23/01/2022
Appropriate and functional boundaries are kind, they are loving.
“Really? Surely they will just create anger, resentment, upset and hurt to myself and others?”
1 year ago that’s exactly what I thought. I was so entrenched in my people pleasing ways, making sure I looked after everyone else before myself that I could not see how setting boundaries could possibly create anything positive. I didn’t realize that whenever I felt resentful or overwhelmed it was because I wasn’t setting clear boundaries.
BUT
You may be happy to know that boundaries are important because they are the basic guidelines regarding how you want to be treated. But also:
• Boundaries allow you to be true to yourself.
• Boundaries are a form of self-care
• Boundaries create realistic expectations of others
• Boundaries create safety
• Boundaries create a set of rules that give you the confidence
and permission to say NO.
• Boundaries help you draw a clear line around what is
appropriate behavior and what isn’t.
• Boundaries create a clear line for you to know what you will
accept and what you won’t.
And that when communicated lovingly and with consistency they can provide clarity and deepen love and respect within any relationship as-well reducing anxiety and overwhelm.
Of-course setting boundaries can be scary, especially when we are setting them with people who have been the ones to benefit from your lack of boundaries but this will be the kindest thing you can do for yourself and for your relationship. They will allow you and your friends, family and colleagues to know where you each stand, what is needed in the relationship and what is accepted and what is not.
So this week I invite you to consider the changes you want to make within your life and why? I invite you to consider what boundaries you want to implement to ensure you are leading a life of your choosing.
And remember
Change doesn’t happen by chance, Change happens by choice.