Dear Reader,

Here’s a truth about me: I have a bit of an obsessive mindset. When I get interested in something, I tend to go all in.

My most recent example? Watercoloring.

It started with watching a ton of YouTube videos. Then it led to buying a bunch of watercolor supplies. Have I used them? A little… but not nearly as much as I imagined I would.

This is why it’s so important to know our tendencies—especially when it comes to money. I know mine better now than I used to. I genuinely intended to watercolor. And maybe I still will. But intention and follow-through don’t always line up the way we hope.

If you read my previous email about my 2026 theme, you know I’m aiming to feel lighter this year—lighter in my habits, goals, and the things I keep in my home.

So how do we actually learn about ourselves?

Two things:
1) Observation (or what I like to call witnessing)
2) And honesty.

My meditation and yoga teachers often talk about witnessing—observing our thoughts and behaviors as if we’re watching from the outside. It’s those moments when you think, “Oh… why did I say that?” Or the opposite experience—when you’re driving and suddenly you’re at your destination, wondering, “When did that happen?”

That second one? That’s not witnessing. That’s moving through life on autopilot.

Mindfulness—being present and aware—is a huge part of understanding and changing our relationship with money. We can’t change what we don’t notice. First comes recognition. Then choice.

And that requires honesty.

It’s often easier to rationalize or ignore our behavior, especially when it comes to spending. We don’t like discomfort—emotional or otherwise. And when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or stretched thin, the idea of changing habits (even ones we know would help us) can feel like too much.

So we start small.

Observation is the first step. Not judgment—just noticing. If you spent money in a way you later regretted, try asking yourself:

What was I feeling? Hungry? Tired? Mad? Sad? Bored?
What was I thinking? “I need these new paintbrushes” might really mean, “This purchase will make me feel better.”

I recently came across a YouTuber who explained this beautifully. (I’m paraphrasing here.)

Purchases can be small identity repairs—a way to momentarily become the version of ourselves we’re aiming for, instead of sitting with the slower, sometimes uncomfortable work of building the life we want. (Adapted from Your Money Mate Sarah)

Change takes work. I talk about this often with both my coaching clients and my therapy patients. Whether we’re changing habits, examining our thoughts and feelings, or working through old patterns (usually all of the above), it takes time, energy, honesty—and bravery.

Here’s one of my own brutal truths:

I love learning. And that’s not a bad thing. But when something shiny and new captures my interest, I tend to go all in—including mindless spending. And then I often don’t follow through on integrating what I’ve learned (or bought) into my daily life.

When I was feeling especially vulnerable at the end of last year, I didn’t have the mental energy to be as mindful with my spending. And honestly? That brings up shame and a lot of self-annoyance.
“Dammit. I did it again.”

And yes—this is coming from a spending and mindset coach.

I’m sharing this because setbacks are part of being human. They’re part of learning. Growth doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from noticing, being honest about the circumstances, forgiving ourselves, adjusting, and moving forward.

Small steps. Honest witnessing. And a little more compassion along the way.

💛

Litsa

PS: You don’t have to do this kind of noticing alone. In Cashflow Confidence and Cashflow Clarity, I help you slow things down, understand your patterns, and create a money system that actually supports the life you’re living now. If you want to learn more, email me back and we'll set up a free 60 minute call where we'll dive right into coaching mode and talk about next steps. Or you can learn more here.