Before we can "see" as an artist - never averting our eyes - we have to be willing to face the lies we allow ourselves to believe that keep us bound. Let's look at lies about money and ask yourself (be honest) if you've ever said each one to yourself - take the time to think about it before quickly moving on to the next.

1. I'm too busy to think about it - dealing with money takes too much time and energy.


2. My wife/husband/significant-other handles the money. I don't have to think about it.


3. If I could just have one bill a month, I could let the debt management company/settlement company worry about it and I won't have to think about it.


4. If I just put my bills on auto-pay I don't have to look at my statements, analyze for errors or handle any of the other "mundane" tasks of paying credit cards... I have better things to do.


5. As long as I can afford the minimum payment, so what if I'm in debt?


6. My job is safe and secure.


7. I've been with that company/bank/store for years and they value me as a good customer/employee. They wouldn't do anything to harm me or our relationship; they're looking out for me.


8. The salesperson is my friend; therefore, I don't have to worry about the fine print.


9. They told me this was best for me.


10. Money is bad/a necessary evil and if I don't think about it I won't be corrupted by it.


11. I don't care about the money, I just want to do a good job.


12. I still have checks so I must still have money.... or the ATM says I have money I can withdraw.... or the debit card/charge went through so it must be okay.


13. Somebody will bail me out if I really get over my head so I don't have to worry, think, or plan for the future.

Ok. I know that's more than ten. But I'll bet you can come up with an even longer list. Start to really think about the things you tell yourself every day that allow you to stay in debt or in an otherwise bad situation that is not in your own best interests.

Remember, your own best interests is not the same as your self-interest. Your best interests must involve the context of the people in your world, not just you. It isn't greedy or selfish to do what's best for you and yours - keeping in mind the circumstances and long-term consequences for yourself and others. Getting past the lies is a major stepping stone to becoming No More Prey!