Emotional Foundational Needs: Love
Boundaries
Emotional boundaries are a core need that we have as human beings. If we do not gain this vital skill it will affect us throughout our life. Below are a few links to help you learn more about what boundaries are and how to set them. If you feel unsure or discouraged, please consider reaching out to a licensed counselor or therapist for guidance.
Please remember I am not a counselor or a therapist. This information is to provide you with tools to help get you started on your own journey of recovery.
Good explanation of how to understand boundaries
“Without strong but flexible boundaries, you may be overly vulnerable to criticism or insults from others, you may struggle to manage your feelings internally or prone to emotional outbursts, you may find yourself worrying too much, dwelling on the past, or not keeping yourself safe enough”
– Jonice Webb
Signs you Have Poor Boundaries (5:00)
1. Identify Your Limits
2. Clearly Communicate Your Boundaries
3. Practice What You Want to Say
4. Avoid Over-Apologizing or Over-Explaining
5. Be Consistent with Your Boundaries
Setting Better Boundaries
“At their core, boundaries are all about who we give power to. They force us to analyze why we may not be giving ourselves permission to work and live in the way that we feel is best for our well-being. If we’re not deciding our lives, schedules, and workloads, who is? Boundaries allow us to decide when, how, and if we give this power away.
“This is why, when setting boundaries, we typically go wrong when we expect other people to give us what we need as opposed to taking the initiative ourselves….
“One way to overcome these obstacles, and re-empower yourself, is to change your mindset around how boundaries work. Understand that boundaries are limits you identify for yourself and apply through action or communication. This doesn’t mean you get everything you want when you want it. It means there are small things within your control that you can do to protect your time and energy.”
https://hbr.org/2022/04/a-guide-to-setting-better-boundaries