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The Illusion of Money: Why Chasing Money Is Stopping You from Receiving It
New York Times best-selling author and comedian-turned-motivational speaker, Kyle Cease, shows how your obsession with money is actually preventing you from living the life of your dreams."I can't afford that." "Now's not the right time . . . I need to save up." "Quit my job? Are you nuts?!" Sound familiar? Money is one of the biggest excuses we make to not go after what we really want. Our fixation with money--the desire for more of it, and the fear of not having enough of it--is often really just a longing to feel safe. But this obsession with money is coming at a much bigger our sanity, our creativity, our freedom, and our ability to step into our true power.This book is about eliminating the need to seek safety through the illusion of money, and learning to see ourselves for the perfection that we are--so that we can bring our gifts to the world in an authentic way, and allow ourselves to receive massive, true abundance as a result.Kyle Cease has heard excuses like the ones above countless times at his live events, and he has shown people how to completely break through them. In The Illusion of Money, he shares his own experiences as well as practical tools to help readers understand their ingrained beliefs and attachments to money, and how they can tap into our infinite assets and talents."After 25 years as a successful comedian, actor, transformational speaker, author and junior-league amateur bowler, I've experienced many times how chasing money is not an effective way to create an abundant and fulfilling life. The most alive I've ever felt was after I left my comedy career at its peak to become a transformational speaker. I left tons of guaranteed money and so-called security for a complete unknown. It was terrifying--but what was on the other side of that terror was a completely different life that is not only more abundant financially, but has more freedom, more ease, more passion, more impact and more joy." -- Kyle Cease
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2019
524 people are currently reading
1809 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
September 9, 2019
Beyond Great!
I love the lighthearted way that Kyle writes about matters of such importance to us all. I love books and what they provide in general and this one is awesomely powerful!!
I love the lighthearted way that Kyle writes about matters of such importance to us all. I love books and what they provide in general and this one is awesomely powerful!!
December 14, 2019
I love the overall premise, so I can appreciate what the author is trying to convey here. But the book itself is not well written and contains more fluff than I typically care to wade through.
November 22, 2020
I had mixed reactions to this book. The new age Panglossian sections (no matter what is happening we are all exactly where we need to be having the exact experience we're meant to, etc. etc.) reliably bring out my inner Voltaire.
However, it does contain many points I really needed to be reminded of right now (which is why I I remind myself to read through points that I bristle at to be exposed to different points of view). I picked this title up from the library because I've been reading personal finance books as I prepare to downsize my workload and eventually semi-retire. This book is a good antidote to that genre, as it reminds me that no matter how carefully I plan our 401K and maximize our investments, downsize our expenses, and do all the 'right' responsible things, there is no amount of money that can offer true security. Not only can you 'not take it with you,' it's not really yours even when you are here. Security is a feeling that can not be bought.
My inner Voltaire would add that at least thinking that you know where your next meal is coming from and where you will be sleeping at night is a privilege; even if that knowledge is in some sense illusory, there is a reason those plans feel more secure to most of us than the alternative.
Still - point taken. Rather than just diversifying your portfolio to chase security, how about diversifying your investment in the people and community around you, as well as your own mind and skills?
My favorite quote: "... move as if your time is temporary and money isn't - because it's the truth. You have unlimited potential for making money and a limited amount of time on this planet. If you're spending your time as if it's infinite and you see money as something that is scarce, you're doing it backward."
I would add, as a counterpoint to this book, a literally enlightening quote from another book that I had mixed feelings about, Biet Simkin's "Don't Just Sit There": "For some of you, a discovery of how to pay your electric bill on-time every month might just be the most spiritual thing you've ever done." Someone who just read "The Illusion of Money" might need to hear that right now.
However, it does contain many points I really needed to be reminded of right now (which is why I I remind myself to read through points that I bristle at to be exposed to different points of view). I picked this title up from the library because I've been reading personal finance books as I prepare to downsize my workload and eventually semi-retire. This book is a good antidote to that genre, as it reminds me that no matter how carefully I plan our 401K and maximize our investments, downsize our expenses, and do all the 'right' responsible things, there is no amount of money that can offer true security. Not only can you 'not take it with you,' it's not really yours even when you are here. Security is a feeling that can not be bought.
My inner Voltaire would add that at least thinking that you know where your next meal is coming from and where you will be sleeping at night is a privilege; even if that knowledge is in some sense illusory, there is a reason those plans feel more secure to most of us than the alternative.
Still - point taken. Rather than just diversifying your portfolio to chase security, how about diversifying your investment in the people and community around you, as well as your own mind and skills?
My favorite quote: "... move as if your time is temporary and money isn't - because it's the truth. You have unlimited potential for making money and a limited amount of time on this planet. If you're spending your time as if it's infinite and you see money as something that is scarce, you're doing it backward."
I would add, as a counterpoint to this book, a literally enlightening quote from another book that I had mixed feelings about, Biet Simkin's "Don't Just Sit There": "For some of you, a discovery of how to pay your electric bill on-time every month might just be the most spiritual thing you've ever done." Someone who just read "The Illusion of Money" might need to hear that right now.
June 4, 2020
This book is full of amazing information. I would say it is less a book about money and more a book about life, and I absolutely love it! I will read this one again, I'm sure of it, as the information is so valuable and worth revisiting.
April 17, 2020
I really cannot understand the ratings on this book.
There ARE some good insights and pieces of wisdom, but the writing is such absolute nonsense, it makes it hard to take seriously.
The main ideas presented are completely unsubstantiated.
For example, Cease’s central idea that connection to one’s creativity, oneself, will generate monetary abundance: “you will be so in love with being you that that no amount of money could ever convince you to do anything other than what your heart is calling you toward. When you feel that way, that’s when the money will arrive. It’s a test. It’s only when the money doesn’t really matter that is shows up” (60).
It makes sense that we can be much more creative and inspired by letting go of chasing external validators, but I wish he would have explained in more tangible ways how this can help to generate money. He tells us that money is not important, and that it will just come when we stop trying to get it. But why? Why should I believe this?
Nothing is explained in a convincing, logical or scientific way. Again, I do think there is wisdom in some ideas presented, such as generating value internally first through connecting to your strengths, but instead of creating solid arguments he just tells us that we are “infinite truth” (61), that we are “magic,” “made out of pure unconditional love” (155) and we wouldn’t be on the planet if we weren’t worthy of receiving fulfillment, love and abundance (159).
These are just human constructs. Evolution does not make us worthy of abundance, it just makes us alive!
Overall: More fluffy and contradictory language than I could get through without frustration.
There ARE some good insights and pieces of wisdom, but the writing is such absolute nonsense, it makes it hard to take seriously.
The main ideas presented are completely unsubstantiated.
For example, Cease’s central idea that connection to one’s creativity, oneself, will generate monetary abundance: “you will be so in love with being you that that no amount of money could ever convince you to do anything other than what your heart is calling you toward. When you feel that way, that’s when the money will arrive. It’s a test. It’s only when the money doesn’t really matter that is shows up” (60).
It makes sense that we can be much more creative and inspired by letting go of chasing external validators, but I wish he would have explained in more tangible ways how this can help to generate money. He tells us that money is not important, and that it will just come when we stop trying to get it. But why? Why should I believe this?
Nothing is explained in a convincing, logical or scientific way. Again, I do think there is wisdom in some ideas presented, such as generating value internally first through connecting to your strengths, but instead of creating solid arguments he just tells us that we are “infinite truth” (61), that we are “magic,” “made out of pure unconditional love” (155) and we wouldn’t be on the planet if we weren’t worthy of receiving fulfillment, love and abundance (159).
These are just human constructs. Evolution does not make us worthy of abundance, it just makes us alive!
Overall: More fluffy and contradictory language than I could get through without frustration.
October 11, 2021
Oops! I finished reading this book weeks ago! Indeed a book to get your "thinking cap" on straight to where you want to go in life. Money flows when all parts of our lives are in alignment. He addresses this, and how we get to choose what to focus on. There are some exercises in the book that I would suggest you really want to consider doing if you want the money you invested in the book and yourself to be worth something. If you don't do the exercises, it's just another book, and you'll more than likely be in the same place before reading the book. Putting your "lists" on paper gives you a clear view of where you are, and where you want to be. These are not difficult exercises, but ones that bring the clarity to the surface once they are on paper. Worthwhile read.
January 10, 2021
This is an atypical finance book. Instead of telling you about Roth IRAs etc., it challenges you to redefine your relationship with money. The main argument of the book is that our money beliefs limit our perceptions of what is possible in life and that by changing our beliefs we expand our life.
The book includes an exercise at the end of each chapter to explore our relationship with money. I took the time to do most of the exercises and got a lot of insight into my own fears and limitations regarding money.
Finally, the book is funny. Kyle Cease is a former stand-up comedian and I often laughed out loud to the audio book.
The book includes an exercise at the end of each chapter to explore our relationship with money. I took the time to do most of the exercises and got a lot of insight into my own fears and limitations regarding money.
Finally, the book is funny. Kyle Cease is a former stand-up comedian and I often laughed out loud to the audio book.
April 15, 2025
I've never heard of Kyle Cease before someone recommended this book to me, but hot damn this was a fabulous read.
This book isn't actually about money, despite the title. It's about mindset.
Cease covers mindset in a practical, entertaining way that makes you stop and consider what you've been doing with your life and why. I'm immediately re-reading because it was just that good.
This book isn't actually about money, despite the title. It's about mindset.
Cease covers mindset in a practical, entertaining way that makes you stop and consider what you've been doing with your life and why. I'm immediately re-reading because it was just that good.
June 16, 2020
On third reading. New insights everytime
May 9, 2025
I'm not prone to read books about Money, as I've never been one to seek and stake my millions in my time here, but this book wasn't about making money, or striving in new ways to get more.
It was about looking at one's relationship with it.
It's about looking at our fears, beliefs, and history we've had with it.
But it's mostly about us, going inside one's self and looking deeply there.
At what is holding us back from seeing all that resides in us, the ALL, the EVERYTHING; learning and being reminded that we are abundant in and of ourselves.
It's a space to help us recenter, bringing truth to the forefront.
That Truth?
Is how amazing we are just because we exist.
We don't need anything outside of ourself to validate us "more", because we simply are enough!
But a lifetime of programming has made us believe otherwise.
We have accepted that message that we need to strive for more things externally to fill us, make us whole, make us someone.
It's not true.
We are enough as just us.
So am I now all fixed and rolling in the money?
Nope. But that wasn't my intention when I began.
My soul intention was to grow beyond my old beliefs, and THAT is what is happening.
Kyle's book wasn't what "did it", but it did play a role in it.
I took months to read this book, as I said, I wanted to grow, and real growth takes time.
So I allowed myself lots of time to absorb, apply, and begin appreciating the me under all the lies.
My advice for the reader who's considering picking this one up, check your motivation at the door.
Not as in leave it there, but check in with yourself before you go in.
Set an intention for this read, set the why, so that on the other end of it you can look it squarely in the face and say, "I did it ".
Mine was personal growth in the ways of leaving behind my external programmed beliefs that there was always lack in my life, and that it could only be filled outside MYSELF.
Also use this book as one resource for your soul.
I'd encourage you to have mult routes/forms/resources for whatever intentions you set out towards.
We didn't get here by just one narrative, and I don't believe we get freed from just one either.
Lastly, give yourself time to go through those routes you choose, at your pace, and your path.
Your self recovery of YOU is your game, your story. Don't try to fit anyone else's timetables.
Go, grow.
Go, remember how perfect in yourself you are.
"So just open yourself up to the possibility that everything you experience around money is more about you than it is about money."
"If you bring awareness to all the things you have right now, you will realize you are massively abundant"
"True security is knowing that you are not your external circumstances."
“Am I unknowingly chasing a mind-based, external goal as a protection from something painful?”
"...something that I’ve discovered for myself is that it’s not “When something happens, I’ll be happy.” It’s “When I’m happy, things will happen.”
~Kyle
It was about looking at one's relationship with it.
It's about looking at our fears, beliefs, and history we've had with it.
But it's mostly about us, going inside one's self and looking deeply there.
At what is holding us back from seeing all that resides in us, the ALL, the EVERYTHING; learning and being reminded that we are abundant in and of ourselves.
It's a space to help us recenter, bringing truth to the forefront.
That Truth?
Is how amazing we are just because we exist.
We don't need anything outside of ourself to validate us "more", because we simply are enough!
But a lifetime of programming has made us believe otherwise.
We have accepted that message that we need to strive for more things externally to fill us, make us whole, make us someone.
It's not true.
We are enough as just us.
So am I now all fixed and rolling in the money?
Nope. But that wasn't my intention when I began.
My soul intention was to grow beyond my old beliefs, and THAT is what is happening.
Kyle's book wasn't what "did it", but it did play a role in it.
I took months to read this book, as I said, I wanted to grow, and real growth takes time.
So I allowed myself lots of time to absorb, apply, and begin appreciating the me under all the lies.
My advice for the reader who's considering picking this one up, check your motivation at the door.
Not as in leave it there, but check in with yourself before you go in.
Set an intention for this read, set the why, so that on the other end of it you can look it squarely in the face and say, "I did it ".
Mine was personal growth in the ways of leaving behind my external programmed beliefs that there was always lack in my life, and that it could only be filled outside MYSELF.
Also use this book as one resource for your soul.
I'd encourage you to have mult routes/forms/resources for whatever intentions you set out towards.
We didn't get here by just one narrative, and I don't believe we get freed from just one either.
Lastly, give yourself time to go through those routes you choose, at your pace, and your path.
Your self recovery of YOU is your game, your story. Don't try to fit anyone else's timetables.
Go, grow.
Go, remember how perfect in yourself you are.
"So just open yourself up to the possibility that everything you experience around money is more about you than it is about money."
"If you bring awareness to all the things you have right now, you will realize you are massively abundant"
"True security is knowing that you are not your external circumstances."
“Am I unknowingly chasing a mind-based, external goal as a protection from something painful?”
"...something that I’ve discovered for myself is that it’s not “When something happens, I’ll be happy.” It’s “When I’m happy, things will happen.”
~Kyle
October 18, 2023
This book contains so so much more than just perspectives on money. It is a really wholesome book that is hard to explain. Just read it.
July 12, 2021
Unfinished
April 26, 2020
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. LISTEN TO THE AUDIBLE VERSION. Kyle Cease narrates the book himself, and it’s fantastic!
March 6, 2020
I loved it!
This is one of those books that speaks to your soul. I felt like the author was in the room with me and could see my innermost thoughts. I am a better human being for having read this book and I thank the universe for sending it to me, just at the right time, as always!
This is one of those books that speaks to your soul. I felt like the author was in the room with me and could see my innermost thoughts. I am a better human being for having read this book and I thank the universe for sending it to me, just at the right time, as always!
September 14, 2019
Review
In the brand-new book 'The Illusion of Money', author Kyle Cease guides you to a completely new understanding about money, wealth, affluence, and the real happiness in life. This book is a gem! A game-changer! I predict it will be a best-selling book in no time!
This compulsively readable, brilliant written book explains in a straightforward approach what true happiness and life fulfillment really looks like. The book answers questions like: Why are so many rich people not happy? Can we reach the ultimate happiness trough money only or is it an inside job? What is the inner affluence that our souls really search for? How do you connect to your true self? How can we be rich and happy? How can we be so authentic and fulfilled that money is of no importance anymore?
The book 'The Illusion of Money' helps people making real peace with themselves and their chase for money.
I have read many books about finance, money, and success. This book, for me, is a game-changer. To say that I love it, is an understatement. It changed the way I think and feel about money.
In the brand-new book 'The Illusion of Money', author Kyle Cease guides you to a completely new understanding about money, wealth, affluence, and the real happiness in life. This book is a gem! A game-changer! I predict it will be a best-selling book in no time!
This compulsively readable, brilliant written book explains in a straightforward approach what true happiness and life fulfillment really looks like. The book answers questions like: Why are so many rich people not happy? Can we reach the ultimate happiness trough money only or is it an inside job? What is the inner affluence that our souls really search for? How do you connect to your true self? How can we be rich and happy? How can we be so authentic and fulfilled that money is of no importance anymore?
The book 'The Illusion of Money' helps people making real peace with themselves and their chase for money.
I have read many books about finance, money, and success. This book, for me, is a game-changer. To say that I love it, is an understatement. It changed the way I think and feel about money.
February 10, 2020
If you have been thinking that something is wrong and you can not quite figure out what is it. This book might help you find the answers to those questions because they are already within you. It is an easy and funny read, packed with exercises that will help you find the insights you have been looking for. If you ever pick this book, I recommend you to do the exercises.
October 21, 2019
Money is a hot button topic for many. the author shares how changing one's perception and mind about money can lead to a happier, more abundant life. He argues that money is the effect not the cause of suffering or jooy. the books has some exercises that are not all that impressive. Most of the humor falls flat but there are some valid and worthwhile points. It is a short and easy read but one that provides plenty of food for thought.
January 19, 2020
In the first third of this book I was thinking my rating would be two stars. I found the premise interesting, but the writing repetitive. It was very similar to A Happy Pocket Full of Money. I skimmed through some of that and found the next two thirds much more interesting and valuable for me. Overall, great book on mindset and abundance.
February 1, 2022
Excellent book.
Easy, breeze, stimulating, invigorating, passionate, funny.
This is one of the first books that talks about the ultimate investment in you and your creativity and how it can reap rewards of wild success if you have a bit of self trust.
I resonate a lot more with investing in my creativity, vs. this stock market.
5 stars.
Easy, breeze, stimulating, invigorating, passionate, funny.
This is one of the first books that talks about the ultimate investment in you and your creativity and how it can reap rewards of wild success if you have a bit of self trust.
I resonate a lot more with investing in my creativity, vs. this stock market.
5 stars.
September 25, 2019
While I've read a lot of money books, this one provides a cool, funny and unique perspective!
It will push your boundaries in a safe yet firm manner. Be prepared to examine your relationship with money.
It will push your boundaries in a safe yet firm manner. Be prepared to examine your relationship with money.
November 9, 2019
I love, love, LOVE Kyle Cease. He has so much lived wisdom that he shares with humour, compassion, fierceness and grace. This book will change your relationship to money and abundance. Don't just read it once.
January 15, 2020
Inspiring!!
This book is wonderful! I was clinging to every word!
I want to buy 10 copies and send it to my family and friends!
Thank you Kyle for this gift.
What is next? I will be first in line.
This book is wonderful! I was clinging to every word!
I want to buy 10 copies and send it to my family and friends!
Thank you Kyle for this gift.
What is next? I will be first in line.
October 5, 2019
The most powerful book I've ever read on the topic of money.
December 27, 2021
This book will help you reach the edges of what you know to be true about money.
What my 👂 heard ⤵️
people associate money with all things good
the truth is we have been raised to project all sorts of magical properties onto money which then creates our hapless craving of it
we truly believe we would be better humans if we had more of it due to this anxious and
an infantile dependence on it our lives are betrothed to it
financial well-being is a state of mind
take heed you're about to liberate yourself
I want an awareness of higher possibilities that give me access to my incredible talents
when our awareness is small we are blind to the unimaginable inspiration that is available to us and become focused on the struggle to survive raise our awareness and the magic of Life starts to show up in the abundance that is all around us comes into focus
this book is about undoing the illusion that money will fix your life.
my entire life and career have been about discovering how to listen to my inspired callings instead of the circumstances or the people around me
I hope you take what resonates with you and leave what doesn't
how much were accessing our brilliance depends only on how much we're attached to The limited story that cuts us off from it if you could find a way just for a second to let go of your limited story that is telling you that you're not a genius boom your genius would show up instantly
every one of us is holding on to an idea of ourselves that is only a tiny fraction of what we can truly become and letting go of that idea
connect to the holy s*** version of yourself that is going to change the planet
your endless desire for money or fear of money is often is really a desire to be safe or to be seen by the world
release your expectations and open your heart
destroy your old small story
are you making decisions out of a fear of losing money more then out of a desire for your passion?
do you allow money to control your emotions?
does money cause you to stay in situations that aren't fulfilling?
on a scale from 1 to 10 one meaning you are completely owned and stressed out by money and 10 meaning you are completely free from all attachment to money and accessing a true sense of interabundance in each moment. how much do you feel you are currently attached to or controlled by money?
it's not when something happens I'll be happy that's what I'm happy things will happen
this book will help you reach the edges of what you know to be true
in our attempt to create a sense of safety and security through money we are actually creating fear within ourselves that is blocking our ability for new possibilities to show up
there is a space inside of you that can't be touched by anything that happens outside of you
I'm afraid of not having enough money
I'm afraid of not being able to reach my goals with money
everything you have accumulated is not what makes you valuable
move as if your time is temporary and your money isn't because that's the truth
people are drawn to your obvious Joy
I offered him a few perspectives on things I could see around the issues he was having
probably doesn't align for us to work together long-term
we usually justify things because we're ignoring what our body is actually feeling
if you're justifying why you're doing
about them something it's not a 10
how much of what you're doing in life is motivated by a fearful story you tell yourself?
what's inside of you that's been blocking you?
you've been living in what's the next new and exciting thing you really want to do with your life?
Sarah is something my soul wants right now
I cry laughed for about 10 minutes after hearing that
that's your s*** you're carrying around not theirs
I want to see what I become more than I want to see what I get from it
no more Oreos I want to f****** thrive
this pasta represents my mom's love
this is big work
if you can see something bigger then who've you been..go twoard that. learn what you are...leap..
you can never find love that you are missing inside of yourself in someone else
sacrifice your infinite connection to what you are for a job that pays the bills but drains your soul
let yourself go and allow your mental blocks to fall apart your love will catch you spend some time with yourself and learn to trust that you're taking care of once you stop fixing. allow yourself to love yourself let yourself cry and feel through all the layers of pain you've been holding on to. that pain is calling you towards love that pain will transform into love. wrap yourself inside of your own acceptance
What my 👂 heard ⤵️
people associate money with all things good
the truth is we have been raised to project all sorts of magical properties onto money which then creates our hapless craving of it
we truly believe we would be better humans if we had more of it due to this anxious and
an infantile dependence on it our lives are betrothed to it
financial well-being is a state of mind
take heed you're about to liberate yourself
I want an awareness of higher possibilities that give me access to my incredible talents
when our awareness is small we are blind to the unimaginable inspiration that is available to us and become focused on the struggle to survive raise our awareness and the magic of Life starts to show up in the abundance that is all around us comes into focus
this book is about undoing the illusion that money will fix your life.
my entire life and career have been about discovering how to listen to my inspired callings instead of the circumstances or the people around me
I hope you take what resonates with you and leave what doesn't
how much were accessing our brilliance depends only on how much we're attached to The limited story that cuts us off from it if you could find a way just for a second to let go of your limited story that is telling you that you're not a genius boom your genius would show up instantly
every one of us is holding on to an idea of ourselves that is only a tiny fraction of what we can truly become and letting go of that idea
connect to the holy s*** version of yourself that is going to change the planet
your endless desire for money or fear of money is often is really a desire to be safe or to be seen by the world
release your expectations and open your heart
destroy your old small story
are you making decisions out of a fear of losing money more then out of a desire for your passion?
do you allow money to control your emotions?
does money cause you to stay in situations that aren't fulfilling?
on a scale from 1 to 10 one meaning you are completely owned and stressed out by money and 10 meaning you are completely free from all attachment to money and accessing a true sense of interabundance in each moment. how much do you feel you are currently attached to or controlled by money?
it's not when something happens I'll be happy that's what I'm happy things will happen
this book will help you reach the edges of what you know to be true
in our attempt to create a sense of safety and security through money we are actually creating fear within ourselves that is blocking our ability for new possibilities to show up
there is a space inside of you that can't be touched by anything that happens outside of you
I'm afraid of not having enough money
I'm afraid of not being able to reach my goals with money
everything you have accumulated is not what makes you valuable
move as if your time is temporary and your money isn't because that's the truth
people are drawn to your obvious Joy
I offered him a few perspectives on things I could see around the issues he was having
probably doesn't align for us to work together long-term
we usually justify things because we're ignoring what our body is actually feeling
if you're justifying why you're doing
about them something it's not a 10
how much of what you're doing in life is motivated by a fearful story you tell yourself?
what's inside of you that's been blocking you?
you've been living in what's the next new and exciting thing you really want to do with your life?
Sarah is something my soul wants right now
I cry laughed for about 10 minutes after hearing that
that's your s*** you're carrying around not theirs
I want to see what I become more than I want to see what I get from it
no more Oreos I want to f****** thrive
this pasta represents my mom's love
this is big work
if you can see something bigger then who've you been..go twoard that. learn what you are...leap..
you can never find love that you are missing inside of yourself in someone else
sacrifice your infinite connection to what you are for a job that pays the bills but drains your soul
let yourself go and allow your mental blocks to fall apart your love will catch you spend some time with yourself and learn to trust that you're taking care of once you stop fixing. allow yourself to love yourself let yourself cry and feel through all the layers of pain you've been holding on to. that pain is calling you towards love that pain will transform into love. wrap yourself inside of your own acceptance
May 23, 2022
If I had read this book one year ago, I would have thought this is just a TED talk in writing and flippantly given it as a two-star rating.
Surprisingly, after crawling out of the pandemic, this book happened to be in alignment with my thoughts at the time, ever if I learned anything, those are: 1). Perception creates reality; 2). Mindset is everything.
This book is completely different from what I expected. It has little to do with financial situations and more concerned with relationships - with yourself, your financial situation, your family, the community, the calling, the universe, the discovery, freedom, love and joy. Here is the thing, I find my anxiety usually stems from existential concerns about how insignificant everyone is in the grand scheme of things, and how it's almost certain that everyone who has ever existed or will exist on this planet will never understand what it's all about.
I loved the Helen analogy because it is so relatable; too often I am either Helen A or Helen B but almost never Helen C. That is a very interesting way to twist my line of thinking.
Appreciation is a skill. Acceptance is a skill. Surrender is a skill. Releasing judgement is a skill. Many people have goals or fantasies about making more money, but very few people have a goal increasing their ability to appreciate life more... Appreciation, surrender, releasing, accepting - these are things that we can choose to start bringing into our lives immediately to help us undo the layers of protective stories that are causing us stress and preventing us from accessing our abundance. If you are in a situation where you thing you need more money, it's your job to first accept and surrender to where you are, without judgment or guilt about how you got there.
Surprisingly, after crawling out of the pandemic, this book happened to be in alignment with my thoughts at the time, ever if I learned anything, those are: 1). Perception creates reality; 2). Mindset is everything.
This book is completely different from what I expected. It has little to do with financial situations and more concerned with relationships - with yourself, your financial situation, your family, the community, the calling, the universe, the discovery, freedom, love and joy. Here is the thing, I find my anxiety usually stems from existential concerns about how insignificant everyone is in the grand scheme of things, and how it's almost certain that everyone who has ever existed or will exist on this planet will never understand what it's all about.
I loved the Helen analogy because it is so relatable; too often I am either Helen A or Helen B but almost never Helen C. That is a very interesting way to twist my line of thinking.
Appreciation is a skill. Acceptance is a skill. Surrender is a skill. Releasing judgement is a skill. Many people have goals or fantasies about making more money, but very few people have a goal increasing their ability to appreciate life more... Appreciation, surrender, releasing, accepting - these are things that we can choose to start bringing into our lives immediately to help us undo the layers of protective stories that are causing us stress and preventing us from accessing our abundance. If you are in a situation where you thing you need more money, it's your job to first accept and surrender to where you are, without judgment or guilt about how you got there.
March 4, 2023
This a book not so much about money as about our emotions and thoughts around money, and how we get in our own way because we think we're always supposed to be chasing money in today's world. It's kind of an anti-hustle-culture book that coaches the reader to get back in touch with their inner self and their true direction in life. I shelved it as spiritual and as psychology, but it's not pointedly spiritual, though it does recommend meditation and spending some time in nature to decompress. I found that it jogs my thinking just enough to get me out of some mental ruts and realize that I am not my relationship to money, that whatever is going on with me financially is simply something I'm passing through, not a part of me. I got a lot out of it at this particular time in my life. I started out with a library copy, but was able to get the ebook for a fairly low price and decided I need to keep this book in my life and read it again, maybe several times. But your mileage may vary.
The author is a comedian turned personal transformation coach, with ideals paralleling those of my own spiritual path, so this book feels like a good fit for me, and the gentle humor provides light relief while reading it. I've shelved this under psychology as well, though the author is not a mental health pro - but a lot of his guidance leads to personal inner work. (He has some helpful videos as well: https://youtu.be/7vPOcvStcIE) This book might not be for everyone, but I still recommend anyone who has an uncomfortable history with money trying this perspective to see if it fits your needs. If you're not sure, check it out of the library and give it a try before purchasing. I do that a lot, myself, and this is one I decided I wanted to buy. But that's a great way to try a book, see if it's for you, and only be out a little time in finding out.
The author is a comedian turned personal transformation coach, with ideals paralleling those of my own spiritual path, so this book feels like a good fit for me, and the gentle humor provides light relief while reading it. I've shelved this under psychology as well, though the author is not a mental health pro - but a lot of his guidance leads to personal inner work. (He has some helpful videos as well: https://youtu.be/7vPOcvStcIE) This book might not be for everyone, but I still recommend anyone who has an uncomfortable history with money trying this perspective to see if it fits your needs. If you're not sure, check it out of the library and give it a try before purchasing. I do that a lot, myself, and this is one I decided I wanted to buy. But that's a great way to try a book, see if it's for you, and only be out a little time in finding out.
June 15, 2022
None of the information was new to me, so it was a fun and lighthearted reminder. I would have wanted to see more tangible examples of people's transformations. While they were some examples, they seemed to be on the general side. Perhaps more case studies, is what would add more realism. More content and less fluff, would also have been awesome - that's a tough balance in this genre though. I think more step by steps, and maybe examples of the author going through the steps himself would be helpful to include.
That said, I celebrate the value of this book for those that are brand new to exploring abundance in freeing ways! If you're familiar with these concepts already, you won't find as much value.
I love the author's narration in audible. Thank you for spreading the word of what true freedom and authenticity can be in this modern world!
That said, I celebrate the value of this book for those that are brand new to exploring abundance in freeing ways! If you're familiar with these concepts already, you won't find as much value.
I love the author's narration in audible. Thank you for spreading the word of what true freedom and authenticity can be in this modern world!
May 14, 2024
I recently read "The Illusion of Money". While it may seem like just another book about money, it was brilliant because it covers a deep concept about the inner work everyone has to do to achieve security and abundance in their own skin. The author skillfully delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of money, guiding readers through the necessary inner work to attract abundance into their lives. This book goes beyond just financial advice and dives into the mindset and beliefs that shape our relationship with money. It's a refreshing take on the topic and offers practical exercises and insights that can truly transform one's relationship with money. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to not only improve their financial situation, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the inner work required to achieve true abundance.
February 2, 2021
Positions itself as book about our relationship with money, but it's so much more. Quite possibly the most important book I've read in my life, and while that may sound like a lofty claim let me say that it was just the right thing I needed in my life at this time. Like the old addage: when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. It's only 174 pages, but the type of book you want to finish it's short chapters and just sit with them for a day. I think it's the best way to read it. I'm going to immediately re-read this while I continue towards my reading goals. Disregard those put off by his humor. Kyle is a naturally gifted comedian, and his humor never overpowers or lessens the sincerity he writes with here.
February 20, 2021
This is a great book, but will make you VERY uncomfortable.
I read this book fast and it shifted my thinking. However, I want to go back to this and re-read this and do all the exercises it asks.
If you're an artist and a creative and are trying to figure out how to get out of your own way and tap into your magic, this is a good book to read.
I'm struggling to fully implement the insights of this book, but that's more down to my own mental blocks I'm looking to overcome. This book will help with that and I'm confident that as a result of this book 2021 may just be one of my most important creative years yet.
I read this book fast and it shifted my thinking. However, I want to go back to this and re-read this and do all the exercises it asks.
If you're an artist and a creative and are trying to figure out how to get out of your own way and tap into your magic, this is a good book to read.
I'm struggling to fully implement the insights of this book, but that's more down to my own mental blocks I'm looking to overcome. This book will help with that and I'm confident that as a result of this book 2021 may just be one of my most important creative years yet.
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