Boundaries are in the Bag: Taking Responsibility for What Belongs to You

Let's dive into a crucial topic that shapes the essence of our lives – Boundaries. In this post (& above video), I'll be sharing insights into what boundaries truly are, why they matter, and equipping you with three transformative steps to create healthier boundaries that can elevate your relationships.

Defining Boundaries: Protecting What Matters

Boundaries, at their core, declare a simple yet powerful message: "I belong to me, and you belong to you." They go beyond separation; they act as guardians, protecting what we hold dear, including our own lives and bodies. Boundaries establish a framework of acceptability in our lives and the lives of those around us.

They are the key to maintaining a sense of identity and personal space, providing the freedom to express needs, feelings, and opinions without fear of judgment or rejection.

The Backpack Analogy: What's in Your Bag?

Imagine your life as a backpack filled with essentials – health, body, faith, happiness, time, and more. It's a profound analogy that reveals what you carry, defining your attitudes, values, preferences, and opinions.

Are you unintentionally giving away what belongs in your backpack? Skipping the gym to cook dinner for the family, delaying personal time until your kids are off to college, or settling for a quick meal instead of a healthier option? We often give away what essentially belongs to us, using others' as the scapegoat or reason why we don't do what is necessary for our own well-being.

Conversely, are you unknowingly placing burdens from others into your backpack? Overcommitting to various responsibilities, suppressing your opinions to ensure others' comfort, or allowing time-consuming conversations when you have other priorities? Are you nodding your head yes? If so, here are some ways you can build healthier boundaries into your life and take care of all that you are "carrying" in your own backpack:

Three Steps to Empowered Boundaries

1. Decide You're Worth It: Recognize your worth and embrace the idea that setting boundaries is more than okay. It's crucial to separate yourself from others, whether it's your kids, husband, or parents.

2. Define Your Limits: Take a moment to decide what your boundaries are. Consider your body, time, physical space, emotions, and finances. It's Okay to Say No and here's a free resource to help you get comfortable saying no.

3. Master Assertiveness: Equip yourself with the skills to be assertive and communicate your boundaries effectively. Jump over to read this blog post to learn how to better communicate your needs.

We'd love for you to join the conversation over in the Moms With Capes Facebook group. Click here to join. What are you carrying that you need to give back and what are you trying to push into others' backpacks that maybe you need to take back?

And if you would like to schedule a call to learn more about working with me one on one in the Beyond Supermom program to transform your relationship with your partner by transforming the relationship you have with yourself, click here.