Boundaries are important, it's important for us to know when and how to put up boundaries. In a society that often tells us - through advertising and by other women - that we're not good enough as we are, it's crucial that we learn to protect our energy and space.
By establishing strong boundaries, we can increase our sense of self-worth and feel more confident in who we are. So this week, let's start putting up some walls!
Happy boundary-establishing! :-)
What are boundaries and why do we need them?
Boundaries are limits we set in order to protect ourselves from being taken advantage of or becoming too emotionally attached to someone. They help us stay in control of our own lives and maintain healthy relationships. We need boundaries because they provide a sense of safety and can prevent us from getting hurt. Introverts can be affected by narcissistic behaviour and can have trauma from childhood. Making our boundaries feel weak.
How can we establish boundaries?
We can set physical boundaries by keeping a safe distance from someone, or we can set emotional boundaries by not letting someone get too close to us. We can also set mental boundaries by setting limits on what we will and won't think about, and we can set spiritual boundaries by choosing what values we want to live by. It's important to remember that we can have different boundaries with different people and that our boundaries can change over time.
TASK
Think about people or situations which make you feel rubbish about yourself. Could be with a parent, partner, colleague or even visiting the bank.
What boundaries can you put in place to protect yourself?
eg - leaving the party before people get drunk, not allowing the conversation to steer into a certain topic, not thinking about a bad or sad event at a certain time.
How to identify your personal boundaries?
Personal boundaries vary from person to person. To figure out what your personal boundaries are, it can be helpful to think about times when you have felt uncomfortable, taken advantage of, or disrespected. Consider what was happening in those situations and what you could have done differently to protect yourself. You can also ask yourself what you need in order to feel safe, respected, and comfortable in a relationship. Once you have identified your personal boundaries, it is important to communicate them to the people in your life.
The benefits of setting boundaries for both you and your relationships
Setting boundaries can be beneficial for both you and your relationships. By setting boundaries, you are taking control of your life and protecting yourself from getting hurt. Boundaries can also help to improve your relationships by making them more healthy and balanced. When both parties in a relationship feel like they have a say and their needs are being met.
Tips for maintaining healthy boundaries in difficult situations
Maintaining healthy boundaries in difficult situations can be challenging, but it is possible. Here are some tips:
Be assertive: Don't be afraid to say no or stand up for yourself.
Communicate clearly: Make sure you communicate your boundaries to others in a clear and concise way.
Be prepared: Have a plan for what you will do if someone tries to cross your boundaries.
Stick to your guns: Don't let anyone convince you to lower your standards or give in.
Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, coach or therapist about your experiences and feelings.
Come join my Facebook group and let's talk more about boundaries! It can be so helpful to have a community of women who understand the importance of setting limits. We're all in this together, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on boundary-setting. Until next time, stay strong and remember that you are enough just as you are!