What are boundaries? According to Melody Beattie, boundaries are having and setting healthy limits, letting go of guilt and shame and changing our beliefs about what we deserve. Learning to set boundaries takes time and effort to look within one’s self, as does learning to balance our own emotional and physical energy.
It is essential to put limitations on other peoples’ expectations and wants of us. There is a major difference between wants and needs. Yes, we all have a natural desire to want to help others and be of service and it is often difficult to say no to the wants of the people we cherish most. However, it is okay to say no to the demands of others. Having boundaries raises one’s self-worth as we learn to stand up for ourselves.
Self-love and care are an invaluable investment. First things first, making yourself a priority in your life will be of value to all of the relationships you keep. You have a choice in how you allow others to treat and you have a choice in your level of happiness. Setting boundaries takes time and consistency, but believe me it’s worth it.