How Change in Income Can Affect Your Environment

Adapting to a lower income seems to be harder than adapting to a higher income.  Wouldn’t you agree?

It’s kind of crazy how change in income, especially a loss of income, can affect your home environment.

You may have heard the saying “inner chaos breeds outer chaos.”

Or the opposite, “outer chaos breeds inner chaos.”   They are both true and can actually cycle back and forth, feeding off each other.

I’d like to share a bit of my husband’s job loss journey and how the inner chaos affected his environment.

My husband lost his job a few years ago and we were shocked, but hopeful that everything would be okay.

After a while, he started a side business until a “real” job was found.  I continued my organizing business.  As our money resources dwindled, the stress and pressure became high.  Fear of losing everything we’ve worked for crept in, even though we felt positive we’d pull through.

My husband began going through boughts of anger, lower confidence, and depression.  Although he continued enjoying the outdoors, he stopped cleaning out his car, began putting things off around the house, wouldn’t open the mail, and eventually, stopped looking for a job – he was extremely overqualified for local job availability.

I immediately responded by…

…investing money into business coaching.

I KNEW there were more people that I could help, but I had to get myself in front of them at a national level.

It was my turn to do what he’s always done for me.  Time to give all I had to support our family and him as he entered the entrepreneurial world.

Regardless of the emotional roller coasters we took turns riding on, I knew one thing that had more power than some people give it credit for:

A clean, inspiring, loving, comfortably organized home.

Keeping the closets, vehicles, paper, cabinets, counters, corners, laundry, bedrooms, living room, office – our home – streamlined would help keep our energy positive, patience with children high, minds thinking clearly and decision making easier.

I believe letting go is an amazing form of therapy.  Opportunities open up when you are clear on what you DON’T want.

I’m happy to announce, we survived and still have our home, our vehicles, and our life, plus we both absolutely love our thriving businesses.

One piece of advice, if you are in this situation.

During a webinar Q&A, a lady asked:

My business is slow and I’m scared I won’t be able to pay the bills.  Should I hold onto things I know I don’t need or want, in case I need to sell them?

My answer:

I believe you need all the positive energy and confidence you can muster during this time.  It’s important that your home is spacious and inspiring.  I don’t believe the answer is hanging onto things “just in case.”  Sell larger items if you get desperate.  Help someone else by donating smaller things.  Use the extra time and energy focusing on marketing and making more money.

Melody Granger

Melody Granger settled in SW Louisiana with her husband and two hormonal girls among the gator-filled terrain in a small, country community. Life has taken her for wild rides through different cities, disasters, and unexpected situations. She is addicted to sunshine, laughter and letting go because living simply is golden. Melody is a writer, home organizing coach, and creator of "Get It Done!"™ Eliminating Clutter, Simplifying Spaces & Keeping It That Way programs. She believes your home environment can keep you sane when you feel crazy, get you unstuck because of therapeutic properties, and be a source for more confidence, energy, and happiness.

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