I’ve noticed recently how much my mind likes to default to what’s “wrong” in my life. This is especially true as I focus on building my financial foundation.

When I wake up and start my day, my brain wants to immediately fixate on something like “solving a money shortage.” It wants to point out the difference between my financial goals and what’s currently in my bank accounts. It’s a crappy feeling.

Recently I’ve become more aware of these moments, rather than falling victim to the restrictive emotions that come with a feeling of lack. 

Over time, I’ve collected tools that allow me to rein it back in and notice the wealth that’s all around me. I can give my monkey mind a “reality check” and remind myself how blessed I truly am.

For example, my old money worries centered around making sure we could pay the mortgage and utility bills and still eat. It was a struggle for many years. These days, our basic costs are covered.

I get to do work that I love. I no longer have to work for someone else, commute, or do things that I don’t want to do. I’m the one who directs my time.  My housemates, too, have greater freedom and prosperity. We have plenty of food and clothing.

Not only that, there are the intangibles that aren’t directly related to money. I live in a beautiful place, on land that’s been in my family for many decades. It’s a huge blessing. I love my home.

I have family and friends who love me. I’m truly blessed in terms of community. I feel supported and encouraged. 

There is an abundance of books, internet access, streaming services, music, and craft supplies at my fingertips. I have my own home office, and it’s beautiful and inspiring!

I have a whole lot more wealth than my monkey mind is willing to notice.

I’m willing to bet that this is true for you, too. You are surrounded by blessings. Yes, there are also areas of struggle. It’s normal for the brain to want to focus on these. It’s how we’ve been programmed.

That said, you can reprogram your mind and point your thoughts in the direction of gratitude. 

Meditation helps, as does yoga or taking a nature walk.

So does writing a list of 3 things you’re thankful for each day. I’ve been doing that in my bullet journal each morning for a few years now, writing down three things that I’m grateful for from the previous day.

If you’re feeling especially worried, try this technique I came up with one night when I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep. I couldn’t seem to get my mind to stop obsessing over how I’d pay certain upcoming business expenses. So I started thinking about all the things I’m most grateful for – starting with my cozy bed and soft pillow. I thought about as many gratitudes as I could. Eventually I fell back asleep.

I’ve since started calling this “gratitude bathing” and have used it in many different situations. It’s a calming technique that neutralizes the monkey mind’s random worries quite effectively. Give it a try when you’re feeling worried.

You’ll soon discover how many more things there are to be grateful for than there are “problems” in your life. Tap into the abundance of blessings that surrounds you, and you’ll begin to feel truly wealthy – and happier.