Excerpt from Chapter Seven: Setting Boundaries​

Boundaries are essential for protecting our energy, peace, and emotional well-being. Without boundaries, we leave ourselves open to manipulation, exhaustion, and resentment.

A common fear when setting boundaries is losing relationships, but the truth is, “Your boundaries will only affect those who can no longer use you.” When you prioritize yourself, you may lose people who only benefited from your lack of boundaries—but that is a necessary part of growth.

Healthy Boundaries Include:

Time Boundaries: “I can only stay for an hour.”

Energy Boundaries: “I don’t have the capacity to handle this right now.”

Emotional Boundaries: “I understand you’re struggling, but I can’t take this on right now.”

Physical Boundaries: “I need my personal space to be respected.”

When you enforce boundaries, you teach people how to treat you. If someone truly respects and cares for you, they will respect the limits you set.

Action Step: Write down areas of your life where you need stronger boundaries. Communicate them clearly and stand firm. Remember, setting boundaries is not about controlling others—it’s about protecting yourself.