Topic of the Week

True Security

While searching for a resource in past newsletters, I came across a topic I wrote about that’s worth repeating during this challenging economic time. It’s about where real security comes from.

If you’re like most people, you probably equate a sense of security with how much money you have. I know I did. In order to feel safe and protected, I focused on earning and saving money as a way to achieve peace of mind. As I did however, I discovered something strange. My feelings of security and peace didn’t increase with my bank account. Regardless of how much money I earned (or saved), I never felt secure enough.

I’ve since learned that the key to creating security has to do with a whole lot more than the balance in your savings account. It has to do with the balances in other accounts as well. True security comes from having a reserve in all areas of life – a reserve of community, love, self-esteem, a connection to Spirit, and health, in addition to financial reserves. Until you invest in these other areas, you’ll always feel insecure, regardless of how much money you have.

Of course money is important – we all need it to live and to make the kinds of choices that maintain or improve the quality of our lives. But it’s equally important to make deposits into these other accounts as well. For example, consider the following questions:

1. Do you have a reserve of friends and/or family who are there for you in times of need?

2. Do you have a reserve of confidence and self-esteem that allows you to get your needs met?

3. Do you have a reserve of courage that you can call upon when you need to take difficult actions?

4. Do you have a reserve of faith and a strong connection to a power greater than yourself?

5. Do you have a reserve of physical energy?

6. Do you have a reserve of colleagues or professional relationships that will support you and your career?

Just as you make regular deposits to your savings account, you’ll want to start making regular deposits into these other accounts as well. As an example, those of you who are looking for a new job will benefit from networking – getting together with friends and colleagues to share resources, referrals, ideas, and suggestions. Career experts agree that this is still the single, most effective way to land great work. With that in mind, you quickly realize that investing in a professional network creates the kind of protection money can’t buy.

When you view security from this perspective, it’s easy to see that regular dates with your best friend are just as important as regular deposits into your IRA. Or building a reserve of self-esteem is even more important than putting money away for a new home.

It takes time and attention to build reserves in each of these areas and it’s worth the investment. When you do, you not only make for a secure future, you create a secure present as well. And, when the present feels secure, you’ll make much better choices for you and your family.

So, how about it?  Are you ready to start making new deposits?