MIND YOUR BUSINESS
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into the roots and real meaning behind the phrase - "Mind your business."
Most of us have heard it thrown around as a sassy comeback or a way to tell someone to butt the heck out, but there’s way more to it than just that.
I got inspired to find out where those words originally came from and, being a bit of a curious word nerd, I couldn’t help but do a little research!
Turns out, the story loops us right back to good ol’ Benjamin Franklin and the first U.S. copper penny, called the 1787 Fugio cent also known as the “Franklin cent”.
So what’s up with this coin and how does it apply to us today?
On one side, you’ve got 13 rings representing the original colonies with the words “We Are One,” and the other side features a sundial, with the Latin “Fugio” on the side (which means “I fly”), and underneath is written, “MIND YOUR BUSINESS.”
Franklin wasn’t just talking business – as in making cold, hard cash - he was also reminding folks that time flies and we should put our energy into our own lives, work, and relationships, while making the most of the time we’ve been given.
I think this message still rings true today, especially in a world full of distractions.
I also break down Franklin’s 13 Virtues, which are basically his personal recipe for living a good and purposeful life.
From temperance to humility, these old-school precepts are surprisingly practical and applicable to life today - things like keeping focused, doing what matters, and being sincere and fair.
It’s not about capitalistic productivity and hustling for hustle’s sake, though; it’s about being intentional with your time, energy, and relationships so you can thrive, not just survive
At the heart of the episode, I reflect on how “minding your business” isn’t about shutting out the happenings of the world around you, but rather about cultivating awareness and remembering what really matters.
It’s about honoring your own journey, while still valuing unity and the well-being of the people around you.
If we can look after our own purpose with care, boundaries, and love -and- show up for each other as well… we’re using the wisdom from Franklin’s time to live better and more meaningful lives right now. ❤️
KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• "Mind your business" originally meant focusing on your own growth, responsibilities, and purpose rather than as a quick insult or sharp dismissal.
• Benjamin Franklin’s 1787 Fugio cent coin features the phrase as a reminder to use our time wisely and prioritize what matters in life.
• The 13 interlocking rings and “We Are One” on the coin emphasize unity and the strength found in community and collaboration.
• Franklin’s list of 13 virtues encourages personal responsibility, industriousness, moderation, sincerity, and humility - values that are still relevant today.
• Getting caught up in other people’s business or distractions only takes us away from our own goals and well-being.
• Mindfully attending to your day-to-day life helps you live with more intention, creativity, and satisfaction.
• Balancing personal focus with care for others leads to growth for both us and our communities.
• Making time for rest, boundaries, and self-reflection is just as important as hard work and productivity.
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KAREN KENNEY BIO:
Spiritual mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development.
Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality.
Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatics, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible.
A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is a frequent speaker and retreat leader. Via her programs The Quest and The Nest, she coaches individuals and groups.
With The Karen Kenney Podcast, she encourages listeners to shift from a thought system of fear to one of love, compassion, and personal responsibility.
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