A long time ago, I realized that one of the main emotions that people act out through their money is the feeling of aloneness, which I described in Build Your Money Muscles and the Letting Go of Your Aloneness CD.

The reason lies in the fact that money is a symbol of relationships. How much money you draw in is related to how connected you feel to others. When you think you need more money, you actually need more people because money is always attached people.

The feeling that you get when you crave more money is really the feeling of aloneness or loneliness. What you’re craving is connection.

Recently, I had this theory validated by scientific studies described in the book Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection by John T. Cacioppo. In this book he talks at length about how loneliness serves as a signal for humans to reach out to others. Unfortunately, in our complex society people tend to isolate rather than connect, thus perpetrating rather than soothing the loneliness.

The book describes multiples studies that have been done about how loneliness is related to decisions made that often go against a person’s best interest. Studies also show that people who feel connected and have multiple connections to others do better in many areas of life.

Cacioppo also talks about happiness. He says, “Happiness for a member of the human species demands connection.”

And here’s the part I really like, “Greater happiness, through its positive effect on social connections, contributes to increased income. Happy people become less lonely people, and people who are less lonely tend to make more money.”

My Personal Experience

I have been writing the story of my spiritual journey during which I had given everything I owned away and wandered without any roots for a number of years. As I read through my journals, I see how very alone I felt, even as I strengthened my connection to the deeper parts of myself.

Looking back, I can now see that my emotional – and financial – healing came not only from all of the techniques I learned and developed, but from the meaningful relationships I’ve developed with other people and by doing service for others.

Over the years as I developed deeper more authentic relationships, my income also increased. It’s clear that during periods when I feel disconnected from others there is a drop in my income.

I often suggest to coaching clients and members of the Peace of Mind & Prosperity Program that they reach out and connect by joining and participating in groups of any kind or by doing service. Groups where you can express yourself authentically bring great value.

As you move forward into the new year, ask yourself if there are ways that you can expand out from your habitual circle and relationships so that you can increase the number of people in your life. Doing so, can lead to great rewards on many levels.

—————————————-

Prosperity Place Is Changing

During the past month, I have been working on ProsperityPlace.com so it will be more up to date and interactive. I’ll be able to easily add content and links to various social media platforms. I’ll be announcing the Grand Reopening very soon. Stay tuned.

Past issues of Prosperity Tips are available at www.JoanSotkin.com