Reality Check or Thump Therapy ?

Considering the facts of life - what is actual - especially my financial existence is an important exercise.  Today I am working on a monthly budget - am I staying within my true monetary ability?  This does not sound fun but surprisingly doing this helps me rein in.  Nothing can drain me more than realizing that I have spent more than I have made.  I once heard  a joke about the need for "thump therapy";  spending this morning planning economically was a true reality check for me.  THUMP!