The Benefits of Boundaries

I went for a walk with a friend today. She is in a transitional period in her life and needed to brainstorm, share, connect, and ponder.

We talked about the importance of boundaries in our life and particularly in our work.

When I used to think of the word boundary, I would conjure up images of brick walls, armed guards, and big "keep out" signs like I used to post on my side of my sister-shared bedroom growing up!

Now I view boundaries in a whole new way. A boundary is a way to say to the world. "I am important and I take care of myself".  

A boundary for me is that I don't schedule meetings during my sacred workout hour or during my daughter's volleyball games. For you it might be to not work on weekends or to only respond to emails up until 7pm. Perhaps you might need to set a boundary about snacking or bedtime or fitting in more friend time. Get my drift?

Boundaries help us protect our sacred time that we need to replenish ourselves and to be there for the ones we love. 

Boundaries help us decide between the "have-to-do's" and the "want-to-do's".

Boundaries can protect us from overwhelm and sadness.

So what does all of this have to do with tree hugging?

Well, during our walk, we happened to pass by my favorite tree and my friend and I both took turns giving it a great big hug. Hugging a tree, for me, makes me giggle, and feel grounded, and I remember that I am connected to the earth in a profound way.

This, in turn, reminds me about what is important in my life and that I continually need to prioritize how I spend my time. Boundaries help me do this and allow me to feed my soul in many different ways.

xoxo, Lisa