Blog Post June 2024
Hi Mamas,
I just came back from a few days away with two of my kids; we had a great time, played lots of games and hung out. I wanted to spend quality time with them, and totally focus on them, so I forgot to ensure I also prioritized some alone time. At the end of the trip I found I was frustrated and short fused. I realized I had abandoned my boundaries, so I figured we should talk about them!
Boundaries are the limits we set within our relationships, daily interactions and time spent. For example, not answering work emails after a certain time, having some alone time every day, going to a yoga class once a week and never making other plans during that time. Boundaries are our non-negotiables and they are important in helping us protect our energy and prioritize what we truly want. When we set boundaries and prioritize our needs, we model self-respect and self-care for our children. Boundaries help us maintain the energy and patience required to nurture our families, and they help us to feel less overwhelmed and more in control.
Some ideas to help you get started if boundaries are new to you -
Think about what area of your life makes you feel most overwhelmed or stressed. Remember, the first step is always awareness in order to make change. Then think about what specific steps you could take to reduce the overwhelm, eg if it's the mess in the house, could you hire a cleaner once a week, have a professional organizer come over for a few hours to set up some systems, or set aside 1 hour every Saturday to organize an area of the house?
Communicate honestly with family so they can understand what it is you need and why you need it. Get them to help set some boundaries!
Set small, manageable boundaries at first until you become more comfortable. Once you do, you will LOVE boundaries and will feel totally comfortable saying no to the multiple requests and saying yes to focusing on activities that bring more calm to your life.
Remember boundary setting may be hard at first, and some people may not like it. That friend who really needs to meet for a drink after a rough week even though you aren't drinking and are trying to create a healthier lifestyle. Sorry, you can't make it! Setting boundaries is not selfish - it is an essential part of self care and maintaining our sanity!
So, let's work on Be[ing] More boundary savvy this week Mamas.
Have a great week.
Natalie x
Weekly Reminder - " I am creating healthy boundaries" (say in your head, whisper, say out loud, write it down and shout it out, multiple times a day).
Weekly Read/Audible - You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero
Weekly Reset - do number 1 above and share how you get on :-)
