In talking with a friend today, I mentioned how I am just done. I am the person who will listen whenever you need to talk. However, yesterday, I was not that person. I had been going since 4am and was just getting home at 8pm. I just had to say, I can’t, which of course made me feel mean and uncaring. That isn’t the case at all, I wanted to be there, but I just emotionally and physically couldn't.
She said, “girl you’re broke!” HUH?? She went on to explain that my wallet of emotional currency had run out! When you are constantly spending your emotional money giving to others, sometimes there isn't enough for everyone. That was spot on! I didn’t have anything to give! I needed to refill my wallet by prioritizing myself. Otherwise, I would always be broke and forever trying to get to a place where my wallet would be refilled. If I don’t take the time for me or “replenish” my currency, then I will never have enough to help the people who rely on me. We were laughing so much at this amazing analogy, thinking of how much money do we want to spend on certain situations. Honestly, it was just our laughter that lifted me back up - I could already feel my wallet replenishing. Sometimes, that is all you need... just a little friend time to make you whole or add to your wallet of emotional currency. It is important to pay attention to what you are giving your emotional currency to, some may drive you to become bankrupt. My wallet isn't totally filled back up, but I'm working on it.
6 Comments
3/3/2022 09:56:22 pm
Emotional budgeting? Seems like a logical solution. It reminded me of the bucket filler book I used to read to kids. I should pull it back out and dust it off for a reboot. Thanks for the reminder and keep on making those deposits! :)
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RandomlyOrtiz
3/3/2022 10:43:37 pm
Whew! You put words to my feelings. I grew up thinking about an emotional balloon that inflates and deflates, but this analogy is just as good.
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Sara T.
3/3/2022 10:56:53 pm
Perfect analogy!
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EugeniaKouts
3/4/2022 12:53:09 am
SO true! You give so much to others during the school day and even before and after school too. You need to put yourself on a budget and tell people "I can't afford to deal with you right now. I'll call you after I go to the bank!" LOL If you're lucky they will think you've lost it and won't confide in you anymore.
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Noora Hazou
3/4/2022 09:04:29 pm
I hope you find some time to fatten up your wallet this weekend! You deserve it.
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Trina Perez
3/5/2022 12:15:12 pm
I love this one! It really makes you stop and think what we spend our "money" on. I know there are some things we can't choose, we are forced to deal. However, MANY things throughout our day are our choice.
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AuthorI have worked in social work for over 25 years. The past 19 years have been within an elementary school setting. Archives
March 2022
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