Financial Element: Finding humor in facing the truth.

This morning, my husband gave me an article to read from the Wall Street Journal on healthy sleep positions.  But, as I picked up the paper,  my attention was drawn to the Salt and Pepper cartoon on the back page. (a definite Divinely directed diversion)  If I was more computer savvy, I would be able to paste it on this blog page, but I don't know how to do that, so, I'll describe it instead:

A client is conversing with his financial planner. The client says, "I DO have a diversified retirement plan: 30% hope, 30% wishes and 40% prayers."   

This so clearly exemplifies the state of my Financial Self.  I ask myself  if 'hope, wishes and prayers' are acceptable substitutes for my personal responsibility to take care of myself? Honestly, NO they are not. As I write this and let these thoughts sink in, I feel humiliation and shame and incompetence.

When I sit and read the chapters in Brent Kessel's book I have to force myself to pay attention. The book is great, but I'm in agony, fearing what I might find out next. I'm amazed at my resistance to really delve into this Element of Self.  One of the areas Kessel focuses on is getting to the Core Story of one's relationship and beliefs about money. I read that in money matters, as in many other areas in our life, our early experiences profoundly effect our ongoing adult behavior.  I have always used these 'stories' from my childhood to explain and rationalize my behavior with money. I didn't think about them as being the drivers of my financial well being. Fortunately, Kessel's book is kind and gentle, yet forceful as he gives no excuses for not moving forward.  Indeed, I am aware my ability to live my life and do my work depends on it.

I'm glad for a little humor in this very serious endeavor.  The fact Randy Glasbergen created this particular cartoon comforts me in knowing I am not alone in using 'hope, wishes and prayers' as a plan. I can laugh-just a little.