Category Archives: inspiration

Begin

In this mid-week phase (especially after having a sick family including myself last week), I need a little inspiration to get through this week. While I’m more in need of wrapping up lots of tasks, Ben Lee’s Begin always gets me going. 


The video isn’t what I envision for the song, but we each have our own personal spin.


I first got into Ben Lee by listening to Pandora, a great source of free music.


Ben Lee’s Begin video:



What are you ready to begin?


~*~*~*~*~*~
Sustainable Family Finances
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

Story of Citizens

As always, I can’t help but share my enthusiasm for Annie Leonard and her brilliant Story of Stuff films series. So here’s the latest, which is about corporate power and how citizens lost control. It’s less than ten minutes, and you’ll no doubt be inspired…or at least motivated to take action:






What are your thoughts on the film/topic?


~*~*~*~*~*~ 
Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

Energy of Money Review

I shared earlier about reading the Energy of Money I’m still wrapping up my “homework,” but I can say that it’s already been eye opening to type up each and every expense for a month…even after a year of blogging about our finances, I hadn’t written out our expenses that consciously.


But it’s not the homework challenge that makes me highly recommend the Energy of Money, it’s the depth of personal reflection that it asks of you. Rather than simply asking you to dream up your financial goals in isolation, she presents questions to find your personal and professional path to match your values. I happened to read this part around the new year as we were developing our family goals, and it certainly helped to make them meaningful and well-rounded. It’s all about taking Authentic Action with your energy – monetary and otherwise.


Nemeth isn’t all warm and fuzzy though, and she asks tough questions about past money mistakes and where your finances may have felt unbalanced with your personal values and life goals. She demands that you own up to even the smallest indiscretions, as they can haunt the psyche and unconsciously drain your bank account. She talks a lot about the inherent nature of monkey mind, and how our internal chatter really guides our money decisions.


I also really appreciate her tips for creating a practice of gratitude in your life, and how your perspective influences your net worth. Speaking of net worth, Nemeth recommends that everyone calculate their net worth. Honestly I’ve resisted calculating our net worth, and I realized that it’s probably because my college loans total more than our collective savings and house equity. Nonetheless, once I’m done with my initial homework, I am going determine our net worth so that we’ll have an objective baseline to compare material progress. Like Nemeth reminded me, it’s not meant to compare anyone’s personal worth or value in the world…so my reluctance on moral grounds needs to end.


As mentioned before, Nemeth led thousands through a Money and You course before writing the Energy of Money. I really appreciated how she wove her personal life story with the anecdotal quotes of her many course participants. They were very insightful, and help her messages feel genuine not hypothetical, or heaven forbid, hypocritical. 


Lastly, the book may have been written in 1999, but it is very contemporary and readers can probably relate to some of the messages even deeper in the wake of the economic crisis. 


Have you read the Energy of Money?


~*~*~*~*~*~ 
Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

Sound of Sunshine

Walking to the bus my Big Guy commented about how pitch black it is here, and I explained how it will continue to get a little darker each day until just before Christmas. He found it hard to believe that it could get any darker, and I agreed!


For many this season of darkness it’s hard to get motivated, especially with our finances.  I know personally I need to start planning for the holidays, and even though we don’t buy many gifts, I tend to be a last minute shopper. No “Black Friday” sales for me…we’ll be in the woods finding the perfect tree! But alas, I need to focus on our finances before all the holiday revelry begins. 

So instead of researching a lengthy post, I’m going to share a song that brightens this dark season. When I first heard the Sound of Sunshine on the radio, I almost felt my spirit elevate. I hope it will inspire to think about what makes you happy and how working on your finances will bring you closer to your family goals.

Sound of Sunshine  – by Michael Franti

What motivates you?

~*~*~*~*~*~ 
Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

What I Am

I came across Will.I.Am’s Sesame Street music video of What I Am, and it’s so playful and powerful that I can’t help but share it with you. 


It’s so important that we impart a deep confidence in our children, and live as role models who feel positive about our impact on the world. Attitude is the true key to financial success. I also can’t help but share 15 Surefire Ways to Impress, at the base it’s all about accepting yourself in order to connect deeply with the world.





Does this video inspire you?
Have you shared it with your kids?


~*~*~*~*~*~ 
Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.