Developing Boundaries

If it is possible to have a reservoir of positive emotions, it means having an ability to store these emotions in some manner. The only way that would be possible would be perhaps, if they were kept in a metaphorical emotional box, or cupboard, or cup or emotional bank account. That implies then, that it would need to be protected by me in order to keep it full of emotions that are positive, and could be added to as able, but also withdrawn from as needed to help keep negative emotions in balance. There is also a chance that this bank account or cup, could be added to by the people around me, or also withdrawn from by the people around me, because in a group emotions are contagious (Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence).  A boundary though, is not something that I want to be permanent, because it would also limit my ability to access resources. So a boundary is something that I need to be able to manage, as part of my emotion management plan. When I am tired, I need to be able to withdraw and replenish myself without taking on too many demands from others. When I am stable and confident, than I have the ability to share with others out of my emotional abundance, and take on more demands of family, work and volunteer activities, etc.

Interesting to note, that out of all the ways to manage emotions, volunteering is actually the best way to increase positive emotions, and the least utilized (Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence).