| Before I did not feel in control of finances at all. It felt like I was not able to save anything or afford anything. Delving into finances was also a little bit of a taboo thing for me; “profit” being a dirty word… I’d literally get panic attacks paying the bills online; I blamed the e-banking software… You work intrigued me when you mentioned that financial decisions are affected by emotions, experiences and behavioural patterns that don’t necessarily have to be connected to finances and money. During our first introduction meeting I felt very comfortable sharing with you and felt a willingness to listen, understand and help me. I definitely feel more in control of my finances and am able to make decisions in a much more comfortable, relaxed and peaceful way. There is far less doubt about my finances, my worth and value and my plans. Concretely I have investigated what the best way for me is to add tangible value to my company. I have assessed what brings value to my life and have started cutting out things that I feel do not add much value or rather use my energy without adding anything. I am capable of looking at this from both a monetary value and emotional value. This has lifted a tremendous weight from me; where I used to take problems or issues home from work, I seem to be able to let go even before work finishes… I am analysing my financial situation in my business and at home. I have even made the nicest spreadsheets and graphs I have ever made!!! Based of course on the examples you gave to me. I’m really proud of that!!! I learned I was carrying a lot of baggage from the distant and recent past. I hadn’t realised how much this was weighing down on my emotionally. It was also quite surprising how easy it was to share these things with you; you made me really feel comfortable doing that, even though most of our sessions were online. So, I feel far more energy, confidence and control about the future. I forgot how to accept encouragement, admiration and compliments from my surroundings. Now when I receive this I stop and try to take it all in. It literally sometimes feels like the warm sun on your face on a cold day, a warm blanket. At times I have caught myself enjoying these feelings even long after something nice happened. Finally, I learned how to “sympathise” and not “empathise” all the time. When I empathise I get emotionally involved; when I sympathise I understand the situation. My empathy thus requires something in return and in some cases that means money. Concretely, it became a solution to getting overworked, stressed and emotionally and physically tired. The impact on my stress, anxiety, worry levels has been tremendous. I feel energised, confident and am enjoying myself giving time and love to the people I think really matter in my life. Seeing the financials in a spreadsheet takes away the pressure from “me”. I have definitely become more organised and objective in making financial decisions. Our financial goals are now to make a buffer for both our business and home finances. I don’t think my goal is to become rich in a number and money way. I want to be rich in experiences and feel fulfilled in sharing empathy and love with the people I care about and who complete my life. I now realise that having the buffers will allow me to be calm, focussed and relaxed enough to enjoy that and take it in and absorb. I don’t think I will ever be proud of financial achievements. I will be proud of the journey I made to get there. I now also realise that it relaxes me, gives me peace, that I feel I am doing everything I know is possible to take care of finances. I didn’t realise how much I love what I do professionally and personally and how much I love my family. But I also didn’t realise how, through my baggage from the past, my behaviour and emotions were misdirected and having a negative impact on our financial stability. I am now amazed at what I am capable of doing and willing to give up for my family and surroundings. 26. 1. 2022 Vrsta sodelovanja: Individualni coaching |  Stef Harley
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