The Secret to Having It All!
In the Fearful State of Wealth, you may find yourself trapped in a mindset of scarcity, where no matter what you do, there’s a nagging sense that it’s never enough. This state often leads to financial decisions driven by anxiety, hesitation, and a reluctance to let go of resources. Whether it's hoarding money out of fear of losing it or avoiding financial matters altogether, the Fearful State keeps you in a cycle of stress and survival mode. It feels as though wealth is always out of reach, creating a sense of disempowerment and frustration.
But what if the key to breaking free from this fearful mindset isn’t about accumulating more wealth, but in recognizing the wealth you already possess?
In her book The Having: Feeling and Growing Rich, Suh Yoon Lee introduces a transformative concept that can shift your relationship with money and abundance—"Having." Having is the practice of fully embracing what you already possess in each moment, especially when you spend money. It’s about celebrating and being grateful for what you have rather than focusing on what you lack. This simple yet profound shift in mindset can be the antidote to the Fearful State, helping you see wealth in a new light.
When you’re in the Fearful State, it’s easy to get caught up in the “what ifs.” You may constantly worry about future expenses, unexpected costs, or the possibility of financial collapse. This fear-driven approach can cloud your ability to appreciate the resources you currently have, whether those are financial, emotional, or even spiritual. The focus on scarcity makes it difficult to recognize abundance, leaving you feeling stuck in a never-ending cycle of lack.
Suh Yoon Lee’s concept of Having offers a way out of this cycle. The key is to become fully present in the moment when you spend or manage your money, and to embrace a sense of gratitude for what you already have. By doing this, you begin to feel a sense of abundance rather than scarcity. When you practice Having, you are not simply acknowledging the material possessions or money in your account—you are recognizing the wealth that already exists in every area of your life. This includes your relationships, health, opportunities, and personal growth.
This shift in perspective is beautifully captured in the quote, “The secret to having it all is knowing that you do.” It’s not about endlessly striving for more, but about realizing that true wealth is already present when you choose to see it.
When you practice Having, you can start to release the fear and anxiety that hold you back. You stop focusing on what you don’t have and start appreciating what is already in your life. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue growth or financial goals, but it reframes your relationship with money from one of fear to one of gratitude and confidence.
Moving out of the Fearful State requires this internal shift. It’s about understanding that wealth is more than just a number in your bank account—it’s a mindset. When you can feel grateful and fulfilled with what you already possess, you create space for more abundance to flow into your life. The more you practice Having, the more you begin to see opportunities rather than obstacles, growth rather than limitations, and wealth rather than lack.
So, if you find yourself stuck in the Fearful State of wealth, consider shifting your focus. Instead of worrying about what you don’t have, take a moment to appreciate all that you do. Whether it’s a roof over your head, supportive relationships, or the ability to create new opportunities, wealth exists in many forms. By embracing the concept of Having, you can begin to transform fear into empowerment, scarcity into abundance, and stress into peace.
The secret to having it all truly lies in knowing that you already do.
Reflective Questions
What resources, financial or otherwise, do you currently have in your life that you often overlook or take for granted? How might recognizing and appreciating them shift your perspective on abundance?
When you spend money, how do you feel—fearful, anxious, or grateful? What steps can you take to shift your mindset toward appreciation in those moments, practicing the art of “Having”?
How has fear shaped your relationship with money? What would change in your life if you approached your finances from a place of trust and gratitude rather than fear?