Can’t Spell Fund, W/Out F-U-N

 Reclaiming Respite, Rest, and Joy Through Self-Awareness and PTO: Meet Jordan

The Tool of Self-Awareness

Your Tool of Self-Awareness is more than just a mental mirror. It's the key to recognizing what's really going on beneath your knee-jerk “no.” Often, it’s not just about the money. It's about fear, self-judgment, and the sneaky internalized belief that we have to earn our rest.

But here's a radical truth: you don’t have to be burned out to deserve a break. You are worthy of care, now.

So let’s pause. Is the hesitation really about affordability? Or is it a fear of being seen as lazy, indulgent, or irresponsible for prioritizing yourself?

This is where your self-awareness tool comes in: to help you name those thoughts, and then lovingly challenge them.

PTO Isn’t Just a Benefit, It’s a Resource

If you’re lucky enough to have Paid Time Off (PTO), you already have a financial cushion built in. But how often do we actually do the math?

Let’s take an example:

🌟 Meet Jordan:

• Makes $35/hour

• Works 40 hours/week

• Has 5 days (1 week) of PTO

  
  

Let’s break that down:

$35 x 40 hours = $1,400

That’s $1,400 you’ll still earn even if you're not working. This money is not hypothetical, it’s already yours. You’ve earned it. So what if you thought of that $1,400 as a loan from yourself to yourself to support your well-being?

A loan toward beachside smoothies. A cabin in the woods. A ticket to your hometown. Or simply a week of rest, reflection, and recharging.

Permission to Prioritize

Here’s your permission slip: Your need for self-care, pleasure, and rest is valid. Your desire to travel, disconnect, or even just catch up on sleep is human.

It’s okay to use your time and your money to take care of yourself, not just so you can return to work better, but because you deserve to feel good in your life.

Plan the Recharge

So what can you do today?

1. Check your PTO balance. How much time do you really have?

2. Do the math. What is your PTO actually worth in dollars? (You might be surprised.)

3. Use your Tool of Self-Awareness. What thoughts or fears are holding you back? Gently question: Are they true? Are they kind? Are they helpful?

4. Make a plan that honors your needs. Whether it’s travel or downtime, dream a little. Even just one day off with intention can reset your system in powerful ways.

Final Thought

Your energy is your most precious resource. Spending a bit of time or money to preserve it isn’t a waste, it’s wisdom.

So the next time you're tempted to say, "I can't afford a vacation," try this instead: "I'm choosing to invest in myself, with money I've already earned." Because, you truly can’t spell “fund” without F-U-N. And you, my friend, are worth every bit of both.

Go ahead, plan the pause. You’ve earned it.

Chris Lauzon, LICSW

Therapist

Boston, Massachusetts