Say out loud, “I forgive myself.” The Energy Of Financial Self-Forgiveness 

Tomorrow is the Autumn Equinox, a time of year that usually represents the Harvest season. In many traditions and cultures it is a time of reflection, repentance for past sins, and prayers for new beginnings. We can use the energy of this season to master the art of financial self-forgiveness.

Many people struggle with being able to forgive themselves. Self-forgiveness can get equated with “letting yourself off the hook” when actually it is quite the opposite. Inherent in self-forgiveness is the acceptance of what was and what is. It is the ability to genuinely take full responsibility for past actions, but not from a judgmental and self-recriminating place.

Self-forgiveness is a vital step in becoming financially smitten because self-berating over past financial indiscretions often keeps people stuck and unable to take action towards their financial goals. To rigidly hold onto past ‘sins’ via psychological self-flagellation can be a form of resistance to change, growth and moving forward.

I frequently see with my clients the erroneous thinking that their “mental whipping” will keep them in check…that somehow the relentless self-recrimination and self-judgment will keep them “in line” with their money behaviors. OK, but we all know this does not really work! In reality, relating to yourself in this way maintains a disempowered, immobilized position. I ask you to consider, what would happen if you could release that self-punishing, unforgiving voice inside of you?

Because this is often what we are talking about: changing the self-talk. Self-forgiveness is about developing a new way of speaking to yourself, from a place of self-compassion, self-love, and nonjudgmentalness.

Living in self-condemnation serves no one. Imagine what your life would be like without this energy taxing you. Don’t think it doesn’t take energy to be perpetually carrying that whip around. Imagine how liberating it would feel to let all of that go, to release it and feel the resulting freedom.

Self-forgiveness is not a one-shot deal but an ongoing process. It’s about inviting kindness into your relationship with yourself. We are not perfect and will continue to make mistakes or have regrets when it comes to our financial life. Sorry to break it to you! But by living in a place of self-awareness and self-forgiveness we can objectively learn from any mistakes and continue to move forward on our Financially Smitten journey.

To continue to berate yourself, live in self-doubt, and not be able to forgive yourself WILL keep you stuck. Self-forgiveness is what puts petal to the metal when it comes to creating the money-life you desire and deserve.

Financially Smitten Call to Action for YOU today:

Think about the ways you have engaged in thoughts, feelings and/or actions regarding money that have not served you. Start to develop compassion for the parts of you that made mistakes and got stuck.

Say out loud, “I forgive myself.”

Place your hand on your heart. Say it aloud again, “I forgive myself.” These are truly magical, powerful words. Take in what it feels like to say them. Feel the actual physical release, the unburdening provided by these simple but profound words. Keep them close at hand so you can say them whenever you need to. Let them be your new friend. And start to witness the resulting shifts in your relationship with money.

About the author 

As founder of Financially Smitten, Lora Sasiela, MSW, employs a proven blend of financial therapy, money coaching and personal experience to inspire women to approach their personal finances with consciousness, clarity, and confidence. Her dynamic coaching style, celebrated workshops, and information products, are inspiring a new generation of financial powerhouses who are kicking their fear, guilt and shame about money straight to the curb. Her work has been featured in national magazines such as Marie Claire and Glamour.