Miss Susan Flynn

In my early working days, I received physical paycheques. I’d collect them in my dresser, and never deposit them. One day, my mom said smugly “Susan, what would happen to your cheques if the house was to burn down?” I sprinted up the stairs, gathered all my cheques, and hightailed it to the bank.

I’ve considered my saver trait a positive. It’s helped me pay off debt and has created a life of security. But saving has a dark side, one rooted in a deep-seated fear of lack. While I’m debt-free and financially secure, I have visions of my ninety-year-old self panhandling on the street.

Sure, saving has given me security, but at what cost? This fear of lack has caused me to hold onto things too tightly, stay in my lane, and never leap. This rooted belief even made me choose a career based on the salary and job prospects versus interest for the particular field. Recently I woke up and realized that holding on so tightly doesn’t make you feel secure, it makes you feel trapped.

The fear of lack manifests in many forms. For me, the fear of poverty weighs me down, for you it could be the fear of losing love, your health, time or the overarching belief that you will never be or have enough. 

So how do we break free from our fear of lack? The answer is the opposite, we need to give more and let go. Here are five tips to fight the fear of lack:

Give away thanks and praise freely

Give away thanks and praise daily. It’s funny how we politely thank the barista at Starbucks, but we can’t muster up thanks for the people who mean the most to us. Give away praise freely and make it unique to the particular person. There is nothing I love more than giving someone a compliment that’s just for them like “I love how you laugh easily,” or “I love how you ask great questions.” Commit to thank and praise people regularly. 

Share your knowledge

As humans we have used language and writing to pass on our lessons to others for centuries. Don’t hoard your unique experiences and relish in someone’s struggles. Sharing knowledge can be one of the greatest gifts in life. Learn it and share it. 

Give away your money

The great John C. Maxwell committed to giving away 10% of his yearly earnings even when he was a young, struggling pastor. People who believe in abundance give away money and expect nothing in return. 

Stop scrolling and be grateful

It’s estimated that the average person sees an average of 4,000 to 10,000 advertisements a day. No wonder the mindset of having not enough or not being enough is ramped. Start or end every day with five things you’re grateful for and unfollow accounts on social media that cause you to feel like you aren’t enough such as those that focus on excessive consumerism, beauty, or travel. 

Let it go

When I graduated from my Masters I had a fear of not finding a job. Guess what? I found a job. When leaving my first job, I feared I would never find another job I would enjoy. Guess what? I found another one. While searching for another job again, I had a fear I would never find another that met my salary expectations. Again, the universe proved me wrong, and I was offered another job. But, this time it was different. The job turned out to be not what I had imagined, so I let it go. The six-figure salary, the bonus, the car allowance, all gone. And you know what happened? It liberated me. It made me realize that I have the power to choose. That there’s no reason to fear, because whatever comes along, I’m going to handle it, you’re going to handle it.

So, friend, I hope you find the courage to let go. To grasp things a little less tightly,  give more, and realize — there is more than enough out there for all of us. Take the leap, embrace the unknown, and know that whatever comes your way — you’ll handle it. 

positive affirmation:

I release my fear of lack and accept the abundance and prosperity of the universe.

Susan Jeffers, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

Thank-you for giving me the great privilege of being a part of your life today. If you found this post meaningful, please share, like, comment, and follow my blog. For daily inspiration and guidance on living your best life, follow me on Instagram @miss_susanflynn.

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