A few months back when when the World's economic climate changed for the worst, everyone was in a state of shock. I was. Not knowing what was going to happen next. Will the stock market go down a few more points today? How many more new unemployment compensation claims will be filed? Which business will be closing down today? How many people do I personally know of who have lost their job or had work hours or pay cut?
All of this gets depressing when you personally are affected by any of the above situations. But what about when it's your neighbor, your cousin, Aunt Sue or your best friend from high school? It's happened to them, its hitting them hard. In your circle of friends, family, fellow church members, many people facing financial crisis and difficulty, what do you do?
You do sympathize with them, you do share their pain, especially if you are dealing with the same situation, but how much is too much? I got stressed listening to other peoples woes and it pained me, but when I found I was getting depressed, stressed and re-living those calamities day after day, I had to say STOP!
I had to ask myself', "What can I do to help you?" A few words of consolation and support, maybe give a few suggestions, but not much more. What I could do is help them to see a positive that may come about or help steer them in the direction to go. It's so easy to moan and drown ourselves in our sorrows or those of others; but does that make anyone feel better? Does it solve the problem?
Set some boundaries for yourself. Cry feel depressed, that's normal but set a goal as to what you are going to do that is positive and will help turn things around. If a family member or friend is in dire straits, maybe some immediate aid would be appropriate, but help them to look up 'above ground' for themselves and take action. Don't take on their emotional baggage too! You cannot carry it all.
I read an article the other day. It was directed to business owners on how not to let your client's money drama kill your business and how a business owner needs to avoid taking on their financial baggage that can jeopardize their business. Its worth reading the article: How to avoid ‘taking on’ your clients’ money drama.
Anyone can find themselves in an unexpected or difficult money situation. How you handle your own and other people's situation determines whether you're taking on their economic stress and allowing them to Money Dump on you! Be compassionate but don't carry more stress than you can bear.
All of this gets depressing when you personally are affected by any of the above situations. But what about when it's your neighbor, your cousin, Aunt Sue or your best friend from high school? It's happened to them, its hitting them hard. In your circle of friends, family, fellow church members, many people facing financial crisis and difficulty, what do you do?
You do sympathize with them, you do share their pain, especially if you are dealing with the same situation, but how much is too much? I got stressed listening to other peoples woes and it pained me, but when I found I was getting depressed, stressed and re-living those calamities day after day, I had to say STOP!
I had to ask myself', "What can I do to help you?" A few words of consolation and support, maybe give a few suggestions, but not much more. What I could do is help them to see a positive that may come about or help steer them in the direction to go. It's so easy to moan and drown ourselves in our sorrows or those of others; but does that make anyone feel better? Does it solve the problem?
Set some boundaries for yourself. Cry feel depressed, that's normal but set a goal as to what you are going to do that is positive and will help turn things around. If a family member or friend is in dire straits, maybe some immediate aid would be appropriate, but help them to look up 'above ground' for themselves and take action. Don't take on their emotional baggage too! You cannot carry it all.
I read an article the other day. It was directed to business owners on how not to let your client's money drama kill your business and how a business owner needs to avoid taking on their financial baggage that can jeopardize their business. Its worth reading the article: How to avoid ‘taking on’ your clients’ money drama.
Anyone can find themselves in an unexpected or difficult money situation. How you handle your own and other people's situation determines whether you're taking on their economic stress and allowing them to Money Dump on you! Be compassionate but don't carry more stress than you can bear.
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