YOU ONLY HAVE SO MANY BUMPS ON YOUR BUMP CARD...

The Wisdom My Father Gave Me

There are some things that get drilled into your head so deep, they never leave you. They become your compass in this rough life. My father once told me something that echoes in my soul to this very day:
"You only have so many bumps on your bump card."

At first, I didn’t fully understand what he meant. But as I moved through life, bumping into people, problems, and situations, I began to see the truth. Every time you get into a fight, argument, or disagreement—it takes something out of you. Not always something you can see, but it’s real. It drains your energy. It steals your peace. And it shortens your time.

See, too many of us walk around thinking we’re invincible. We chase every argument. We jump into every drama. We let ego guide us, not wisdom. And by the time we finally slow down, we’re burnt out, bitter, and broken down.

These words are a warning and a wake-up call. We’re not built to fight every battle. We must choose our battles with care. Not because we’re weak, but because we’re wise. Let me explain how deep this goes.

Every Battle Takes a Piece of You

Let’s start with something simple: arguing with your spouse.
Not everything is worth fighting over. If every little disagreement turns into war, what do you think that does over time? You and your partner only have so many fights in you before the love wears thin. Eventually, the cracks become too deep to fix.

The same applies at work. You might be right in what you're saying. But every time you go head-to-head with your boss, you’re shortening your time on the job. You think it’s about winning the argument? No—it’s about preserving your place. Ego can’t feed your family when you’re fired.

Look at that loud neighbor always trying to test you. You may feel tempted to stand your ground every time. But ask yourself: Is this worth one more bump on your card?

Every fight—big or small—takes something from you. And if you’re not careful, you’ll have nothing left when the battles that actually matter come your way.

The Fighter Who Looks Strong but Is Falling Apart

You ever see a boxer who was once great but took too many hits? He still looks strong, but something’s off. His reflexes are slower. His speech is slurred. His body aches. He didn’t protect himself. He let the crowd and ego push him to brawl when he should’ve boxed smart.

Life is no different.

You see folks out here trying to be tough all the time. Always fighting somebody. Always proving a point. But they’re breaking down on the inside. Mentally tired. Emotionally empty. Spiritually lost.

You don’t have to go toe-to-toe with every fool that crosses your path. That’s a trick of the ego. And that ego will get you hurt, fired, divorced, or dead.

Sometimes the Smartest Move Is to Walk Away

Now let me be clear: This isn’t about being a coward. This is about being a strategist. A wise man sees trouble coming and steps aside. He picks the time, the place, and the reason to engage. He knows how many bumps are on that card, and he values each one.

You don’t argue with people who won’t change. You don’t fight people who thrive on conflict. You don’t waste time on battles that don’t move your life forward.

Too many of us are out here swinging with no aim, just to prove we can fight. That’s not strength. That’s self-destruction.

You Can’t Win Every War and Stay Whole

Every divorce. Every firing. Every argument. Every bitter family fall-out—it all chips away at your foundation. Even when you feel like you won, you lost time, energy, peace, and stability. It adds up. And if you’re not managing that toll, you’ll wake up one day broken down with nothing left to give.

So before you throw your next punch—whether verbal, emotional, or physical—ask yourself:
Is this worth it?

The Hills You Choose to Die On

Not every hill is worth dying on. Some hills are made to be passed by. Others are traps dressed up as honor. Pick the hills where the reward is real—where the cause feeds your purpose and not just your pride.

Arguing with a stranger online? Let it go.
Chasing drama that doesn’t involve you? Step back.
Getting caught up in street nonsense to prove a point? Walk away.

Your bump card has a limit. When it runs out, there’s no refilling it. And no one’s going to pay your hospital bill or help you piece your mind back together when it’s all said and done.

Don’t Let Ego Write Checks Your Spirit Can’t Cash

You can’t keep spending energy like you have an unlimited supply. You can’t keep taking emotional hits and think your heart won't harden. You can’t keep walking into fires and think you’ll never get burned. Even soldiers get tired. Even champions need rest.

Let others think they’re tough. Let them run toward every fight. While they burn out, you build. While they break down, you rise up. Preserve yourself for the real wars—the ones that shape your legacy.

Be the Master of Your Movements

Just like a smart fighter hits and doesn’t get hit, you need to learn the art of engaging without damage. Get in, get out. Make your point, move on. Know when to strike and when to stay still. Learn to protect your peace like your life depends on it—because it does.

The loudest ones burn out first. The wise ones stay standing long after the noise fades. That’s who you want to be. That’s how you last in this world.

Don’t Waste Bumps on People Who Aren’t Worth It

If someone doesn’t add to your life, don’t give them your energy. If a situation doesn’t build you up, don’t let it break you down. You don’t owe anyone your mental health, your time, or your strength. Save it for those who matter, and for battles that mean something.

You don’t have to fight to prove you’re strong. You just have to live smart. Because in the end, it’s not about how many battles you won—it’s about how much of yourself you still have left.

This Is a Warning… Before It’s Too Late

If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, the outcome won’t change. Burnout. Regret. A life full of scars that didn’t need to be there. But if you take this message seriously and apply it, you’ll see your peace grow, your strength return, and your future brighten.

So I leave you with what my father left me:
"You only have so many bumps on your bump card."

Use them wisely. And live to fight another day—only when it matters.