By Guest Blogger Ciara Cheriese
Like most people these days, we are all extra cautious about “setting and sticking” to our boundaries. Ironically, I am noticing that my students are experts at this process. They make it abundantly clear what they do and do NOT want to do.
The bonus is they almost always give me a reason why (they want to stick to their boundaries), which technically is NOT required per current boundary setting protocol.
The beauty is, I am in a place to hear them & understand that I will get more cooperation from them if I opt to respect those “precious little boundaries”….
Why are boundaries important?
They help us stay in tune with who we are & what we need to have a healthy sense of “self”. They also help to reinforce “who we personify as individuals” (to the world around us). Again, my students are teaching me how beautiful it looks to keep those boundaries intact.
How do we stick to our boundaries knowing someone may get upset?
I do not think this is a question that will ever truly be properly answered. However, I think the most important question to ask yourself is “how will you feel if you opt out of respecting your boundaries?” That is the reminder that you must do what is best for you (in most cases).
My students are doing a great job of asserting their needs by honoring their boundaries. They are influencing me to take a page out of their “playbook” and get better at realizing “precious little boundaries” need to be respected at all ages.
Hopefully, the payout (of honoring said boundaries) helps us feel better about the choices we make daily. Additionally, these choices should allow us to be emboldened by (our ability to honor choices that represent) the quality of life that we can be proud of!
Excellent ideas! Boundaries created by all age groups must be heard & understood. Negotiate, compromise, & agree are vital!
Such a good read! I think it’s so important to respect and acknowledge little ones’ boundaries as well. What do we teach them about life if we are ignoring them? So many of us struggle with boundaries as adults, imagine if we started shifting that in our children!
We forget sometimes to set boundaries when we appreciate a person so much! I love your point of view! ❤️
This is SO TRUE and well said! It took me 50 years to understand that it is more than okay to set boundaries, that it’s actually healthy for all my relationships if i set them (and honor others’, of couse!). I want my students to feel their boundaries being honored. It results in better work when they are comfortable and heard!