How Boundaries Improve Trust

Boundaries come up quite often these days, and this last weekend I had the privilege of speaking at an Art of Boundaries Event with my dear friend, Rose.

We shared boundary wins and then talked about boundaries as a beacon of self-respect, empowerment, and ultimately, as a cornerstone for effective leadership.

Here are some of the teachings I shared:

The Essence of Boundaries

Boundaries are not just about saying "no" – they're about recognizing and honoring our wants, needs, and capacities. One key insight we explored is the importance of identifying what we truly want and need before we can communicate our boundaries effectively. This self-awareness is the first step towards living and leading with integrity.

The Value of a Pause

So often, we rush to say "yes" in an attempt to please others, sidelining our own needs in the process. I shared the importance of allowing ourselves the space to pause and reflect: "Thank you for the invitation. Let me get back to you." This simple practice gives us the chance to check in with ourselves, ensuring that our decisions align with our true desires and capacities.

The Uncomfortable Yet Crucial Practice

Creating and maintaining boundaries can initially feel uncomfortable, especially if we're not accustomed to prioritizing our own needs. However, the discomfort of setting boundaries pales in comparison to the long-term consequences of neglecting ourselves. Not only do boundaries prevent burnout and resentment, but they also cultivate trust and authenticity in our relationships.

Consider this powerful reminder from Glennon Doyle in her book Untamed: "Every time you're given a choice between disappointing someone else and disappointing yourself, your duty is to disappoint that someone else. Your job throughout your entire life is to disappoint as many people as it takes to avoid disappointing yourself.”

Invitation to Growth

Join the Unconditional Love-Line Collective: An online community membership where we focus on our growth and healing in the areas of self-compassion and self-love (including boundaries). Learn more here !

If this resonates, join us as we chart a course towards heart-centered leadership where we'll learn how to navigate life's demands with grace, ensuring our own cups are full so we can pour into others without depleting ourselves.