Keeping Your Emotional Bubble Level
My dad used to say, “He’s about half a bubble off plumb,” whenever someone seemed a little mentally or emotionally off balance. It was his practical, carpenter’s way of describing what many of us experience when life feels tilted and unsteady.
I thought of my dad’s words when I heard an executive director from an Area Agency on Aging explain how important it is for social workers—and caregivers—to learn the skill of Keeping Your Emotional Bubble Level. It’s such a simple image, yet it holds so much truth.
Our emotions naturally rise and fall. That’s part of being human. But when we’re constantly bouncing from one extreme to another, or stuck in the down position for too long, it can quietly lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. Many caregivers don’t realize how off balance they’ve become until their body, emotions, or patience finally give out.
Keeping Your Emotional Bubble Level doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means noticing where you are emotionally and responding with care—before exhaustion takes over. It’s a practice of awareness, not perfection.
So today, I invite you to pause and check your bubble.
Are you feeling steady and centered?
Or is your emotional level slowly drifting toward overwhelm?
If your bubble is tilting, don’t ignore it. You don’t need a major life overhaul to restore balance. Often, one small step—a few deep breaths, asking for help, stepping outside, or simply resting—is enough to begin bringing yourself back to center.
This is why Keeping Your Emotional Bubble Level matters so much in caregiving. When you honor your emotional needs, you protect your energy, your compassion, and your ability to continue showing up with care.
