This month, an incident helped reinforce the importance of boundaries in all areas of life. But first, let me share my backstory. (NOTE: The following is a very personal story from my past. I hope it touches your soul.)
I have always been a sensitive, compassionate person. As a child, I got my feelings hurt easily (heck, I have the same issue as an adult, but read on…). Mean girls at school loved to pick on me because I was an easy victim.
Due to my sensitivity, I became a people-pleaser.
I thought that maybe if I did my best to please people, they would, in turn, be kind to me. Interesting perspective that helped in some cases but didn’t solve the problem.
As an adult, I married a manipulative man who preyed on my sensitivity. It took me several years to feel safe enough to remove myself from that relationship. But when I did finally find the strength to leave him, I was broken, hurt, and without much self-esteem.
But slowly, I learned to deal with my “shortcomings” and found a way to forge relationships where I was not victimized. I did remarry, and through him, I discovered New Thought teaching. I began learning the importance of boundaries as necessary for me to maintain a happy life.
Since then, I have encountered people with whom I needed to reinforce my boundaries. In some situations, I was able to maintain and correct. Others, well …. it took me a while to learn that lesson thoroughly.
This month, I was confronted again with how far I would stretch my boundaries. Knowing I had been here before and learned this lesson, I was confident to take a stand to protect myself and those involved. After all, if I could not test my courage during difficult circumstances, how could I ever get beyond this?
Spirit spoke!
If I had any doubts, Spirit brought me a confirmation in the form of a quote from the Science of Mind Magazine daily readings:
Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.
~ Maya Angelou
When I confronted the situation firmly, there was no change. So I distanced myself from this person. I wouldn’t say I like reacting that way to people, but if I really love myself and the people around me, I need to remember the importance of boundaries.
Today, I reflect on my decision as one of the best things I have done for myself. And I hope this will inspire other sensitive people to do the same when necessary.
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