Understanding Your Boundaries

Last week we talked a little bit about the importance of boundaries. They keep us safe- sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally. And my goodness, we need to know those now more than ever. We were all born with an internal security system that's made to help with that. For many different reasons, we mute that out. So it's very important to unmute that button and start listening to that very faithful voice.

Side note: And you know what voice that I'm referring to, right? I'm not talking about the anxiety-inducing voice that creates a mini (sometimes major) panic. I'm talking about the voice that gives you that gentle nudge that's quickly followed by peace when you listen. There are lots of voices that try to win out, but there is one that is really trustworthy. 

Now that we had that little refresher, let's talk about what your boundaries are. You know that many of us will have different boundaries, right? We do. Your boundaries won't always look like mine and vice versa. That's why there just isn't a boundaries template. We're uniquely made with unique experiences and unique relationships. Boundaries look different for everyone. And sometimes they look the same. 

So this takes practice--understanding your boundaries. It takes intentional effort. Let's take scary movies. Some people can watch a scary movie, get to the end, turn out the lights, and turn over immediately asleep. Some people watch a scary movie, get to the end, turn out the lights, and jump at every noise (be it in their mind or their cat running across the carpet.) A healthy boundary for the latter might be to just cut out those scary movies altogether. For the other person, it doesn't really cause real issues. 

I think we take this on a case-by-case basis. Each scenario is different, so you have to evaluate how well you see yourself reacting to what comes your way. But it's oh-so important to know who you are. And truthfully, sometimes you don't fully know the needed boundaries until you get into the situation. 

Understanding your boundaries means understanding yourself. To understand yourself, it's important to be present. Being present means concentrated effort to be in the very moment and place you are right now, feel all the things, work through all the work, and live in joy of where you are--even in the chaos. 

I'm really excited because later this week my sweet friend is going to share how to do just that. How timely! She'll give some practical tools for staying present. It's awesome. You will not want to miss it! 

Lots and lots of love, my friends.

Photo Story: So this is another photo taken by my little explorer girl. I love her photos. They're such innocent perspectives. It got me to thinking a little, though. Oftentimes, when little ones get behind the camera, their framing is off a touch (or a bunch), their focal points are unexpected, their little fingers get in the lens, and a lot of times their photos end up kind of blurry. When you aren't given the clearest picture, you sometimes don't quite know how to adjust. You don't always get the full picture, which means you can't full trust what it's saying. When you don't get the full picture, it's a little dangerous to make decisions. It's definitely dangerous to make reckless, thoughtless decisions. We're humans, so our pictures are almost always going to be skewed. This is why that special voice is so very important. He has the wide lens. His hand is steady. His framing is perfect. 

x Keely