This month we have devoted our posts and podcasts to the whole subject of setting boundaries.

Sometimes it is useful to think about what boundaries are actually invading your life, so that you can not only identify them, but to deal with them. Boundary invasions can happen both physically and emotionally.

Physical boundaries apply to your privacy, your sense of personal space, clothes, shelter, noise, sexual orientation, and your body. Here are some examples of invasions of physical boundaries:

• Standing too close to others, and in effect invading their personal space
• Going through desks or reading private information
• Reading files that are not germane to your work
• Inappropriate touching

Emotional and intellectual boundaries may be a bit more difficult to define, yet they are just as important.  They include behaviors, relationships, opinions, self-confidence,  saying “yes” when you really mean “no”, and the choices you make.  Here are some examples:

• Agreeing to take on  a task when you believe it’s not related to your job, when your schedule does not allow, or when you simply don’t want to
• Taking on a task  because you want a person’s approval
• Telling others how to behave
• Thinking for someone else because you don’t respect their abilities
• Setting priorities to serve others while sacrificing your own well-being

A lot about boundaries is saying “yes” to yourself, while being respectful of others.  It is about recognizing  that you are entitled to your own opinions and preferences, honoring your space, and protecting your well-being. It is about empowering yourselves to take responsibility for your thoughts and actions, and feeling comfortable doing so.

The fun part is that this all starts with you.  And protecting  what is important to you  both emotionally and physically.

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