subject: Inheritance - How To Handle Its Emotional Rollercoaster [print this page] The biggest hurdles you face as you come into money are how to steward the responsibility of your wealth, how to invest it in meaningful service to others and how to elegantly integrate your money into your relationship dynamics.
Being remembered in the will of a parent or someone who you may or may not have had a solid relationship with can be a mixed blessing. There are obvious material benefits and the gift provides a bit of consolation and recognition in a time of sorrow. While still trying to deal with the emotions of a death in the family the unforeseen challenges that often come with inheritance arrive with a jolt that is shocking to those who are unprepared for the event.
Old and new money inheritance is a multi-layered privilege. It can be used, abused and misunderstood. It can fuel the expansion of a seemingly ordinary life into an otherwise unsupported extraordinary life.
If you're like many inheritors you may feel paralyzed by wealth. Your motivation to get out of bed in the morning and do something productive comes into question. It becomes difficult to find what feels meaningful and fulfilling. The motivations behind relationships become suspect. To numb the pain of inner turmoil you might defer an emotional addiction such as compulsive shopping, excessive cosmetic surgery, booze, over eating, under eating, whining/bitching/complaining or a life stuck in frozen procrastination.If this is you, own up to it.
It's normal to face these challenges. Remember, you are not alone in your struggle with the paradox of privilege. Get professional help to champion your best interests. Resolve the emotional roller coaster that can come with such a windfall. It's time to recognize, honor, maximize the potential of and appreciate your greatest asset - you. The YOU you were born to become. The YOU that is tapped into your authenticity, unique talents and innate ability to achieve what your heart desires most.
When you inherit money or come into any kind of financial windfall the first thing to do is nothing except perhaps a happy dance. Yes, money can buy solutions to a lot of everyday problems. However going on a spending spree running up your credit card because you now have money in the bank will not bring you the happiness and freedom you think it will provide.
Get clear on what you value most. Decisions, including financial decisions, are much easier when you consider whether or not your choice reflects your values or not. Invest your time, energy and financial resources on your highest priorities - the ones that serve the greater good of all, including yourself.
Get clear on how you would like to be remembered. Invest in what will deliver that outcome. The life you lead is the experience you will receive and the legacy for which you will be remembered.
