Tags
bills, economy, jacob needleman, jumping from springboards, letters, miscellaneous, money, musings, primal emotions, psychology, random, recession, thoughts
It’s Monday morning and I am impatiently waiting on the postman to wander down my street and not pass my door. I can’t wait to hear him pushing two desperately awaited answers through the letterbox, my ears are straining to here that soft thud of envelopes on the floor.
Sadly I have to admit that my foot tapping inability to wait is not because I am hoping to hear from loved ones but rather unloved ones who owe me money. I know such a mundane topic, but one that seems to often dominate our lives, whether we like it or not. And although it is such a big part of everyday life money is often a taboo subject, something that people keep private. Oddly enough talking about money is considered more vulgar than debating sexual habits, desires and other personal issues.
It doesn’t seem to matter if someone has a purse filled with moths or lives like Dagobert Duck, jumping from springboards into wads of cash, their relationship with money is deeply personal. Interestingly enough a study has shown that although how you are raised with money influences how you deal with spending or saving your pennies people are born scrooges or squanderer. And your emotional state also plays its role on your purse strings. Happy, stable people feel less need to spend than those who are upset or depressed, as if defining your worth and well-being is directly linked to cents and euros.
In our economically challenged time money seems to bring out a lot of primal emotions like fear and anger. But American Philosopher Jacob Needleman argues that with the recession scratching on most peoples doors they will turn towards their internal resources which gives us a chance to redefine the importance of external ones like money. After all when asked most people don’t list money as one of the things that is most important in their lives, family, friends, fulfilling dreams, being a good person all rank higher up and earning millions doesn’t really appear on any bucket lists.
I am not a materialistic person, money is not something that drives me to do, createย or be, but growing up with very little has taught me to appreciate it’s value and understand how having none can stifle you. So I work to live and not the other way around but when bills need to be paid and the red on my account turns a threatening dark crimson my primal emotion is anger towards those who have yet again forgotten to pay me what is owed.
So while I wait for the metaphorical penny to drop through my letter-box I do so because I need to pay my rent and not because it makes me happy. But I am sure a new pair of shoes would.
a very real post!
thanks I try ๐
I hope there is a good news for you from the post man ๐
Good Luck Jensine! Fingers Crossed ๐
-Naima.
none yet but hopefully it will come today or tomorrow ๐
Save the good luck for the upcoming time ๐
Fingers still crossed!
-Naima.
got one in the mail today ๐ (happy dance while waving letter)
I am joining ๐
-Naima.
yeah
โค
Now second mail, you will get through that too ๐
-Naima.
true that. I wish people would also talk about financial inequality in a spouse or partner as well. No one ever seems to and it is such a defining factor in the balance of power in a couple.
I know and why is it that we put so much of our value on it … we are so much more than a few coins in a tin
Money coming through the mail is a scary thought. Hope you get it.
well more cheques so that is okay as long as they are made out to me ๐
I can totally understand – one has to pay the bills!
sadly yes and food is helpful even when you could lose a few (or in my case a few more) kilos
Fabulous post! Though I have little and sometimes no discretionary income, I enjoy talking about money. If I had more than I needed, I’d likely give most of it away… ๐
I always think the more I ear the more I have to spend … things go up in price etc … a never ending circle
Reblogged this on seapunk2 and commented:
jensinewall wrote this insightful and delightful post on our relationships with “money.”
Money is such a pain in the butt. Unfortuately is does rule the world. I am like you, if I had to much I would probably give it away. Sending positive toughts you way for your money today…hey that rhythms!
ah thanks so uch didn’t come today but maybe tomorrow
It’s so weird and I’ve never really understood that money taboo thing.. I have no problem discussing money, it’s just another thing which affects our lives so why not talk about it.
I have absolutely no problem spending money, either ๐
I hope by now your money has found their way back to you!
got one in the mail today .. yeah won’t be evicted now ๐
yay that’s a big plus!
well my landlord is lovely so am sure I could smile my way into next month
a smile really does go a long way ๐
Money is a touchy subject for sure…one never asks what someone else earns or what their house cost etc. And you’re right when you’re satisfied with yourself and your life there is not that need to go spend spend spend when you don’t have it to do so. Debts to whoever should be considered seriously…I hope your mail comes..Diane
thanks … one came in the mail today ๐
This is perfectly stated and I loved it. It’s not so hard to understand about the anger one feels when someone owes you something — payment for your hard work! Glad one got through at least, and trust me, I feel your pain. Great post!
thanks so much …
I agree. I have friends who will tell me more information that I EVER EVER EVER wanted to know. But the subject of money comes up? Oh my! Deflect! Deflect! It’s frustrating. Especially as I have several friends who still “owe” me $5 each (it’s 3 of them) for a group gift. I suppose I should be thankful the total is only $15, and not something larger that would affect me or my family.
My husband and I are blessed. But I know more than most how quickly that can change. *hugs* I hope you receive those letters!!!
โค Jules
I got one so that is okay ๐