The Media has been relentlessly hyper-focused around banking, finances and money lately. If we allow this to affect us in a negative way, it will only add to our usual amount of daily stresses, which does not help us in living our best life.
When we take a step back and realize how the idea of money began, it helps to bring things into perspective.
The fascinating history of the when and how people began using money is an important part of understanding it. There are many different theories about the story of money, but there are a few things we know for sure.
Before money was used, the standard practice of people exchanging goods and services was through bartering. It was a great way to trade with others, but it also had some disadvantages.
Some items were too expensive or too difficult to transport for bartering to be effective. These items included salt, tea, cattle, and seeds.
Other items were cheaper or easier to transport, called commodities or early forms of money. They ultimately became the basis of a system of exchange in most countries.
Aside from the commodity type of money, people had many other forms of currency. Some additional examples of objects that have value are cowries, which are the shells of mollusks found in the Pacific and Indian oceans. They are one of the oldest forms of currency and were first used in 1200 BCE. Another common currency was mother-of-pearl, which was widely traded in the Americas.
Additional forms of money were animal furs and teeth, which have been used by many different people throughout history. This type of currency is still used in some places today.
There are many different types of metals that have been used as money, such as gold, silver, and copper. These metals have been used both as a medium of exchange and as a way to track resources.
Cattle are another very common and very old form of currency, cultures across the world use them as money. During the domestication of cattle, farmers began to use these animals as a way to pay for goods and services.
The next big step in the history of money was the invention of coins, which were made in all shapes and sizes, some even had holes in them to be carried on a string. These coins were often minted by the local ruler or king, and had a stamp indicating backing by that person.
Paper money was invented around 600 AD in China, but it wasn’t widely used until about 1000 AD. It took a long time for this type of currency to become popular in other parts of the world, and it was only around 1271 AD that paper money became widely accepted.
When did we leap from paper money being a new fad a thousand years ago to something that causes anxiety, triggered emotions as well as being over emphasized in our present day life?
Money’s original purpose was for convenience, because it’s too difficult to carry around cattle, shells, seeds or mother of pearl for your purchases.
Just think if you needed to pay in shells or seeds next time you needed your car serviced or in paying for your groceries. The idea of money is just that, it’s an exchange.
Money has lost its energy in our modern day life and we have strayed away from the original intent.
I think this is a great time to shift our paradigms around money in order to unlock our greatness. It’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on our money beliefs for our sake, and for the generations that follow.
For more inspiration on navigating finances, check out the bestselling book, Fired Up available on Amazon Link.
Wendy Bjork, founder of HeartsofWellness.com/you is a pioneer in advocacy and mentorship. Wendy is leading a global revolution of women walking in purpose and peace as she illumines their path ahead with the light of HOPE: Harmony, Options, Peace & Empowerment.
She empowers women to step into their boldness, stand in their resilience and own their Truth. Through Wendy’s guidance, they are finally seen, heard and understood.
Wendy has authored two books and co-authored a third, “Fired Up!,” a #1 International bestseller. She is a regular contributor on the PriceofBusiness.com digital platforms and to the National MS Society’s Momentum Magazine. She is regularly invited on discussions, podcasts, interviews as she shares her story and hope to inspire others.
Wendy’s Archive: https://usadailypost.com/2022/09/07/wendy-bjorks-commentary-featured-on-price-of-business-digital-network/
Follow Wendy: wendy.sololink.me
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