I received a lovely message about spending, and it inspired me to remember this teaching I received from one of my mentors.

As we move into the season where lots of “spending” typically occurs, I thought this would be a timely share to inspire YOU as well.

When we “spend” it typically feels like we are losing what we spend… 
We “spend” our money, now it’s gone.
We “spend” our time, now it’s gone.
We “spend” our energy, now it’s gone.

That can feel heavy, and like we’re in a spiral we cannot escape. There doesn’t seem to be enough, because once we “spend” it, it’s gone!

Now if we simply shift one word… we shift the energy!!

INVEST.

We “invest” our money, now it grows.
We “invest” our time, now it grows.
We “invest” our energy, now it grows.

Now you may be saying, “HOW does it grow? It’s the same transaction!”

Yes, AND… investing grows in what you RECEIVE. 

When we focus on “spending,” we are focusing on giving.
I am giving to get.

When we focus on the energy of “investing,” we are focusing on receiving and growing. 
I am in flow to grow.

For instance… I recently purchased a pendant. I have never “spent” this much on a piece of jewelry. When I though about “spending” it, I was thinking about the money I would lose to get it.

Yet, this piece spoke to me. I had dreams about it. I could FEEL it’s energy. My soul KNEW I was meant to have it.

When I shifted to “investing,” the energy lightened, and I felt how it would grow and expand… 
I am investing in my intuition (as it guided me to this piece).
I am investing in my growth (as the pendant properties are calling to my soul).
I am investing in my belief of self (as I can feel my energy expand with it!).
I am investing in an amazing artist, woman’s business, creative soul (as the creator is amazing and following her entrepreneurial dream!).
And so on….

Think about going to the grocery store. When you purchase food, rather than “spending” money on it, you are “investing” in your health, nourishment and energy.

Think about sharing time with others…
Feel the shift in spending time with them (minutes that pass and are gone)…
Versus investing time with them (that expands with growing and nurturing your relationship, love, memories).

Think about your energy…
Are you “spending” it doing stuff? OR “investing” it with what you are doing?

I invite you to try this powerful reframe. 

Now, I’m not saying, “Yeah, spend the money… just call it investing instead,” I’m saying “PAUSE, and ask yourself, where is the investment for you?” Is it investing the money in something OR is the investing in honoring your boundary of saying NO?”

There are times I can “mindlessly spend” which is not investing. In those moments I’m seeking to fill a void,  something outside myself, when truly we have all we need.

I recently caught myself in this the other day. There is a thrift store I love to go to. That’s where I go for my clothes. Now, I had just been there, AND I want to clean my closet out. YET, my mind said, let’s go in and look around! 

I paused. (This is key to check in with your intuition and be mindful!) I realized there is nothing I need, and I was just randomly going to look, and likely spend on things just to spend. It wasn’t “investing” for me this time.

Last night, I was mindlessly watching TV. I paused, and asked myself if this was a wise “investment” in my time and energy. I was guided to watch something else that nourished my soul, and also reminded of the books I have to read.

It’s about being MINDFUL of your investing. Your money. Your time. Your energy. 

“No, not now,” is just as much of an investment as is “yes.” 

When I am thinking about investing my time, my energy or my money, I like to ask myself, “Is this an exchange to flow, expand and grow?”

The TV show, was a no, and I was able to change channels. The thrift store was a no, and I didn’t go. The pendant was a yes, and I excitedly await its arrival. 

In each and every moment we have the opportunity to choose what and where the right investment is for us.

How about you? Where are you investing? Do you find this reframe helpful? I’d love to hear! Please leave a comment below and let me know.

To your investing in what’s best for YOU.