Boundaries

Boundaries are necessary for your own peace of mind. Boundaries do not have to be harsh, they can be as delicate as you need them to be. However when enforced, boundaries are beneficial.

Have you ever been busy working on something and someone walks right up to you and starts a full conversation. You are really busy and have a tight deadline to complete something. The conversation continues just as one-sided as it was when it began. You listen intently for a pause so that you can let them know you would love to listen and advise, but right now you must continue working. The other person may or may not notice that you are busy with something. They continue to talk.

How do you handle? Insert a boundary right here. How, you ask? 1. Call their name. 2. Slightly raise your palm toward them. 3. Smile to let them know you come in peace. Let them know that you will have to get back to them and their conversation since you dealing with something of your own right now.

Pause. They may or may not take it well, but you have stated the condition. Stand on it. You have let them know that you are available on your own time and will continue to later. Leave it right there. Do not back down. That is it. Sometimes people can be so emotional and not think that their constant rock, confidant, and advisor is busy.

Learning to set boundaries can help you to save your time and energy to devote to positive things. Helping others is sometimes important but when some situations are dominated by energy vampires, it can be draining to your own spirit. Set boundaries. Stand by them and teach people how to treat you. Some things happen because we allow them. So, allow others to abide by the boundaries that you set.