Do you ever notice that sometimes virtually all the people around you say the same thing or have the same realization or experience, all at the same time? It is almost like the universe puts out a bulletin to everyone.
Maybe it is the spring, but suddenly people around me are telling me that they made a choice in their life to set boundaries in places they hadn’t before. One person I know had an absolutely terrible family vacation and at the end decided, no more. She decided that when people around her had crappy attitudes or intentions, she was not going to suck it up and go along with the plans or vacation, or anything anymore just to keep the peace. She decided she would just say no.
Another person I know was in knots trying to help a relative who was never happy with anything she said or did or how hard she tried to care for that relative. Finally, this friend also said no more. She drew the line and decided that while family obligation was important, so was self-preservation.
Both these people set boundaries. After they did, both people said that they felt huge changes in their life. One person told me she felt like she had been reborn as a new person with a new sense of freedom! Lots of people have the same awareness when they set boundaries.
The thing about boundaries is that when you make boundaries it signifies that you are in charge of your life. You are not guilted into actions because of family or other reasons. Besides being in charge of your own life, it may help those other people involved to be more responsible for their own actions. When you change the direction of your life from doing things you “have to” to what you “want to”, the dynamics of your life change. You can focus on what you want or need and focus on the person you really are. You can be creative, change your schedule, or re-prioritize what is going on in your life.
It may be worthwhile to see if and when boundaries are needed in your life. It can be hugely empowering.
Finding the good in all things,
Celeste
Silver Lining Musings by Celeste 