Do you feel like you’re always putting others’ needs before your own? If so, it might be time to set some boundaries.
Boundaries are like personal rules that help us feel safe and respected.
They let others know what we’re okay with and what we’re not. Sounds simple, right? But it can be tough to figure out what our boundaries are and how to communicate them effectively.
Patricia Wu, Jessica Reyes, and Anita Avedian offers a few journaling prompts to get you started:
- What are your current boundaries? What are you okay with in your relationships with friends, family, and coworkers? What do you need to change?
- Learn from others:Â Have you ever admired how someone else handled a situation? What did you like about their approach? How can you incorporate that into your own life?
- Imagine your ideal life:Â What would your relationships look like if you had healthy boundaries? How would you feel? What would you be able to achieve?
Once you’ve identified your boundaries, it’s time to start setting them. It might feel a little scary at first, but remember, it’s okay to say “no.” You’re allowed to put your needs first and protect your time and energy.
