“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
― Rumi
I recently did a few training sessions with social entrepreneurs, some of which were on my curriculum on money mindset.
In my training, we go over some common money myths, one of which is: “The rich get richer, the poor get poorer.”
One young Executive Director challenged me on this.
“Is that a myth?” she asked, “If you look at the stats, the gap is widening and wealth is being concentrated within the 1%.”
On top of that, to suggest that one’s lack of financial resources is due to their own “money mindset” means to overlook centuries of exploitation, racist fiscal policies, enslavement and redlining.
I’m not ignoring these facts.
And yet, I don’t think that’s a stopping point.
Here I offer a “yes and…”
Yes, we can acknowledge that historical wealth in this country has been built on the backs of Black and brown people and built stolen lands and resources.
And there has never been a better time in human history to build wealth.
Yes, we can acknowledge the trauma of being BIPOC/LBGTQIA+/female/poor/disabled/Other in America.
And, I believe that if we don’t heal ourselves and become mentally and emotionally ready to chart our own paths, we will be victims, not victors.
When I think about the extraordinary leaders that I get to work with, I’m moved by their passion to make the world more just, more equitable and better.
As leaders on the frontline, we need to act from a place of love, abundance and possibility because that’s where we will find the energy to go the distance.
Even in the face of violence, racism, trauma and injustice.
In your life, are you fighting or are you creating?
Are you looking at all the things that are horrible and unjust in this world or are you celebrating what’s going right?
What helps you to vibrate at the highest level of your existence?
Articles
MAY 10, 2021
Celebrating the top moms of podcasting and shining the spotlight on these amazing women
December 21, 2020
JULY 03, 2020
19 female entrepreneurs and business owners share the silver linings that are helping them through the pandemic in Business Insider
SEPTEMBER 21, 2017
Jeffersonian Dinners: Using Food and Conversation to Draw in Donors in Chronicle of Philanthropy