This morning I had a client who shared with me some of the challenges she faced with setting boundaries. Many of us fall into the habit of people-pleasing because we want to be liked, avoid conflict, or feel helpful. Its a natural instinct, but it can come at the cost of our own well-being. We feel it is expected of us to please everyone else, but in the long run we deplete our inner being and we end up feeling empty. Now why would we feel empty? Helping others should make us feel great, right? My thought on this is as follows: When you help people, its an energy exchange. If the person on the receiving end genuinely appreciates you in their heart, you will feel that within you, but if its expected with no appreciation, guess what? Those are the times you are going to feel empty. You are a superhero, but not for everyone.
Boundaries!
Something I had to learn fast and in a hurry. There was a period in my life where I set no boundaries. I was always ready and willing to please and neglected my needs and wants. When you hit the wall of neglect you realize that you've just been harming yourself.
Imagine a world without traffic lights – chaos, right? Boundaries are a bit like those lights, guiding us through the intricate intersections of life. But what happens when these guiding lights are neglected? The ripple effects of not setting boundaries will take its toll on our well-being.
Without clear boundaries, our mental and emotional well-being can resemble a roller coaster. Constantly saying yes to everything and everyone might seem noble, but it often leads to burnout, stress, and a sense of overwhelm. Neglecting our personal space can make it hard to find peace of mind.
Without personal boundaries, we risk losing our sense of self. Constantly adapting to others' needs without regard for our personal limits can result in a loss of identity and authenticity. This also applies to work boundaries, they can wreak havoc on productivity. Constantly working overtime, responding to emails at all hours, or taking on more than one can handle might seem like dedication, but it often leads to burnout and a decline in overall efficiency.
When personal needs and limits are consistently disregarded, individuals may harbor feelings of resentment towards themselves for not standing up for their own well-being. The impact of neglected boundaries isn't limited to the mind and emotions; it can also manifest physically. Stress-related health issues, sleep disturbances, and other physical ailments can result from a continuous lack of personal boundaries.
In the grand scheme of things, neglecting boundaries is like removing the guardrails on a winding road – it might seem freeing at first, but it often leads to a bumpy and hazardous journey. Setting and respecting boundaries is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for a balanced and fulfilling life. So, let's recognize the domino effect of neglecting boundaries and strive to create a world where our well-being is safeguarded.
Protect your peace, set your boundaries
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