THE CELTIC CONNECTION • MARCH 1993
Page 33
MANAGING YOUR MONEY
Savings Affect the Way You Walk and Talk
By ROBERT HENDERSON Financial Consultant We have all read, again and again, various commentaries on the importance of creating a
[>ositive self image. An excel-ent book is Living Beyond The .Limits - The Tao of Self Empowerment by Jerry Lynch. It comments wisely on this important challenge.
Potential is greatly influenced by concepts of self. Although one may have established the image of not being good enough over the years, there is no reason to continue lugging around negative portraits. They can be changed by getting in touch with the real you and acting accordingly. You are never too old to alter your image for a wider, more fulfilled life.
Creating a realistic self-image, one that blends with the real you, will not give you what you don't have or deserve. It will, however, enable you to release and utilize those talents, abilities and traits you already possess. It will also improve your sense of self-worth and confidence which, when working together, will put you in position to experience positive growth.
Discovering this "true self" will put an end to underestimating the magnitude of the gifts you have within. When you recognize and appreciate your own value, you will achieve a more fulfilling existence. Understand, however, that this may take some time; but the effort is
worth it. Benjamin Hoff, in The Tao of Pooh, reminds us of the Chinese story of the stonecutter, which I have adapted here to illustrate this point.
The stonecutter was unap-preciative of his position in Unseeing a wealthy merchant, he wished he could be such. When he became one, he realized that with all this power, he still had
to bow before the king; of course, he now wished to be king. And so it was, until he noticed how much the sun could make him uncomfortable with its heat.
How powerful the sun is, he thought, so he became the sun until the cloud showed its power by covering the sun. He then became the powerful cloud until one day, the mighty wind pushed him around. He then became the wind, which could do all except blow the powerful stone. He became the stone, more powerful than anything on earth. As he stood proudly in the wind, he asked what could be more powerful that a stone? As he looked down, he saw a stonecutter, pounding him with a chisel.
We must become aware of our personal value, believe in it and take risks to cultivate that power. We have within us, all we need to realize a fulfilling existence. We have simply to notice and behave accordingly.
The importance of financial security and financial responsibility cannot be overs tressed. Money and our attitudes to it are a vital part of our everyday lives. Money will not "buy happiness" but our attitude to it can and will shape our own feelings of worth and self-esteem. Your savings, believe it or not, affect the way you stand, the way you walk, the tone of your voice. In short, your physical well-being and self-confidence.
A person without savings is always running. They must. They must take the first job offered, or nearly so. They sit nervously on life s chairs because any small emergency throws them into the hands of others.
Without savings, one becomes too grateful. Gratitude is a fine thing in its place, but a constant state of gratitude is a horrible place in which to live. Someone
with savings can walk tall. They may apprise opportunities in a relaxed way, have time for judicious estimates and not be rushed by economic necessity.
Someone with savings can afford to resign from their job, if their principles so dictate. And for this reason they'll never need to do so.
Someone who can afford to quit is much more useful their company, and therefore more pro-motable. This person can afford to give the company the benefit of their most candid judgments.
Someone always concerned about necessities, such as food and rent, can't afford to think in long-range career terms. They must dart to the most immediate opportunity for ready cash. Without savings, one will spend a life-time of darting and dodging.
Someone with savings can afford the wonderful privilege of being generous in family or neighbourhood emergencies. They can take a level stare into the eyes of any person — friend, stranger or enemy. It shapes their personality and character.
The dean of American bankers, J.P. Morgan, once advised a young broker, "Take waste out of your spending; you'll drive the haste out of your life".
Will Rogers put it this way, "I'd rather nave the company of a janitor, living on what he earned last year...than an actor spending what he'll earn next year".
If you don't need money for college, a home or retirement, then save for self-confidence. The state of your savings has a lot to do with how tall you walk •
ROBERT HENDERSON is a financial advisor with Vantage Securities. He publishes a bimonthly financial newsletter. For more information call Robert at (604) 682-4455
POETRY CORNER
THE CHIEFTAINS
Planxty Chieftains My greatest inspiration has been your sound your music in my words Celtic melodies breath life Into these barren pages.
Gentle ancient rhythms
transport me to
when Brian rules again, To Tara, hill of Kings And beyond to Samhain.
The fluid movements of metal-strung harp inflict beauty and grace Like a Wicklow waterfall's Tender mist on upturned face.
You give new life to Ireland's tales
As I long to;
shall I pray to Ogma Or Brigid? Or hope my Blind
Relation Will manifest himself in me?
Your music transcends, endures, and in my literary
freed I pray my words will e endowed with equal traits And remain long after me.
Dragging unyielding pen across this page is hardly thanks for your immortal gift Of home's haunted, haunting sound,
But it's all I have to offer you.
So in my printed boldness I
entreat you kings
accept this gratitude From a struggling fellow artist That you will never know.
— Cunla Raifteirt
Charitable Irish
DUBLIN — The average Irish person donates about £9 per month to charity, according to a recent survey. This would amount to an annual figure of £250,000. One in three Irish is also involved in some voluntary charitable activity.
What Will Bill Do?
WASHINGTON — Leading Irish Americans have submitted proposals on about U.S. policy with Ireland to President Bill Clinton. Among other suggestions, the appointment of a peace envoy to the North, less rigorous application of the extradition laws, and support for the McBride Principles. — L.F.
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