In this truth-filled episode, Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster challenges us to look closely at the words we’re accepting, the advice we’re receiving, and the people we’re allowing to influence our lives. Using the powerful metaphor of financial deposits and bounced checks, she breaks down how accepting “bad checks” from others—whether in the form of poor advice, limiting beliefs, or harmful feedback—can stifle our progress and drain our energy.

Would you base your next big step on funds that were never real? Then why are you still cashing emotional and mental checks from people who haven’t deposited into their own healing?

This episode is a wake-up call to examine the advice we follow and the voices we prioritize, especially in moments of uncertainty. From biblical wisdom and African proverbs to practical guidance, Tonicia offers a grounded, compassionate approach to repositioning relationships and protecting your peace.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Bad Checks

01:18 The Importance of Community and Support

02:44 Evaluating Relationships and Their Impact

04:21 Practical Steps for Healthy Boundaries

05:44 Reflecting on Your Relationships

06:48 Conclusion: Ensuring Positive Deposits

Inside this episode:

• 💭 Bad Checks & Deposits: What it means to accept emotional input from the wrong people?
  
  
  
• 🧠 The Psychological Cost: How toxic advice becomes mental weeds and fear-fuelled cycles?
  
  
  
• 🧍🏾‍♀️ Relational Reality Checks: Why love isn't always enough when someone lacks the tools to support you?
  
  
  
• 🔄 Repositioning People with Intention: How to assess someone’s role in your life without guilt or shame?
  
  
  
• 🛑 Setting Boundaries with Grace: Four key questions to help you evaluate relationships:
  
  
  1. What is this person’s experience?
     
     
     
  2. Where are they in their own life?
     
     
     
  3. How do you feel after speaking with them?
     
     
     
  4. How do they respond to your success—or your struggles?
     
     

This isn’t about cutting people off for sport. It’s about protecting your momentum, your spirit, and your dreams by only accepting deposits that help you thrive.

 📤 Share this episode with someone who needs a gentle push to return the check to sender.

Your account—your spirit, your purpose, your dreams—deserves good deposits. Be wise with what you allow in.

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📘 Grab Navigating Rough Seeds Navigating Rough S.E.A.S. - Soul Eroding Assimilation-Forcing Systems: A Playbook for Navigating Workplace Trauma and Reclaiming Power, Wellness, and Joy., Dr. Freeman-Foster’s bestselling best-selling book, at https://www.leidoswel.com/, or on Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

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