Scarcity mindset SUCKS! It truly does.
It’s that sneaky, persistent belief buried deep inside that surfaces whenever you want something more – whether it’s a goal, a dream, or something material. It whispers that you’re either unworthy of receiving it or that there will never be enough to go around. Most of us have felt this at some point, no matter how big or small the desire.
But what doesn’t get talked about enough is the other side of the scarcity mindset—the fear that shows up when you finally do have abundance. It’s the fear of losing it all after years of barely scraping by. After spending so long in survival mode, you finally reach a place of stability, yet that nagging voice in the back of your mind warns, “What if it all disappears?” The thought of going back to struggling is terrifying.
For my husband and me, this fear is deeply rooted in our past. We both went through personal bankruptcy, an experience that left a lasting imprint on how we view money, security, and success. When you’ve hit financial rock bottom, it changes you. Even when you rebuild, that old fear can creep in and whisper, “What if it happens again?”
We’ve worked hard to rewrite our money story, and for the first time, we’re on the other side, feeling financially secure and truly blessed. But even though we’ve come so far and are deeply grateful for everything we have, we still have moments of hesitation – especially when making larger purchases. Watching our bank account dip can trigger that old fear of scarcity, even though, in reality, we have always had enough. Even at our lowest – through bankruptcy, losing a house and a car and having literally $0 in the bank – we still had a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and never truly went without.
Yet, that old fear resurfaced recently when we went to buy Bob a much-needed car. We had started looking months before and found the perfect one – low miles, in great shape. We test-drove it, got excited, and told the dealer yes! But then, panic set in. What if this was a mistake? What if something unexpected happened? Were we being reckless? The fear took over. We called the dealership, backed out, and lost out on a fantastic deal.
Buying a car should be exciting, but instead, it turned into an emotional rollercoaster. The push and pull between joy and fear made what should have been a celebration feel overwhelming.
Trust in the Journey – AND the Destination
And here’s the irony – I help others work through their scarcity mindset! I guide people in shifting their beliefs around money, abundance, and worthiness. Yet, even with all my knowledge and experience, it still sneaks up on me. It’s proof that healing from a scarcity mindset isn’t a one-and-done process – it’s an ongoing journey.
The truth is that a scarcity mindset isn’t just about not having money. It can still control us even when we do have it, making us afraid of ever going back to struggle. It’s something ingrained over years of conditioning, and it takes conscious effort to shift – even in times of abundance.
The good news? We sat down, talked it through, and faced it together. We went back to the dealership and found another great car for Bob – one that, while different from the first, was exactly what he needed. And then, as if the universe was waiting for us to trust, an unexpected check arrived – covering almost the entire cost of the car.
That moment was a powerful reminder to ask, believe, and be open to receiving. When you do, the floodgates open. Trust that there is always more than enough. You are meant to thrive, not just survive.
Kelly L. McCarthy, owner of BeyondWordsNWisdom in Winsted, CT, is a SoulReader, Energy Guide, and Intuitive Graphic Artist. She unlocks stagnant energies, reflecting others’ true selves. Her ancestral wisdom and intuitive skills expand your awareness, opening your heart and mind to life’s possibilities, personally and professionally. Kelly offers in-person and remote opportunities to work together.
Visit: www.beyondwordsnwisdom.com, email Kelly at: kelly@beyondwordsnwisdom.com, or call/text 860.806.9684.