Last Friday, I had the wonderful experience of interviewing the amazing Janine Firpo about her money story, her book, and the nonprofit foundation she created to spark a global movement: helping women build wealth aligned with their values. It was enlightening. (You can listen to the recording [here] until Friday, May 30!)

And, like life does, it gave me both sides of the money coin.

The day before the event, a dear friend confided that she was struggling financially. She was in what I call a Financial Functional Freeze.

What is a Financial Functional Freeze?

Simply put, a functional freeze is a trauma response: you look like you’re keeping it together, but inside, you’re stuck—disconnected from your body, your emotions, and your power.

A Financial Functional Freeze means you’re still doing the basics—paying bills, showing up to work—but underneath, there’s overwhelm, fear, and decision paralysis around money.

My friend’s brain was spinning with guilt, dread, and scarcity. A classic money spiral. She asked for support, and I shared what I do when I feel that way too.

The 12 Things I Do When I’m in a Financial Functional Freeze

1. Sing loudly! Instant energy shift. Bonus points if the song has “money” in the title.

2. Repeat positive money mantras. Some favorites:

• Money comes to me easily and frequently.

• It is easy for me to receive.

• Money and I go way back—we always have each other’s back.

• I’ve been in spirals before. I always find my way out.

3. Walk barefoot in my backyard. Nature grounds me.

4. Move my body. Release the endorphins. Shake off the freeze.

5. List the ways I’m already thriving. Appreciation interrupts fear.

6. Tune in to my Spiritual Board of Advisors. I ask for wisdom and comfort.

7. Reread favorite money books. Especially:

• It’s Not Your Money by Tosha Silver

• You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

8. Reach out. I name my fears to someone safe. Not for fixing—just to air them out.

9. Stick to my routines. Eat. Meditate. Walk in nature. Work on my priority projects. Laugh with my husband. Rest. Repeat.

10. Do what feels like fun. I always succeed when I let fun lead.

11. Reread this wisdom from Aldous Huxley’s Island:

                    It’s dark because you are trying too hard.

                    Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly.

                    Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply.

                    Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.

                    … So throw away your baggage and go forward.

                    There are quicksands all about you, sucking at your feet,

                    trying to suck you down into fear and self-pity and despair.

                    That’s why you must walk so lightly.

                    Lightly my darling,

                    on tiptoes and no luggage,

                    not even a sponge bag,

                    completely unencumbered.”

12. And the big one: I remind myself:

I am always loved.

I am held and safe.

I am guided and supported

I am never, never, never alone.

This is how I thaw the freeze.

Because here’s the truth: the freeze is temporary. It’s not who you are. It’s a moment your nervous system is having. You’re still powerful. Still capable. Still on your way to wealth.

And you don’t have to do it alone. We can go lightly together.