Lately, I’ve been understanding how boundaries are not only necessary, but need to be protected at all times, so we’re not bull-dozed by another’s inability to cope and have our private space invaded with another’s intentions and energy.  We need to protect our own selves from opposing energies.

I’m not the best rule-follower.  But I certainly appreciate rules for they help maintain some sort of balance in our interactions.  If you think about it, rules are there to help us interact with others – with respect and kindness.  Look both ways before crossing the street.  We do this for our own safety and also to avoid a catastrophic clash with someone else. 

However, when it comes to certain situations, you must redefine your boundaries and reinforce them. 

Nice people, like yours truly, have a difficult time sticking to our own boundaries.  We are afraid to hurt someone’s feelings, which really means we’re afraid of having someone dislike us.  Thanks to my sister for affirming this – We do not have to like everybody. And every body does not need to like us.  (Yeah!)

This is not to say that our boundaries cannot shift.  I don’t believe we’re ever the same exact person from one moment to the next.  However, we cannot let someone muddle with our core, with who we really are, and what we stand for.  That’s where boundaries come in. 

We say No when we are disrespected, played with as we were puppets.  We say No when our authenticity is challenged, when we feel forced to be someone we are not.  We say No because sometimes you have to be the strong one.

So, cheers for boundaries!!