All it takes is a shift of focus. Or new glasses.

Its tax season and like every year I have waited until the last moment to prepare my taxes. So yesterday I was sitting at my desk, cranking it out late at night, in order to still make the fiscal deadline. Nothing like a little adrenaline rush.  

 

With each data entry into my computer, I heard little voices. You know, those voices in your head, representing your old money beliefs? Or those of your parents, that you unwillingly have taken on as well? YOU didn't believe money was dirty, until your mom told you to go wash your hands, right?

Rationally, I know that paying taxes is a GOOD thing! It’s a privilege, an opportunity to contribute and help sustain our country and its people. “Be glad you can pay taxes; it means you actually earned money!”

Sure, I agree! But in all honesty? The whole process of doing my taxes still brings up some emotional stuff. When I started with the month January, I felt gratitude. But with each reconciled month, the gratitude got a little less and the voices a little louder. “Money goes out faster than it comes in”,  “The cost of living is just so high these days” and “It’s a recession out there, shouldn’t you have saved more?”. By the time I had finished December, I was feeling slightly worried.

I was ready to call it a night. I shut down the computer and closed the binder with all the financial papers. My eye fell on one the divider tab that said “bills”. Except… that’s not what I saw.

I rubbed my eyes. I still saw the same word. You know what I kept seeing, on that divider tab?

"BLISS" 

I couldn’t stop smiling. Of course, after looking up closer, it said “bills”. But for a few seconds there, I was convinced it said BLISS. I had looked three times!

Granted, it was really late and the binder was upside down… but still! I like to think it was the Universe winking at me. I like to think the Universe was reminding me that it only takes a little shift of focus from a negative association (BILLS) to a delightful association (BLISS). My husband likes to think it was the Universe telling me I need glasses.