Audio: 2
Chapter 2:
Frey stood at the edge of the fields as dawn spread thin streaks of pale gold across the barren lands.
Behind him, workers descended toward the labor pits in exhausted silence. Iron struck stone somewhere below, echoing through the valley with the slow rhythm of chains dragged across concrete. No one spoke much this early. Words cost energy, and energy was already owed elsewhere.
Usually, Frey would have followed without thinking.
Today, he remained still.
His fingers rested against the journal inside his satchel. The rough leather cover had begun to comfort him in ways he did not fully understand. That alone unsettled him. Writing always made him feel less likely to lose himself.
The night before, he had filled nearly three pages with shaky observations about debt, labor, and the strange markings on Anansi’s scroll. Some words had been scratched out repeatedly. Others written darker, harder, as though pressure alone could force understanding into him.
One line remained untouched.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Debt makes tomorrow answer for what today cannot afford.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Frey hated how quickly the sentence found its way into his own life.
Not mathematically.
Personally.
He thought about the things he bought whenever exhaustion became unbearable enough to need escaping.
Smokeleaf after brutal shifts. Warm liquor beside crowded fire pits, where men laughed too loudly to speak honestly.
Polished boots purchased with borrowed coin because looking poor somehow felt worse than remaining poor. Each purchase felt deserved. Each left him with less.
The shame wasn’t the debt. It was how badly he’d needed the feeling. A soft rustling interrupted his thoughts. Frey stiffened.
No wind moved across the fields. Yet somewhere beyond them, the trees stirred.
Only the trees.
The air around him changed. Not colder. Heavier.
The sounds from the labor pits seemed to drift farther away until the valley behind him no longer felt entirely real. Ahead, beyond the outer fields, the tree line waited beneath a veil of pale morning mist.
The forest.
Old.
Avoided.
Children were warned about it before they were old enough to understand why.
People disappeared there sometimes. Not enough to become a legend. Just enough to become a warning.
Every instinct inside Frey told him to walk away. Return to the pits. Return to routine. Questions had already disturbed enough of his life.
Yet beneath the fear, another feeling stirred.
Curiosity.
The same dangerous curiosity that had already begun unraveling everything he thought he understood.
Slowly, Frey stepped toward the woods.
The moment he crossed beneath the trees, the world narrowed.
The air smelled of wet bark and rain-soaked earth. Moss crawled across ancient trunks twisted by centuries of decay while tangled roots pushed through the soil like veins beneath skin. Thin beams of light slipped weakly through the canopy overhead, shifting whenever the branches moved.
The forest did not feel empty.
It felt aware.
Frey tightened his grip on the satchel strap. Then he saw it. A coin rested near the roots of a crooked tree, impossibly bright against the dark soil. He crouched carefully. The metal was strangely warm beneath his fingers. Strange markings circled its edge, worn almost smooth. At its center, one word remained.
________________________________________________________________________________________
MORE.
________________________________________________________________________________________
As his thumb brushed the engraving, a voice moved through the forest.
Not heard.
Felt.
“To possess a thing is easy.” The words seemed to vibrate through the trees themselves.
“To control your desire is far more difficult.” Frey stood abruptly, heart pounding. “Who’s there?” Only silence answered. The voice came again.
“The danger begins when possession stops satisfying you.” Frey turned. No one. Another coin glimmered deeper in the woods. Then another.
Frey followed. At first, each metallic clink inside the satchel sounded like possibility.
Escape.
Relief.
Enough.
Then enough became more. His pace quickened.
Another coin.
Another.
By the time Frey noticed the weight against his shoulder, stopping felt harder than continuing.
How many are there? What are they worth? Could this finally change everything?
The questions came so quickly that Frey almost missed what had happened. Enough had already stopped being enough.
He remembered market windows. Dominion merchants beneath golden lanterns. The borrowed boots he’d bought because looking poor had somehow felt worse than being poor.
Another coin.
His stomach turned.
He had always blamed poverty for his unhappiness. But poverty wasn’t the only thing spending his money.
Shame was.
Comparison was.
The desperate need to feel worthy was.
Frey stopped.
The forest had gone silent.
No birds.
No wind.
Only the weight of the satchel against his shoulder.
Slowly, he opened it.
The coins inside no longer looked beautiful. Frey thought of the smokeleaf.
The liquor.
The boots.
He hadn’t always wanted the thing.
Sometimes he’d wanted what the thing made him stop feeling.
Loneliness.
Exhaustion.
Shame.
The purchase wasn’t always the reward.
Relief was.
The voice returned.
Softer now.
“Desire is easiest to control before it is fed.”
Frey stared down at the satchel.
Then slowly reached inside.
His fingers wrapped around one coin.
Every instinct inside him resisted.
Keep it.
You found it.
You deserve something for once.
His chest tightened.
The worst part was that the thoughts sounded reasonable.
That frightened him more than the forest itself.
With trembling hands, Frey placed one coin back onto the roots beside him.
Relief did not come.
Only discomfort. He hated that. Slowly, he began removing the others, one by one. Each felt harder than the last. Then he stopped. One coin remained.
Small.
Hidden beneath the folds of fabric near the bottom.
Frey stared at it.
His pulse quickened again.
No one would know. Not Anansi. Not the forest. Eventually, perhaps not even Frey.
It was only one coin. The thought slid into him so naturally that it almost felt like the truth. Frey’s fingers closed around the metal. And stayed there. For several long seconds, he said nothing.
Then, with visible effort, he pulled his hand away and let the coin remain where it was.
Not returned.
Not acknowledged.
Hidden.
Shame crept through him immediately. He’d returned almost everything.
Almost. Not discipline. Compromise.
A branch cracked somewhere behind him. Frey turned sharply.
Anansi stood several feet away between the trees, half-veiled by drifting mist.
Frey’s stomach tightened instantly.
“How long have you been there?”
The older man ignored the question. His eyes drifted briefly toward the satchel hanging at Frey’s side. Not suspicious. Knowing. That somehow felt worse. The forest had gone still around him. Even the branches no longer moved.
Anansi stepped closer, his weathered gaze settling on Frey with quiet patience.
“Well?” he asked. Frey swallowed carefully. “I put them back.” The words left his mouth too quickly.
Anansi studied him for a long moment.
Then, very slightly, he nodded.
Something changed in Anansi’s expression.
Not disappointment.
Recognition.
As though Frey’s lie were an old one.
Anansi’s eyes dropped briefly toward the satchel.
“Discipline is rarely surrendered all at once.” Frey’s stomach tightened.
“Usually, we negotiate it away.” Heat crept into Frey’s chest.
For a moment, he nearly confessed. Nearly reached into the satchel and nearly surrendered the final coin. But shame held his mouth shut.
Anansi said nothing more. Somehow, that silence weighed more than accusation.
Relief had always felt like freedom to Frey.
Now he wondered how often he’d confused the two.
The Dominion didn’t need to command every choice.
Not if appetite could.
Not if insecurity could.
The hidden coin struck his hip as they walked.
Anansi had asked what was making his choices for him.
Frey was beginning to understand why he hadn’t said who.
Frey’s Journal: Cycle 1, Phase 2, Solar Arc 218
Understand Desire
Desire is unlimited, but money is limited. Every purchase has an opportunity cost: the best alternative use of that money you surrender.
Before buying, include fees, interest, upkeep, and the hours worked to afford it. Separate needs from wants, delay unplanned purchases, and compare each expense with your financial goal. The objective is not to eliminate desire, but to choose which desires deserve your resources.
Money plays a significant role in society and symbolizes prestige and power. It enables us to invest in our future, buy products and services, and accomplish our objectives.
Money is a barometer of success since we frequently associate financial prosperity with effort and performance. However, our relationship with money is shaped by psychological, social, and economic factors that profoundly influence our well-being.
Entry: Cycle 1, Phase 2, Solar Arc 218
The link between money and happiness is widely debated in personal finance and psychology. Research suggests that increased income can significantly enhance life satisfaction by reducing financial stress and providing access to essential resources, but the effect plateaus beyond a certain threshold.
This threshold varies but often reflects an income level sufficient to meet basic needs and afford some discretionary spending. Beyond that, additional money has diminishing returns on emotional well-being, as factors like relationships, health, and personal fulfillment become more significant.
Financial stability can bring comfort and security, enabling people to afford housing, healthcare, and education. However, simply amassing wealth does not guarantee happiness. A 2011 study suggests that people derive more lasting happiness from experiences such as travel, learning, and social activities than from material possessions. Someone earning $75,000 a year and leading a balanced life may report higher happiness than a millionaire who works excessively and neglects personal relationships. Studies also found that emotional well-being rises with income up to $500,000, beyond which it plateaus.
Instance: Emma, a teacher, earns $60,000 annually. Her income allows her to pay her bills, save for the future, and enjoy occasional vacations. She feels content because her financial needs are met, and she has time for her family and hobbies.
In contrast, David, a high-earning executive, makes $500,000 annually but works 80-hour weeks, leaving little time for personal connections or leisure. Despite his wealth, David reports feeling stressed and unfulfilled. This example shows that while money is essential for meeting needs and providing opportunities, its influence on happiness diminishes once those needs are met. True happiness often depends on intangible factors like relationships, health, and purpose.
Entry: Cycle 1, Phase 2, Solar Arc 218
Wealth is not just about possession; it is about responsibility. Each coin I picked up carried a weight beyond its physical form. It was a test, revealing that power is not in what we hold but in how we choose to use it. In seeking riches, do we gain control or become controlled?
I believed that financial security was about having more. But standing in that forest, feeling the burden of every coin, I understood something deeper: True power comes from knowing when enough is enough.
The Psychological Effects of Money on Behavior
Money influences human behavior in both positive and negative ways. Studies show that when people perceive themselves as wealthier (even if their wealth hasn’t changed), they tend to spend more, a phenomenon known as the “Wealth Effect” (Thaler, 2008). Another study from 2013 suggested that financial scarcity can reduce cognitive capacity, leading to short-term decision-making and poor long-term financial habits.
Social comparisons often also influence financial behaviors. The phenomenon of “Keeping Up with the Joneses” leads most of us to spend beyond our means to match individuals around us with a “PERCEIVED!” lifestyle. Social media further amplifies this effect by showcasing curated, often unrealistic, images of financial success. This increases the number of people who feel positive about their lives, which leads to more impulse spending.
The value of money is not constant; it evolves due to various social, economic, and technological factors. Inflation, for example, erodes the purchasing power of money, meaning that the same amount of currency buys fewer goods and services in the future. Additionally, shifts in global economic trends, technological advancements, and changes in consumer behavior can influence the value of money.
Instance: In the 1980s, $1 could buy several items at a grocery store, but that same dollar has much less buying power today due to inflation. Similarly, the rise of cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, has introduced new ways of thinking about value, as traditional fiat currencies are no longer the sole store of value in global economies.
Financial literacy plays a crucial role in long-term peace of mind. Studies suggest that higher financial literacy leads to better decision-making, higher savings rates, and improved retirement planning. Some countries even have mandatory financial education programs, and these countries report significantly better financial well-being among their citizens than countries without such programs.
Instance: Sophia tracks her monthly expenses and saves 10% of her income for emergencies. This financial discipline provides her with a safety net when her car unexpectedly breaks down, helping her avoid debt and reduce stress. In contrast, her friend Jake frequently overspends on non-essentials and becomes stressed when unexpected expenses arise.
Changing Your Money Mindset
Drawing inspiration from those who have prospered financially despite comparable circumstances is a powerful way to broaden your perspective.
– “Money is the root of all evil.”
– “Rich people are greedy.”
– “I’ll never make enough to live comfortably.”
To move forward, challenge and reframe these beliefs.
- Identify the Source: Reflect on where your negative beliefs about money originated. For instance, were you told as a child that “money doesn’t grow on trees”?
- Challenge the Evidence: Examine whether these beliefs hold up to scrutiny. For example, if you believe you can’t save, track your spending for a month. Often, this reveals areas where minor adjustments can lead to significant savings.
- Seek Inspiration: Look to individuals who overcame similar financial hurdles. For example, J.K. Rowling went from being a struggling single mother to becoming a billionaire author, demonstrating the power of persistence and creativity.
Transforming financial thinking requires intentionality, practice, and a willingness to embrace change. View Money as a Tool, Not a Stressor. Problem: Fear-based money habits (hoarding, avoiding, or overspending due to stress).
Strategy: Treat money as a tool for freedom, growth, and opportunities. Focus on what money enables you to do (travel, invest, give back) rather than fear it. Instance: Delores used to fear investing, thinking she’d lose money. After learning basic investing principles, she confidently builds wealth over time.
Financial Stress and Financial Wellness
Mental and financial well-being are often viewed as separate aspects of life, but they are profoundly interconnected and mutually influential. Financial stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. On the other hand, a strong sense of financial wellness achieved through effective budgeting, saving, and planning can improve mental health by fostering feelings of security and confidence. A balanced approach to managing money and mental health is essential for overall well-being.
Instance: Emily diligently manages her finances, maintains an emergency fund, and has a clear expense plan. This gives her peace of mind, even when unexpected situations arise, like a sudden medical bill. On the other hand, Michael struggles to keep up with his expenses, leading to sleepless nights and heightened anxiety.
Financial stress can profoundly impact mental health, creating a cycle of poor decision-making and heightened anxiety. When under financial strain, individuals are more likely to make impulsive choices, such as overspending or neglecting bills, which can worsen their financial situation. Additionally, poor mental health can make it harder to manage money effectively, as symptoms like anxiety or depression may lead to avoidance behaviors or reduced logical thinking.
Wealth and financial stability directly impact health and life expectancy. Research indicates a 15-year life expectancy gap between the richest and poorest Americans. Financial security provides access to better healthcare, stress-free living, and improved nutrition, while financial struggles increase the risks of chronic diseases and mental health issues.
Instance: Lisa lost her job and felt overwhelmed by her mounting credit card debt. The stress makes her avoid checking her account statements, causing missed payments and late fees. Her mental health deteriorates further, making it even harder to tackle her financial challenges. With the help of a financial counselor and a therapist, Lisa develops a manageable plan to reduce her debt and address her anxiety, gradually improving her situation.
Entry: Cycle 1, Phase 2, Solar Arc 218
Today I learned that desire wears many disguises.
People speak of money as though it creates happiness. But what I felt in the forest was not happiness.
It was hunger.
The coins promised relief. Importance. Escape.
Yet the more I carried, the heavier I became.
I once believed people suffered because they lacked wealth.
Now I wonder how many suffer because they expect wealth to heal what discipline, purpose, or self-control never did.
That thought unsettles me.
Because if peace cannot be purchased… then I must become someone capable of creating it without buying another distraction to imitate it.
That night, Frey could not sleep.
For the first time, he realized ignorance had cost him more than poverty ever had.
And somewhere beneath that realization lurked a more dangerous thought:
If his habits helped build his cage… could different habits destroy it?
Laws Discovered & Revealed: Remember
– Murphy’s Law: The more you fear something happening, the more likely it is to occur.
– Kidlin’s Law: If you write a problem down clearly and specifically, you have solved half of it.
– Wilson Law: Money will continue to follow when prioritizing knowledge and intelligence.
– Falkland Law: If you don’t have to decide, don’t.
Language you have to be aware of:
When you use language that keeps guilt alive, you reinforce it. You build it, you grow it.
Language like:
I can’t. Whenever you say, “I can’t,” you’re sending a message to the subconscious mind. The mind picks up that you are helpless, that you’re not in control, and that you’re a victim. So when you want to do something, your mind feeds back your command and says, “You can’t.”
More language like this to avoid:
– I have to: (I have no control. I’m not in charge.)
– I’ll try: (I will fail, and I’m telling you in advance so you can’t blame me.)
– Well, I’ll try to be there on time: (I’ll probably be late, and there’s no point.)
– I wish: A wish is a desire or goal with no energy behind it. Essentially, you are telling your mind:
– I want to: This signals to the subconscious that you do not believe you can achieve or acquire this.
Instance: Imagine you’re aspiring to secure a leadership role within your organization. Instead of expressing your ambition or lobbying for the position, you should focus on excelling in your current role.
Mário Quintana (a writer & poet):
“Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come.”
By cultivating your “garden” the skills, relationships, and work ethic you create grows an environment that naturally attracts opportunities (“butterflies”) without the need for pursuit while simultaneously building yourself (win-win). The things you want in life require faith, action and determination. As we all know, faith without work is dead. However, the work required is not always what you assume.
Audio: 2.2
One coin remained.
Frey stared at it.
What frightened him wasn’t its value.
It was how quickly he’d become afraid to lose it.
He left it hidden.
A branch cracked behind him.
Anansi stood between the trees, his eyes already on the satchel.
“I put them back,” Frey said.
Something crossed Anansi’s face.
Recognition.
“Discipline is rarely surrendered all at once.”
He turned away.
“Usually, we negotiate it away.”
The coin struck Frey’s hip as he followed.
Relief had always felt like freedom.
Now he knew better.
Anansi had asked what was making his choices for him.
Frey finally understood why he hadn’t said who.