Finding Peace and Abundance with Happy Money

Money is important! We all want to have a pleasant relationship with money. However, instead of feeling happy, grateful, and loving towards it, many people experience worry, regret, or even resentment deep inside. Imagine if your money felt the same emotions you do—what would you want to feel about money, and what would you want money to feel about you?

Imagine if your money felt the same emotions you do—what would you want to feel about money, and what would you want money to feel about you?

I grew up in an ordinary family in a small town in China. As a child, I watched my parents work hard to make a living during the 1980s when China was just beginning to open up. I knew it wasn’t easy to earn money, so I didn’t ask my parents for toys. Fortunately, I still received toys and nice dresses from my family, relatives, and friends.

More fortunately, I enjoyed studying and did well in school. When I was a teenager, I earned a full scholarship, complete with a monthly allowance, to study abroad. It was the first time I ever flew on an airplane and travelled overseas—without my parents but with a group of students and teachers. I didn’t worry about money, and I never overspent. I could even earn pocket money during school holidays by working at a fast-food restaurant, giving tuition, and interning at an international consulting company. Immediately after university, I decided not to pursuit further in the academia field but started working at a bank. I simply understood that money came to me when I worked.

Over time, I realized money was always with me, flowing. I regularly give money to my parents, donate to charity, and send gifts to loved ones. I know money has its energy—it needs to flow. In Chinese culture, water represents wealth because it flows.

In Chinese culture, water represents wealth because it flows.

Recently, I took a break from work (a sabbatical) and stopped receiving my monthly salary. I knew I’d be fine, but in the first week, I unexpectedly felt anxious about not receiving money for the first time in my life. I was shocked by this anxiety but also grateful for my quick self-awareness. I spoke with mentors, peers, and friends, gaining clarity and perspective. I also picked up Happy Money by Ken Honda for a second read. I’m happy to say that my peace with money has returned. Now, I’m taking steps to ensure my money flows happily, and I’m consistently watching it flow. (I’m smiling as I write this 😁).

You and Money

There are countless books and talks on how to make, save, and invest money. These strategies focus on the "doing"—what, where, when, and how. Ironically, people often lose money in investments due to bad decisions driven by negative emotions. Both IQ and EQ are needed to create positive returns.

That’s why I was excited to read a book that focuses on the emotions of money—especially happy, smiling money. Psychologically, the emotions you associate with money reflect your beliefs about it and your relationship with wealth, which ultimately ties into your relationship with yourself.

Understanding your inner dialogue about these relationships often begins by tapping into your emotions—much like we do in coaching sessions. Some people are naturally gifted at fostering happy relationships and emotions with money, while others may need more time and support from professionals to rebuild their relationship with money. Achieving inner peace with money is essential for inviting "happy money" into your life. Often, when you are surrounded by happy money, you’ll find yourself surrounded by happy people, enjoying work and life with passion and purpose.

Achieving inner peace with money is essential for inviting "happy money" into your life.

Money Flows

I once heard a great line in a standup comedy:

"Happy money comes. Happy money goes. Then it brings more of its happy friends along coming back again."

Money is energy. If it stays static, it becomes stagnant, losing its vibrancy and value. Of course, this doesn’t mean overspending or splurging on luxuries. What matters most is the positive feelings we associate with money flowing—whether we are giving or receiving it.

For example, when we enjoy our work and feel fulfilled by it, the money (our salary) we receive smiles because it comes from a place of appreciation and fulfilment. When we treat an overseas friend to a meal, excited and grateful to see him/her, the money we give to the cashier (or transfer digitally) smiles because it reflects the joy of the friendship.

Imagine if all money flow with big smiles in the world—its happy energy would expand and create more positivity. That’s the source of abundance. So, would you like to smile with your money?

Imagine if all money flow with big smiles in the world—its happy energy would expand and create more positivity. That’s the source of abundance.