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I’ve donated more money this year than ever before, which ain’t saying much, because in the past I’d usually tell myself I didn’t have enough to give (with few exceptions). I also haven’t donated a whole lot, it’s just more than I’ve ever donated before.
It’s ironic this is the case during 2020 though, a year in which my finances have been negatively impacted like never before.
The reason? Financial literacy. I know, it doesn’t make sense and it’s not logical.
The reason? Financial literacy. I know, it doesn’t make sense and it’s not logical.
Why would giving be considered financially literate, I thought it was all about saving and investing? It is.
But it’s also about moving away from our mental obsession with scarcity. When we grasp every dollar like it’s our last, we over value money itself, rather than understanding that money is a means to an end, and not the end itself.
This in turn reinforces our obsession with scarcity and feeling like there’s never enough. We gotta get out of that feeling of scarcity and move toward’s freedom. The value we give to money should be given to freedom instead.
I’ve found that every time I donate, my attachment to money is decreased and my attachment to freedom is increased. It free’s me from scarcity and it feels good. My attachment to money becomes less about money itself and more about the good it can do for myself and the world.
The goal of becoming financially free has to be rooted in service. Service to ourselves, our families, our communities and the causes that are important to us. If the goal is to be Scrooge we’ll just end up paper rich (if rich at all) and spiritually poor.
We don’t have to donate a lot. Start with a little and give to people and causes that really need it, and who matter to you. Be involved in the process even, when you can feel the impact of your service it’s more inspiring and motivates you to continue doing so.
I can only speak for myself but if I can blow $50-$100 a week on eating out, or on any other expense I thoughtlessly engage in without an actual need for it, then I can afford to donate $20 out of $1,000 and so on.
If you won’t donate $10, then you won’t donate $100, and you definitely won’t give $1,000, $10,000 or more. Just a thought.
Two of my favorite non-profits in the twin cities are Circle of Discipline, Inc. and Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, both of which are in need of donations to keep providing many of the free and low cost services and resources they provide for our communities. Hit em up.
Or help someone else out.
But start now cause you know damn well “tomorrow” or “some other time” when you “have more” never comes. Free yourself from scarcity and walk into freedom.
But start now cause you know damn well “tomorrow” or “some other time” when you “have more” never comes. Free yourself from scarcity and walk into freedom.
I’m not saying give away your last dollar either, but if you got something to give then it’s a good habit to practice. It feels good and if the day arrives when you become wealthy, you won’t be obsessed with the wealth itself, but rather what it can do for your spirit/the world.
