I’m getting much better at setting healthy boundaries and honoring myself and my needs. Your list helped me understand how far I have come, though I know the road is never ending. As always, thank you for such a thoughtful post, Sandra!
Cathy, I'm delighted to hear that you've come so far in establishing healthy boundaries! I feel the same way; it's an ongoing process that may even last a lifetime, but we can celebrate our successes along the way. Wishing you a happy day!
Such an important and timely article! I loved how you so clearly explained how a lack of boundaries in each area manifests. I am definitely working to create better boundaries with work! I used to always work late and, when at an office, always felt responsible for doing more than my share. Unfortunately bosses often reward that type of behavior, making it hard to stop! It can be so hard to set boundaries, especially when people with poor boundaries get so upset in response. Just the other day I had to set a boundary with my mother in law and it didn’t really go well! Haha but it’s so important to value ourselves and speak up for our needs. If we don’t nobody else will!
Suzanne, I always appreciate how you share experiences from your life in your responses. These are good examples of how setting boundaries can be difficult. That kind of boss reinforces poor boundaries, but we are the ones who suffer as a result. As you point out, it's not always easy to set boundaries, but I feel so much better when I do.
Sandra, thank you for this comprehensive piece on boundaries. Your perspective on the role of boundaries in fostering well-being resonates with the importance of self-awareness and intentional choices. However, as someone navigating my own journey of healing and recovering from trauma, I’ve found that advice—however well-intentioned—can sometimes feel more like pressure than support.
In my experience, the concept of boundaries is deeply nuanced. They’re not just a set of behaviors to adopt but are often tied to unlearning long-standing patterns shaped by personal history and systemic influences. While your steps are thoughtful, I believe that creating space for individuals to discover their unique boundaries—through curiosity, gentle reflection, and questions rather than prescriptions—can be equally empowering.
Thank you for sparking such a meaningful conversation. It’s in these discussions that we collectively deepen our understanding of what it means to live authentically. 🌿
Jay, Thanks for this wise advice. I agree with you. Our personal growth journeys are unique, and as you say, boundaries can be highly nuanced. I love the idea of employing curiosity, gentle reflection, and questions. I'm sorry my piece seemed prescription to you. I meant it to be more like food for thought and a springboard or place to start if a person finds it difficult to set healthy boundaries. Thanks for adding this perspective to the discussion.
Sandra, thank you for your thoughtful reply. I deeply appreciate the intention behind your piece and the space you’ve created for reflection. It's clear your work inspires so many to consider their boundaries with care and compassion. I also want to clarify that I didn’t mean to “give advice” but rather to invite an opening—a chance to explore boundaries with curiosity and nuance. It’s through exchanges like these that we deepen our understanding and move forward with greater clarity. Thank you for engaging so openly! 🌱
#3. Gets me too often
I understand. That one was really hard for me for a very long time! Thanks for letting us know.
I’m getting much better at setting healthy boundaries and honoring myself and my needs. Your list helped me understand how far I have come, though I know the road is never ending. As always, thank you for such a thoughtful post, Sandra!
Cathy, I'm delighted to hear that you've come so far in establishing healthy boundaries! I feel the same way; it's an ongoing process that may even last a lifetime, but we can celebrate our successes along the way. Wishing you a happy day!
This is so on point Sandra - I think most of us can find ourselves somewhere on this list! Great piece 😊
Vicki, Thank you! I think so, too. Boundaries are tricky for many people. I know I need reminders like this myself.
Such an important and timely article! I loved how you so clearly explained how a lack of boundaries in each area manifests. I am definitely working to create better boundaries with work! I used to always work late and, when at an office, always felt responsible for doing more than my share. Unfortunately bosses often reward that type of behavior, making it hard to stop! It can be so hard to set boundaries, especially when people with poor boundaries get so upset in response. Just the other day I had to set a boundary with my mother in law and it didn’t really go well! Haha but it’s so important to value ourselves and speak up for our needs. If we don’t nobody else will!
Suzanne, I always appreciate how you share experiences from your life in your responses. These are good examples of how setting boundaries can be difficult. That kind of boss reinforces poor boundaries, but we are the ones who suffer as a result. As you point out, it's not always easy to set boundaries, but I feel so much better when I do.
Sandra, thank you for this comprehensive piece on boundaries. Your perspective on the role of boundaries in fostering well-being resonates with the importance of self-awareness and intentional choices. However, as someone navigating my own journey of healing and recovering from trauma, I’ve found that advice—however well-intentioned—can sometimes feel more like pressure than support.
In my experience, the concept of boundaries is deeply nuanced. They’re not just a set of behaviors to adopt but are often tied to unlearning long-standing patterns shaped by personal history and systemic influences. While your steps are thoughtful, I believe that creating space for individuals to discover their unique boundaries—through curiosity, gentle reflection, and questions rather than prescriptions—can be equally empowering.
Thank you for sparking such a meaningful conversation. It’s in these discussions that we collectively deepen our understanding of what it means to live authentically. 🌿
Jay, Thanks for this wise advice. I agree with you. Our personal growth journeys are unique, and as you say, boundaries can be highly nuanced. I love the idea of employing curiosity, gentle reflection, and questions. I'm sorry my piece seemed prescription to you. I meant it to be more like food for thought and a springboard or place to start if a person finds it difficult to set healthy boundaries. Thanks for adding this perspective to the discussion.
Sandra, thank you for your thoughtful reply. I deeply appreciate the intention behind your piece and the space you’ve created for reflection. It's clear your work inspires so many to consider their boundaries with care and compassion. I also want to clarify that I didn’t mean to “give advice” but rather to invite an opening—a chance to explore boundaries with curiosity and nuance. It’s through exchanges like these that we deepen our understanding and move forward with greater clarity. Thank you for engaging so openly! 🌱