Ready, Set, Boundaries

Go, go, go. Give, give, give

I know you want to be there for everyone else, but when are you going to be there for yourself? I know you want to love everyone else, but when are you going to show that same love to yourself?

The truth is, we can't save everyone. We can't help everyone. We can't always do things for everyone else. We can't be a punching bag for those around us. We can't please everyone.

Holding that responsibility is draining and exhausting.

If you feel as though everyone else's happiness relies on you, I want you to know that it doesn't. You can support and love those around you, but ultimately, happiness comes from within and it's up to each individual to get to that place.

If people are always unloading their problems on you, tell them to stop. If people are asking way too much of you, start to say no. If you feel bad for saying no, it's ok to say no. If you need alone time to recharge or because you have too much to do and that means cancelling plans, do it and don't feel bad about it.

You're allowed to say no without explaining yourself.

If you're always saying yes to others, make sure you're not saying no to yourself.

Remember to take time for you and do things for yourself, as well. Make a list of 10 things that light you up and try to incorporate one of those items each week. Whether that means having a cup of tea, taking a hot bath, going for a walk, or going to yoga, whatever it is, make sure you take that time for you. It's not selfish, it's necessary.

For all those givers out there, don't let people take advantage of your kindness and compassion. If we don't know what our boundaries are, then others won't know what they are either.

But maybe you don't feel worthy enough to set boundaries.

I didn't.

I used to have such low self-worth that I would be friends with people who didn't treat me well simply because I wanted friends. If they needed me to help them, I thought that meant they liked me and I would drop everything to be there for them, but really they were using me. They would have accepted help from anyone. People would use my kindness and compassion against me. I didn't believe I was worth having friends. I thought there was something wrong with me based on their actions.

I didn't have boundaries.

I didn't love myself.

I believe a lack of self-love is the root of many illnesses and problems. If we are always stressed and drained and exhausted and over-worked, that can wreak havoc on our bodies. When our bodies can't function to their best ability, that is when illness occurs because our bodies struggle to heal themselves.

But when we love ourselves, we start to add good things into our lives and set boundaries because we know we are worthy. We love ourselves as much as we love those around us. When we take care of ourselves, our bodies and minds will reap the benefits.

Self-care is necessary and super important because you can't pour from an empty cup.

You can't be of service to others if you can't be of service to yourself. You can't shine your light if your light is burned out.

Shine bright, loves!

Love Lisa xo