Get to know your boundaries
Setting boundaries is tough to do especially when we’ve heard that they are bad, only meant for toxic people or that they mean you don’t love or care enough. This can often feel true and I am sure there have been experiences that back up these beliefs. However I want to challenge you today to think of boundaries differently: as a way of nurturing healthy relationships that allow you to stay true to who you are while giving space for others to be themselves.
Let’s start off with the different types of boundaries. I think you will find that you already have some of these types of boundaries in place without even noticing them.
Physical
This boundary is specifically about your body and refers to proximity to others and self along with the amount of space and touch that you find appropriate. This is one of the easiest boundaries to see because it is very tangible and oftentimes you set this boundary without much thought.
For example: Giving someone new a hand shake versus a hug that might be given to a close relation. The amount of distance and touch that you allow those around you.
Emotional & Mental
This boundary is about your thoughts and feelings. You determine what feelings and ideas you share with others. This boundary might be harder to notice but you are making a choice every day to share or not your feelings and emotions with others.
For example: Talking to a friend about your struggles versus talking to a co-worker or boss about work.
Resource
This boundary is specifically about time and material goods. This is usually the boundary that people struggle with protecting, feel guilty about and think about when they think of boundaries.
For example: Going out with friends versus staying late at work. Buying a gift versus getting something for yourself.
Environmental
This boundary is around your relationship with the environment. The places you go to, what you surround yourself with in your home and the outside.
For example: The decor in your space versus how you interact with nature.
Boundaries are here to help you interact with yourself and others in a way that aligns with your beliefs and morals. I hope this helps you to better understand the boundaries that you already have in place and how they support you in your journey.
I look forward to hearing from you and hope this helps you as you take your own powerful and transformative journey. Per usual take what fits for you, leave what does not, and join me next time. Until then let’s stay social 🙂
