Hands up if you're like me and feel uncomfortable when you hear about boundaries. I immediately picture large walls built to keep others out. But this automatic association is not very accurate!
Boundaries are a way for you to build self-trust and nurture yourself. Without boundaries, you're allowing others to have priority on how you navigate your life.
There are two types of boundaries: internal and external.
External boundaries allow you to establish healthy limits in relationships with others and help you to regulate how you interact with the world around you. Internal boundaries are between you and yourself.
Both types (internal and external) influence one another.
Examples of internal boundaries:
- Honor personal limits
- Challenge negative thoughts rather than accept them as facts
- Validate emotions without minimizing
- Approach self with compassion rather than criticism
- Pause to allow yourself to consider your response to emotional reactions
Examples of external boundaries:
- Tell others when you're available/unavailable
- Repair ruptures (when in a healthy relationship with the other person)
- Decline an offer that doesn't align with your values
- Say no to something you don't want to do
- Communicate when someone's words are hurtful
- Ask for what you need
Drop in the comments below any boundaries you would add to this list.
For more on boundaries, follow @carolynrubensteinphd ❤
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