Just for today I will not worry.
Just for today I will be grateful.
Between my monthly pay cheque and my partner’s bi-weekly one, there is a lean time of the month for us. We are in that period right now. Assembling all my change this morning, I had just enough for the commute in and out of work. Right now, I have no idea how I’m going to get in tomorrow.
It happens. We have four babies of three and fewer years, four teenagers, and a number of creditors to support. A few extra Euros are spent here and there as the month progresses. Eventually we’re left short, waiting for the next pay packet to come in.
In the past, I’ve been very stressed about money. We often seem to have just a little less than enough. Bills arrive relentlessly, even when I am unemployed. Last year I was made redundant. This year I’m working a contract job due to finish in October. If I were to listen to the rumours, it might not even last that long, then what? Having to work out reduced or delayed payments can be unpleasant, embarrassing and painful to the ego. Then there is the old saw about being one pay cheque away from living in the street. Are we there yet?
It’s so easy to worry about money, and it’s so debilitating. Has anything ever been accomplished through worry? Worry is useless. Action is useful, which is why I look for ways to supplement our income and shop three different grocery stores on the weekend, for example.
In the meantime, I can be grateful for what we do have, which is a lot. The family is healthy and happy. The kids are doing well in school. None of our dependants are going hungry or unclothed (I assume. I don’t know what the creditors get up to on weekends). The car is in good order. Tax and NCT are up-to-date. The utilities are on, there is food in the fridge, and no-one is beating our door down with a final demand for payment. I’m especially grateful that the TV license inspector does not need to come around– he’s got a reputation.
Today I’m able to do everything that needs to be done. Right now I don’t know about tomorrow. Maybe we’ll find a few Euros in a trousers pocket in the laundry, or maybe a friend or family member will loan us enough to squeak by until Thursday. If not, I will stay home and play with the babies. It will work out, it usually does. I’m not going to worry about it.
Update 22/05/2012: Without going into detail, we now have the resources to make it through another cash drought.
It’s worth noting that I currently have Saturn in my second house, which affects salary and earned income. As part of that, I’m grateful for these cash droughts because they are learning opportunities that help me determine what my family and I need, what we want, and what we can probably do without.
See a list of Reiki Precepts.
Reiki Flow 