The HIGHS & Lows of Investing, Pt. II

Hello, ColorFull Community!

CC, here; and I'm back with the second installment of my investing series. If you haven't read my first entry, it'll be linked in the "Related Posts" section at the bottom of the page. But let's move on to this week's lessons, triumphs, frustrations, etc. because there is plenty to share!

What is quite interesting about diving into the investment world is that it shifts your perspective in other areas. For example, when watching commercials (which are usually on mute due to how much I despise them), I'm wondering about whether the company has gone public and what is their stock price. While out and about, I'm considering whether I would invest in a business given my personal customer service experience. Also, the way I perceive news is different, too. I'm weighing how policy moves will affect me personally and financially. In addition, the type of news I'm scanning is more finance-focused. I could not have cared less about what was happening at The Fed a few weeks ago. Now I'm locked in like I was in college waiting for my test scores to upload. Crazy how things change.

Now, I don't think these changes in my daily life will last nor do I think they're particulary healthy. Perceiving everything from a business mindset is cold and calculated. I do not want to be that person (and we all know what I mean by "that person"). Dollars and cents are not the most important factors in life, far from it. It's necessary to consider them; but it's detrimental to ruminate/fixate upon them. I have more compassion for how people devolve into that mindset given my recent foray into investing; however, God has been too good to make money an idol. I depend upon Him alone. I'm grateful to have this opportunity to be challenged and still lean further on the Source, my Heavenly Father.

As a lover of Jesus, I need to have an abundance mindset: God is a generous "host" who has provided more than enough. The world (those who don't love Him) has a scarcity mindset: there isn't enough for everyone so possessions/wealth must be taken and hoarded. If most of us are real with ourselves, we operate in a scarcity mindset more often than we'd like to admit, especially when it comes to money. Starting this investment journey has forced me to face and correct some unpleasant truths. Don't be surprised if the same happens for you. Apply the correction and move forward.

As a person who values control, the risk of the market has brought up uncomfortable feelings. I've been going overboard with becoming an instant expert instead of enjoying the learning process. I've also been holding onto money too tight; thus, the threat of losing it has brought up feelings of anxiety. Gratefully, when I am reminded that God is in control of EVERYTHING, I take a deep breath and release my grip. I'm left with an open hand that benefits others --because I'm free to give-- and benefits me --because I'm able to receive. What a blessing! As far as control goes, I get to choose what I invest in; but I don't get to choose how that investment performs. However, whether the performance is up or down, I do get to choose how I respond -- in faith or fear. Don't know about you; but I'm choosing faith. Jehovah-Jireh brought me this far; and He will continue to provide, no risk involved.

Colorfully,

CC

*Jehovah-Jireh: God Our Provider.