Money, Manifestation & Miracles: A Guide to Transforming Women's Relationships with Money
280
Money, Manifestation & Miracles: A Guide to Transforming Women's Relationships with Money
280eBook
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Overview
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781608685226 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | New World Library |
| Publication date: | 02/08/2018 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 280 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
Begin with the end in mind.
— STEPHEN R. COVEY
Becoming successful takes courage, passion, ambition, and persistence. Being successful is a personal choice. While the meaning or measure of personal success differs for everyone, some essential elements comprise the success equation. One of these is to set yourself up for success right from the beginning. This includes building a strong foundation for your relationship with money and understanding the deeper meaning that money holds for you. Doing so will accelerate your journey toward realizing your dreams.
Imagine the Possibilities
It is truly rewarding for me to help my clients create harmonious relationships with money. In the initial phase of our work together, I help to place them on the path toward developing money mastery. Once they have overcome and healed any limiting beliefs and emotional blocks about money, we then focus on the second phase of creating wealth through their life's work, as well as creating their ideal lifestyle. This process also includes identifying the social impact they want to make through their life's work. The third and final phase is helping them to fulfill their social promise and to create a positive social impact on the world (see the diagram below).
I have witnessed repeatedly that when my clients release their limiting beliefs, emotional blocks, and self-sabotaging actions regarding money, they become unstoppable. They can achieve the financial prosperity they desire while doing what they love and making a positive impact on society. Though this book focuses primarily on the first phase, that of creating a harmonious and abundant relationship with money, we will be touching on the next two phases as well.
Timeless Truths
To gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of money, we need to move beyond the dictionary definition of it as "a measure of value or a means of payment." This deeper comprehension will give you a new perspective on money, which will help you pave the way toward your desired reality. In my work over the past twenty years, I have discovered some essential truths about money, both for myself and for my clients.
The first essential truth is that money is a uniquely human creation; it does not exist in nature or in the animal kingdom. The first form of money was used as early as 3000 BCE. And from that time on, humankind has conferred value and power on money. Yet money as an object has no value. It may as well be the artificial currency we use when we play Monopoly. The meaning we assign to money is what gives it such prominence, power, and emotional value in our lives. Money has become its own force.
The second essential truth is that money is an exchange of energy. We expend energy through our work in exchange for money, another form of energy. In turn, the money enables us to use it in various ways, from acquiring the basic necessities of life to enhancing the quality of our lives and the lives of others. We can also use money to facilitate achieving our goals and dreams.
The third essential truth is that money is a form of love. The most powerful force in the Universe is love. It magnifies all the positive qualities of life, such as kindness, faith, hope, generosity, joy, well-being, patience, forgiveness, compassion, peace, courage, happiness, friendship, and more. Therefore, connecting money with love opens up tremendous possibilities for joy because you are the source of all your prosperity and wealth.
Money is a tool you can use to take care of yourself and others by showing your love, nurturing, and appreciation. As women, we feel gratified when we can share what we have and help those in need. A tremendous positive domino effect occurs when women are empowered with money. They can help their families and communities while contributing to the economy at the same time. Having said that, it is also essential that as women we give in a way that is balanced, so that we avoid overgiving and sacrificing ourselves.
You can also use money to care for yourself and demonstrate self-love. A key way to do this is to maintain the mind-set that prosperity begins with you. Feeling good about yourself and what you have in your life is crucial. Self-love is the entryway to being your best and most powerful self. It is a deep appreciation of who you are right now. It is not about loving yourself at some future date when you earn a higher income, or lose weight, or have more confidence, or find the right partner, or have more money in the bank, or meet any other conditions that you may place on yourself in order to feel worthy. Self-love includes accepting each and every part of you. Yes, every part, all the good — your talents, strengths, beauty, wisdom, and many more qualities — as well as the not-so-good, those imperfections and faults we all possess. When you are committed to loving yourself, a positive flow occurs. You will be happier and will make better choices, attracting the right circumstances for prosperity and abundance.
The fourth essential truth is that money is a catalyst for your personal growth. As entrepreneur and author Jim Rohn once said, "After you become a millionaire, you can give all of your money away because what's important is not the million dollars; what's important is the person you have become in the process of becoming a millionaire." Mastering money and abundance is a wonderful journey of personal and spiritual growth — you can become the best and highest version of yourself in the process. And once you understand the concept of wealth creation, you essentially hold the keys to abundance, regardless of the state of the economy. This means that you can become your most powerful self and be in full control of creating the prosperity you desire. Money is not just a means to buy material possessions; it is a tool for vitality and growth. Understanding this can help you let go of residual anxiety, guilt, or fear you might have regarding money.
The fifth essential truth is that money is part of your spiritual purpose. I have found that many women who are soulful often feel conflicted about generating more money in their business or career. They often say, "It's not about the money. I just want to help lots of people." Does this ring true for you? On the one hand, this sentiment is admirable, while on the other, it is a misconception. In fact, here is the irony of this situation: It is far more difficult to reach people when you have no money. You have an opportunity to help many more people and can do more good in the world when you have money, which provides you with the practical means to do so.
Even Mother Teresa, who lived very simply and was a champion for the poor, the dying, and the unborn, once stated, "It takes a checkbook to change the world." This is a key secret understood by the masters of wealth and success who use money as a powerful force for good.
The truth is, the more money you earn, the more you can help others, be of service, make a bigger impact, and fulfill your soul's purpose. In other words, let your prosperity reflect the good you contribute to the world. Poverty is not a spiritual or higher state of being, nor does suffering exalt the soul. Money is often required to accomplish your life's work.
Money is part of your spiritual purpose, and you can use it to help you fully express yourself through your life's work, and to realize your full potential and higher purpose. Since you have a big mission, money is the tool that will help you accomplish your important work in the world — including transforming lives.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
• To achieve success, you must first build a strong foundation for your relationship with money. Doing so will accelerate your journey to success.
• Money is a uniquely human creation, and as a society we have infused it with a powerful force of its own.
• We expend energy through our work in exchange for money, another form of energy.
• Connecting money with love opens up tremendous possibilities for joy. Money can be used to demonstrate your love, nurturing, and appreciation.
• A tremendous positive ripple effect occurs when women are empowered. You can take care of yourself and your family, help your community, and contribute to the economy and to the world.
• Mastering money and abundance is a powerful journey of personal growth. You can become the best and highest version of yourself in the process.
• You can be rich and spiritual at the same time. There is no need to choose.
• It is not more spiritual or nobler to be poor, for money is often required to accomplish your life's work.
• Let your prosperity reflect the good you contribute to the world. You can use money as a positive and powerful force in service to others and to the world.
CHAPTER 2
MY MONEY JOURNEY AND LESSONS
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. ... As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
— MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
I was born in the Philippines, the fourth female and last child, with three sisters ahead of me. At the time of my birth, my family was not rich, but neither were they poor. In fact, I come from a large extended family of professionals — attorneys, judges, engineers, teachers, politicians, nurses, accountants, architects, and so on. Yet the simple fact is I was born in a developing nation with limited opportunities.
Even as I put these thoughts onto paper, I wonder what my life would have been like had my parents not accepted my beloved aunt's invitation to immigrate to Canada when I was four. That one act of kindness, and my parents' calculated decision to uproot their young family and leave behind all that they knew to begin a new life halfway across the world, was courageous and admirable. More important, that one act of compassion profoundly changed the trajectory and quality of my life forever. I am eternally grateful to my aunt and my parents.
Although I do not remember the journey itself, I do know that my parents' decision spared me from witnessing the daily realities of the extreme disparities in wealth that exist between the rich and poor in my birth country. It also saved me from experiencing the frustration of having untapped potential and unrealized dreams. Instead, growing up in a prosperous country paved the way for my many opportunities and successes.
Fortunately, my parents were both college graduates and able to quickly build a solid foundation in their adopted land. I marvel at the fact that my mother earned a bachelor of commerce degree back in 1958, when women around the globe — especially in a developing nation — were not widely engaged in higher education. From when I was a young child until she reached retirement age, my mother had a corporate career, and I believe her fierce determination had a huge impact on me.
Since I was seven years old I have been fascinated with money, wealth, and success and captivated by the people who have it. Questions such as "How did they become wealthy and successful?" and "What is the secret to a life of wealth and abundance?" were ones I often pondered early on. As I grew older, I became curious as to why some people were able to create wealth from humble beginnings, while others who had wealth could manage to lose it all. This fascination with prosperity stayed with me throughout adolescence and into adulthood. It was not a daily thought but something that was frequently, if quietly, in the background of my consciousness. It was only much later that I finally realized the real purpose of this fascination.
My career choice at the age of twelve was to be a journalist, particularly to do what Barbara Walters did — interviewing people, learning about them, and sharing their inspiring stories. I loved what Walters did; she was a true trailblazer who paved the way for many women in her industry. Years later, I discovered Oprah Winfrey and admired her inspirational way of uplifting people to realize their fullest potential and higher calling and to follow their dreams. Her generosity and philanthropic spirit are beautiful expressions of social promise in action.
Yet, though my parents did relatively well for themselves, one characteristic they were unable to easily overcome was their mind-set regarding money, and this mind-set affected me as well. They inherited generations of cultural beliefs and values regarding money, which primarily focused on fear, doubt, and lack. They were both very young children during World War II, when they endured hardships and were forced to go without many of life's comforts.
I recall early on making a conscious choice to move beyond this outlook. Even at that young age, I knew there was so much more that I was meant to do, be, and have. I simply knew that I was not on this earth to play small, since I had a bigger purpose — although I could not have imagined what it was at that time. By the time I was fifteen I was ready to adopt a different view of money, one that was more positive and productive. I had a part-time job, which gave me some independence and some experience with managing money. But it wasn't till years later that I fully realized that I had the power to release my family's legacy regarding money, adopt a new mind-set, and create different results in my life.
Blessings in Disguise
While I was at university, like many young people, I went through a rebellious phase, which again changed the course of my life path. My studies were interrupted by big life events, and by the age of twenty-three I had undergone what it takes many women years or even decades to experience. I was married briefly, became a mother, got divorced, and was living on my own with my precious baby daughter. It all happened in a flash.
I had very quickly realized that I was living the wrong life with the wrong partner. During that time, I gave my financial power away while staying home to take care of my baby. I had to rely on my partner for money, which did not sit well with me. Within six months, I decided to leave the relationship, knowing that my and my daughter's future would have been bleak had I stayed. Although my parents were generous in offering us a place in their home, I wanted to be on my own and craved freedom and independence.
Living on my own with a small baby in a large city was not easy. In fact, it was scary at times. I had a sheltered upbringing and did not know how to be on my own. I didn't even know how to cook, so I had to learn fast. At this point I decided not to apply for social assistance. It was available to me, but I was determined to make it on my own. I also decided not to pursue child support. While not ideal, at the time I was only too happy to forgo these things so that I could quickly move on and secure my independence.
Getting a well-paying job was at the top of my list. Fortunately, I got a job in a research hospital after just a few weeks of looking. My daughter and I lived in an old but cozy one-bedroom low-rise apartment in an upscale neighborhood with a large park and a beautiful church across the street, which eased my mind.
The only help I accepted was with childcare. I was able to secure a spot for my daughter at a coveted daycare center because, during the government elections, I decided to leverage the campaigns and badgered the mayor's office to take my daughter off the waiting list so that I could keep my job. She was close to last on the list, which meant months of waiting for an opening. Miraculously, the next day she had her spot. That was a defining moment for me as I realized I could manifest my desires by asking for what I wanted. More specifically, I realized that I was a powerful manifester and could achieve anything that I set my mind on. My "aha" moment was that when you are completely aligned with your intention and take action on that alignment, the Universe joins and supports you.
Those were memorable years for me. My entry-level salary was decent, but I was also left with high credit card debt and a student loan. I decided to take full responsibility for my finances, which led me to close my credit card accounts and pay for everything in cash. This meant that if I didn't have the money, I couldn't purchase something. It took me four years to pay off the credit cards and student loan in full; I had such a sense of accomplishment when I completed the payments. It was a good plan because I paid every bill on time, thereby maintaining a good credit rating — no credit card company or collection agency ever called me to demand money owed.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Money, Manifestation & Miracles"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Meriflor Toneatto.
Excerpted by permission of New World Library.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTSIntroduction 1
Setting You Up for Success 13
My Money Journey and Lessons 23
Women and Money 41
Discover Your Financial Starting Point 55
Manifesting Financial Prosperity 65
Transforming Your Relationship with Money 75
Holistic Principle 1 - Self-Knowledge Leads to Clarity and Alignment 89
Holistic Principle 2 - Your Mindset Matters Most 111
Holistic Principle 3 - Healing Your Emotions with Money 127
Principle 4 - Confidently Express Yourself 157
Holistic Principle 5 - Create Your Lasting Impact 173
Holistic Principle 6 - Improve Your Money Habits and Actions 197
Principle 7 - Empower Your Growth 219
Holistic Principle 8 - Focus on Achieving Results 237
Conclusion 249
References 259
What People are Saying About This
“Money, Manifestation & Miracles will bring you clarity, inspiration, and a new perspective on your life’s purpose. In this no-fluff book, Meriflor Toneatto empowers us to step into our full potential and shows us that we don’t have to choose between spirituality and success, and that passion and profit go hand in hand.” — Christine Hassler, bestselling author of 20 Something, 20 Everything and host of Over It & On With It podcast “A wonderful primer on how to think about and achieve true wealth. If your inner thoughts about money are keeping you stuck, this book provides the spiritual and emotional tools you need to adjust your beliefs so you are free to create the life of your dreams.” — Sam Bennett, bestselling author of Get It Done and CEO of the Organized Artist Company “A profound and valuable guide to empowering women financially, showing them how to create a tremendous impact on the world while substantially increasing their income.” — Barbara Stanny, author of Sacred Success: A Course in Financial Miracles “The right book at the right time can change your life. Money, Manifestation & Miracles is the right book at the right time for a great many people, both women and men. So many of us have been conflicted about money, consciously and subconsciously, and it has prevented us from realizing our full potential and fully realizing our dreams. This book gets to the core of the problem and clearly shows us, step-by-step, how to truly transform our lives not only financially but spiritually and emotionally as well. Meriflor Toneatto’s work as a coach and speaker has already changed countless people’s lives, and now her book will reach many more. Prepare yourself for some truly remarkable results!” — Marc Allen, author of Visionary Business and The Magical Path “We all need assistance in those areas of our lives that challenge us, and finances are one area where a valuable step-by-step guide for transforming and empowering women’s relationships with money is needed. Money, Manifestation & Miracles is that valuable tool that will assist you in transforming your money stress into financial security. A must-read!” — Kristine Carlson, New York Times–bestselling author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Women and coauthor (with Richard Carlson) of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff in Love “You can be both spiritual and rich! Money, Manifestation & Miracles encourages readers to get over limiting beliefs about money and offers tools to get on with being a ‘difference maker’ and a force for good in the world.” — Cara Bradley, author of On the Verge: Wake Up, Show Up, and Shine “Money, Manifestation & Miracles has arrived at the perfect time for women in every stage of life. Whether you are a business owner, a stay-at-home mom, or a corporate executive, Meriflor Toneatto’s principles will help you get aligned for financial success.” — Joy Chudacoff, author of What’s Next?: The 7 Steps to Discover Your Big Idea and Create a Wildly Successful Business “Meriflor Toneatto shows the dynamic energy exchange between money and soul, spirituality and wealth. To be spiritual and rich at the same time is the core of her message. This book is a catalyst for personal growth and transformation — capturing all the essentials of wealth creation.” — Tania Gabrielle, wealth astro-numerologist “This book shows women how they can be financially independent, flourish in their business and life, and make a big difference in the world socially. Meriflor Toneatto’s authenticity and experience help women through the major emotional pitfalls of money. This is a must-read for any woman who wants to move forward past financially limiting beliefs and into a world of financial prosperity.” — Ruth Klein, author of Time Management Secrets for Working Women “We are physical beings in a physical universe. Meriflor Toneatto explains that money is the interface between this fact and our as-yet-unmanifest potential. She encourages us to face the fears and doubts that limit our ability to fully realize our immense potential. As a woman, an entrepreneur, an educator, and a coach, I recommend that you read and nourishingly put into action the steps in Meriflor’s book.” — Linda J. Page, PhD, coauthor (with David Rock) of Coaching with the Brain in Mind: Foundations for Practice “This book takes you on a deeply personal and insightful journey into how you can create a new, empowering relationship with money — and a rich and soul-fulfilling business at the same time. A must-read for every woman.” — Kendall SummerHawk, money, marketing, and soul coach