Boundaries allow us to take better care of ourselves - emotionally, physically, mentally ans spiritually. Setting these limits often come down to learning to use the word 'No', and there are few things as powerfully liberating as being able to say 'no' without feeling guilty, and as they say, "No is a complete statement." No need for explanations, guilt or recriminations. Daring to say no is about loving ourselves enough to walk away from situations that don't serve our good, even at the risk of disappointing others. The truth is, there will always be people who try to take advantage of us....people who try to put off on us, tasks that they could do for themselves. people seeking a free ride. We must learn to be wary of people who make more withdrawals than deposits in our lives. Bailing people out of their problems is not necessarily an act of love. Sometimes people need to learn from the consequences of their actions or inaction.
Maybe it's your time to draw a line in the sand and take your life back - time to get intentional and create some boundaries. Go ahead, create some office hour boundaries, some e-mail boundaries, some social media boundaries, establish a schedule and stick to it. Now, I'm not advocating that you close the doors to anybody who comes knocking. Rather, it's about being crystal clear about aligning your activities with your larger purpose and goals. It's about expending your energies in ways that advance your mission, and reserving your energies for the people, things and experiences that matter.
But, a word of caution....boundaries are merely personal property lines. They are meant to protect us and preserve our energies and overall well being. They are not meant to rob us of life. A wise man once said, 'the walls we build around us.....often keep out the joy". Boundaries are not meant to limit our progress or rob us of life. Healthy barriers are not meant to be walls to block others out. Good relationships are necessary for personal growth and barriers are intended for just that....to set us free to give ourselves to those people and things we love....and most importantly, to love ourselves as truly and as authentically as is possible. It's important to understand the difference. Now it's time to draw the line....find yourself!
