Use Paying Bills As An Opportunity To Practise Gratitude

Nobody likes to pay bills. It’s the worst part of our financial lives: shelling out all that hard-earned cash. However, this may be the best time to practise that incredibly difficult concept of gratitude.

Photo by Chris Potter.

As finance blog Get Rich Slowly points out, every bill you have, no matter how high or how stressful, is indicative of something you either have or will receive. Sure, you earned it, and it’s yours by the sweat of your brow, but you still have it: a home, an education, a car, even a smartphone. They’re all things that enrich your life:

I don’t remember where I heard this, but I love the idea of renaming bills “Invoices for Blessings Already Received.” Any time we have debt, we’re simply repaying someone for something of value that we have already received. So instead of looking at your credit card or loan statements with dread, why not get into gratitude? Go through and list out all of the blessings that you’re still paying for. Perhaps it was a wonderful family vacation that, though you couldn’t pay for it in cash at the time, you’re still enjoying the memories from. Maybe it was your college education, medical procedures, or furniture that you’re using and enjoying today.

It might sound hokey and a little bit cheesy, but gratitude should probably already be part of your daily routine. Taking a moment while paying your bills to appreciate what you have in life will do wonders not only in making the payments less miserable but also in making you generally happier as a person.

Heal your money shame in 3 simple steps [Get Rich Slowly]