BOOSTING YOUR BOUNDARIES–WHY IT CAN BE HEALTHY TO “JUST SAY NO”
BOOSTING YOUR BOUNDARIES –WHY IT CAN BE HEALTHY TO “JUST SAY NO”
Having good boundaries is one of the keys to healthy relationships and a well balanced life. If you feel like you’ve got so many demands on you and your schedule, it could be an opportunity to boost your boundaries and practice the phrase Nancy Reagan made famous “Just Say No!”
Saying NO to certain things in your life means you are consciously and intentionally saying YES towhat you truly want to have or cultivate. You truly cannot be all things to all people, so why not be
true to YOURSELF and honor your time, priorities, and energy!
Here are some tips on how to start:
1. BE DIRECT
Tell people what you can and cannot do or commit to. Be upfront and don’t beat around the bush. We teach people how to treat us by how we treat ourselves. Be confident and strong–yet compassionate that they have needs you simply may not be able to meet.
2. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO SAY NO
Fear, guilt and self-doubt are big potential pitfalls to setting good boundaries that honor our time, energy, and what we’re comfortable with. THIS IS THE HARDEST ONE, ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN!!!!!. SET THE BOUNDARIES FIRST, THEN IF YOU FEEL GUILTY….DO NOT GO BACK AND SAY….OK, I’LL DO IT…..talk to another friend about it, punch a pillow, or journal about your feelings. Feelings are not FACTS. They too shall pass and you’ll flex that “no” muscle like nobody’s business!
3. LOOK AT THE RULES FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD ABOUT SAYING NO
Being aware of the guilt or people pleasing programming you may have grown up with is a great sign of self awareness. This gives you insight into why you may feel challenged saying no. Plus, you can choose to work on changing this pattern, if you like.
Remember, it’s OKAY to JUST SAY NO. Boosting your Boundaries starts with first saying YES to YOU and loving Self-Care.
