Setting boundaries with others, especially family and close friends, has been challenging for me.
I wasn’t even aware of what a personal “boundary” was until my mid 30’s. I lived in the mainstream cultural belief that I was supposed to drop everything I had planned and meet the needs of others. If I did something for myself instead of doing something for others then I was being “selfish.”
I’ve learnt that practising self-compassion and being truthful in my relationships means saying ‘Can I get back to you?’ Creating time to check in with myself and when a ‘yes’ arises, I can say it wholeheartedly. And when a ‘no’ arises I understand why and can truthfully and compassionately deliver the ‘no’.
This has been one of the most profound shifts in my life towards living more authentically.
I invite you this week to pause and say ‘Can I get back to you’ the next time someone makes a request.
With great warmth
Heather
