The Ultimate Form Of Self-Love: Boundaries

Many people, women especially, have a hard time setting and maintaining boundaries. We may fear that our boundaries will inconvenience others or cause them to feel unhappy with us, we may dread having uncomfortable conversations, or we may just simply be unaware of what boundaries we need to support our physical and emotional wellbeing. Whatever the reason, I encourage my clients to reframe their view on boundaries such that they are not something we are imposing upon others but rather an act of kindness for ourselves and our relationships.

Boundaries are a true form of self-love and self-care. By knowing what boundaries we need and taking the steps to set and maintain them, we create the conditions for a life that is sustainable, purposeful, and joyful. When we lack boundaries or allow others to cross our boundaries without consequence, we set ourselves up for burn out and resentment. Boundaries not only sustain us but also our relationships. By knowing and being clear with the people in our lives about what we can and cannot give, we are able to keep giving in an enduring way.

When you assert a boundary, you are owning your deservingness of having the time you need to take care of yourself and of being treated with respect and kindness. You are giving yourself permission to occupy space in this world, to have needs, and to speak up for those needs. This is a way of seeing, acknowledging, and honoring yourself. This is self-love in action.

Are you sold on the importance of boundaries but unsure how to go about strengthening your own? Check out my guides to figuring out what your boundaries are and learning how to set and maintain them effectively.