The Theory of the Bucket and the Dipper Raging Lion Each of us has an invisible bucket. It is constantly emptied or filled, depending upon what others say or do to us.Each of us has an invisible dipper. When we use that dipper to fill each other's bucket by doing and saying things to increase their positive emotions we also fill our own bucket. But when we use that dipper to dip from other people's buckets by saying or doing things that decrease their positive emotions we diminish ourselves. A full bucket gives us a positive outlook and renewed energy. Every drop in the bucket makes us stronger and more optimistic. But an empty bucket poisons our outlook, saps our energy and undermines our will. So we face a choice every moment of every day: we can fill one another's buckets, or we can dip from them. It's an important choice one that profoundly influences our relationships, productivity, health, and happiness. Pioneering research studies by psychology expert John Gottman suggests there is a magic ratio" of positive to negative in terms of our balance of positive to negative interactions. Meaning: While a single negative interaction can have a strong emotional impact, several positive interactions will refill your bucket. http://www.healthcaresups.com/raging-lion/