Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.

—Ayn Rand, American novelist, philosopher, playwright, and songwriter

Money is very important to us. We give it more power than any other type of energy. And money is just that—another form of energy we interact with. We give money a lot of influence over how we live our lives. We give it the power to make us happy or miserable. We believe it gives us the freedom to live our lives as we choose. We let it determine our self-worth, and we judge others because of it. Money creates conflicting feelings. We are happy when we have it, sad when we don’t.

We need to examine our views toward money so we can help our children establish authentic relationships with it. If our children hear us complain about the lack of money in our lives or watch how upset we become when discussing money it will not set a good example for them. Take a look at your relationship with this form of energy. Look at the environment you grew up in to see if you are continuing patterns that do not serve your family.

There are many prevalent attitudes about money that can actually prevent it from coming into your life. Erroneously, we believe that money can only come from hard work, that money is the root of all evil, or that it is not virtuous to desire money. We believe that having money changes people or that there is not enough money to go around. Too often, people believe some of these theories, and this will keep money at a distance. Others believe they can only be happy, free, or enjoy their lives if they have money. However, what we may not realize is that we are already wealthy; money does not equate to wealth. Wealth stems from recognizing all the gifts we have been given. We have a choice about what we feel, and we can choose happiness just like we choose an outfit for the day. In fact, being happy, loving, and joyful will draw money to us because our energy and vibration are now set at a much higher level.

When we say we don’t have enough money, we send out a signal to the universe that states we are not prosperous and that signal will bring us experiences that match this vibration. As stated by Abraham of Abraham-Hicks, “Whatever I am looking at, I am including in my vibration.” This vibration, positive or negative, is sent out into the universe and draws corresponding experiences to our lives. Even if our finances could use improvement, focusing on areas in our lives that are abundant— jobs we enjoy, loving relationships, great friendships, or good health—will bring us additional events to be grateful for, including improvement in our finances.

The truth is that we are all deserving of living an abundant, prosperous lifestyle. Doing so gives us the time and energy to focus on our gifts and talents. We have to remember that we get what we think we deserve. Our experiences match the energy we exude, what we embody, and what we think, believe, and feel. Money fits perfectly into this equation.

We get what we give out; there is no way around this. If we are selfish and miserly with our love, time, or attention, this form of lack will return to us in some way. If we take love from others without returning it, cheat others, or take what does not belong to us, this will show up in our lives somewhere as a form of scarcity. The universe is not punitive, but it is always fair and is always seeking balance. If we give love to others, it will return to us multiplied. If we are generous and give from our hearts, we will receive much more in return. If we are selfish or cruel, something will be taken from us.

“Life is an echo. What you send out, comes back. What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get. What you see in others exists in you.”
—Hilary Hinton “Zig” Ziglar, American author, salesman, and motivational speaker.

It is important that our children understand these laws so they can create what they want in their lives with purpose. It’s important to teach our children to appreciate and respect money, to manage money responsibly, and to understand it is our inherent birthright to live lives that are filled with prosperity of all kinds. This includes financial abundance, perfect health, fulfilling relationships, careers we enjoy, and lives of purpose, and vision. A life filled with all forms of abundance is available if you believe you deserve it—and if you choose to allow it in.

Jeanmarie Wilson is the author of Parenting from Your Soul: A Spiritual Approach to Raising Children with Compassion and Wisdom, for parents connecting practical guidelines for raising children with spiritual ideology. (www.parentingfromyoursoul.com)