and your family? Whatever positives you can see, write them down and allow yourself to dwell on them for at least a few minutes.

We would suggest making this a habit. Start a prosperity journal and write down three moments every day in which you feel the prosperity that you desire. Try not to limit it to financial prosperity. Prosperity can mean many different things, not all of which have anything to do with how much money you make or how much money you have. One of our favorite formulas for calculating abundance is this: 

“God Consciousness+Giving+Gratitude=Abundance”

 --Rev Mark Vierra from the book 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life.

Starting the prosperity journal will get you the gratitude part. If you feel so moved, get a copy of "29 Gifts" and read it. Then take the 29-day Giving Challenge for yourself. The more we focus on what we are giving instead of what we are getting the more The Universe responds with gifts of love and abundance to us. When the Soul Sisters did the 29-day challenge, one of the best gifts was a shift in thinking about money from something to be kept and hoarded to something to be shared. Money is nothing more or less than energy made tangible. Once you realize this, it makes it easier to let go of and also to receive.

Make time for prayer and meditation daily if you don't already. Connecting with God Consciousness or Spirit as your SOURCE will help you feel and tap into the abundance and prosperity of The Universe. Sit still and ask to feel this flow; then wait for it to come. If you don't feel it right away, keep asking – sometimes we need to give The Universe a bit of time to respond. Just sitting in this flow will increase your awareness of the prosperity already available to you. As someone we once met said, “Money is about flow. You want to have a little reservoir so that you have something to eat when you’re dying, but otherwise, it’s about flow…."

Now, let's get down to the brass tacks of your question. You don't say exactly what you mean by “get ahead,” but we are assuming that you have an idea in your head. If so, write it down. Think about what it means to you to “get ahead.” Make a list of both short-term and long-term financial goals and post them somewhere you can see them. Ask and ye SHALL receive! When you break it down this way, it can be easier to see your progress rather than just focusing on the long-term goals, which can take a long time to manifest. Make sure to celebrate the small milestones that you achieve – like paying off a particular credit card or saving a set amount – even in some small way.

Next, take a look at each item and assess your ability to start working towards that right now. It may seem like some of these are unattainable from where you are right now, but remember “a thousand mile journey begins with one step.” Take that first step now in each of the areas you would like to work on. If you feel like you need some help, check out Suze Orman's book, "Women and Money." She comes at money from a practical AND spiritual perspective and gives you realistic advice, while still taking into account who you are, which is the key to any real change.

You say you feel like maybe you need to grow your income: How does it feel to think about taking the next step forward in your career? Do you want a higher paying job – with perhaps the additional responsibility and commitment that goes along with it – or are you quite happy where you are right now? Do you have a hobby or talent that you could parlay into a part-time job that would be both fun and financially rewarding? If so, perhaps you could start your own business on the side and use this money as your “get ahead” fund. Based on the answer to these questions, and your honest assessment of your financial situation, make a decision to either accept where you are for now (realizing that your situation will change and you may feel differently in the future) or to start looking for your next opportunity.

As you move forward in your career search, leave the hows to The Universe. Keep walking through the doors that are opening and stay focused on your vision of prosperity. Edwene Gaines, Queen of Prosperity wrote, “if there’s a desire in your heart, God is able!” In her book, “The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity, Edwene also recommends that we do the following to align our thoughts and life with abundance:

• Forgive everybody, all the time, for everything, especially yourself. See our post on Radical Forgiveness for help on this one! This might clear away any thoughts and judgments you are holding about your past financial behavior and choices!
• STOP complaining. Instead try saying, “that’s great” about everything. Not easy but that’s why they call it practice!
• Commit 100% to prospering. That way, there is no turning back and the only way to do it is THROUGH it!

Remember, as John Petit-Senn wrote, "Not what we have, but what we enjoy constitutes our abundance.” Times are tough all around right now and the way we think about money, prosperity and abundance is most likely going to have to change as our financial systems go through a transition unlike we have seen before. Redefining prosperity may help you move through this transition with grace and a positive outlook on your future.

Finally, we’d encourage you to be gentle with yourself and learn to love yourself where you are. You’ve come a LONG way as you’ve said and celebrating that is a great place to begin. Wanting more is The Universe’s way of nudging you along to your destiny of being even more prosperous. Spend some time thanking your self for making better choices and encourage her that the only way is indeed up!

Best of luck to you as you grow and prosper!

Peace, Oneness, Love & Light,

Jennifer & Lara

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