Establish Healthy Boundaries in Your Relationships

"Evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of any relationship is your responsibility. You do not have to passively accept what is brought to you. You can choose" - Deborah Day

"Boundaries aren't all bad. That's why there are walls around mental institutions." - Peggy Noonan

Is it possible to be too understanding and too forgiving? Of course it is. Too much leniency can backfire, as you allow others to encroach on your rights. And once you open the door and allow them to go too far, it's hard to close it again. You've set a precedent by giving them permission to take advantage of you. But it's never too late too put your foot down...

Even though you may love this person very much and want to see them happy, you need to remember that you're important too. Your freedom, happiness and peace of mind are essential to your living a joyful life on this planet. You've got rights, just like every other human being. You're not second best or third best.  You're not here to be in the background. Instead of hiding, take your place on life's centre stage!

When you stick up for yourself and insist that your needs be met - without being demanding or aggressive - you establish healthy boundaries in your relationships. This is looking after yourself, after your own wellbeing. It's important that you feel good if you want to look after others.

If you don't put yourself first, you will exhaust yourself. You will burn out and won't have much to give any more. After all, what is love but a positive, uplifting, healing energy that everyone around you benefits from.

Remember: YOU CANNOT CHANGE OTHERS, YOU CAN ONLY CHANGE YOURSELF. This is the hardest lesson in life, but when it is mastered, it can create miracles.

With love,

Bella

Painting: "Hollyhocks" by Beverly Fagan Gilbertson, United States.