Money Problems, Mindful Details.

There is one common concern among people. Come down to a third world country and that concern is multiplied by ten. That concern is money. Money rules everything and many times, it also rules our moods. We have many people falling into depression because there’s no money. So focused on what they don’t have and most times, we worry about money so much we end up doing questionable things for it.

I woke up this morning with that concern. I’m what people like to call “broke” at the moment. I have loans piling up and my jobs aren’t paying as they used to. I’m not a full time employee but freelancer. For this reason, I shifted from my writing “mojo” and started acquiring video editing skills. It’s been paying but it’s certainly not enough. Not at the moment.

However, while looking at my bank account that’s almost red, my sister came and made a funny statement that made me laugh. We then proceeded to do our laundry together and we were laughing so much I forgot that we are now in a new month and bills have to paid. While washing she pointed out how the sun was reflecting on the trees. We stay under the trees (a group of mango, lime and orange trees) to wash. It provides shade and the tap is there.

I looked up and then she said, “This place is so nice. Nature is beautiful.” The sun had risen now and reflecting beautifully against the leaves of the mango trees. Then it struck me. I was trying so hard to control everything again. Many things won’t be under my control. I can’t control how many people trust my skills. I can’t control what people feel about me as a person. I can’t control how people look at me. What I can control is how I feel about everything. Then, I decided to focus on the NOW.

Ever since my sister came here, I have been laughing so much. She’s a bundle of joy and she sometimes says or does the most bizarre things. Fact remains, yes, I have certain control over my finances but I don’t control the way I grow in it. Money isn’t the determinant of success. This thought alone was enough to make me smile, just this morning. Imagine my surprise when I saw the Mindful Monday Post.

Look, to myself and to you, there are many things that would always remain out of our control. I do my yoga as always but I can’t control at what point my muscles really tone out. I only have control over the lifestyle I choose to live. I keep saying this. I am still growing and learning and everything I learn daily is new despite being almost similar to what I learned yesterday. I can only focus, be mindful of my immediate needs. Outside of that, I am helpless. Dwelling on that helplessness is what leads to a life full of bitterness, anger, depression and anxiety. I have chosen not to live like that. How have you chosen to live?