This time of year, we can all find ourselves in the midst of reflection. What was our year like? What were the highs and lows? What do we want to see changed, etc.? I want to challenge you this year to push back against the urge to change your person and instead change your boundaries. Why would I say that? Because if we change ourselves constantly, it’ll be more and more difficult to stay in tune with our individual thoughts, emotions, needs, and beliefs since we are so busy trying to match them to the thoughts, emotions, needs, and beliefs of others.
What if, instead, you added healthy limits in your life, started saying yes and no accordingly, spoke up when you disagree, and found a circle of safe friends who love you for who you are? What if doing this allowed you to find your authentic self and learn to love her deeply, instead of getting lost in who everyone else wants you to be?
This sounds hard, and in a lot of ways, and in a lot of difficult relationships, this IS hard. But here are some prompts that I will leave you with as you enter into the newness of 2024:
🤍 Not responding to that aggressive test from an old relationship because you know that you are worth more
🤍 Kindly reminding your mother that your children are yours to parent and that she had her turn
🤍 Telling a friend “no,” not because you don’t love her, but because you do
🤍 Discontinuing that magazine subscription because this year you’ve decided to no longer compare yourself to those models. You are enough, always have been.
🤍 Turning off the TV early because you’ve tuned into your needs + notice a heightened sense of anxiety at night which is amplified by this excess. You know what you need + have the courage to now give it to yourself.
Boundaries don’t always have to look or feel loud and obvious. Boundaries that can lead you to knowing yourself on a deeper level are often quiet, subtle, and just as important.
Stop. Grab a pen and paper. Reflect on yourself as you are and where you want to be. Set some goals around where you want to see yourself and your family this time next year, and then fight for that starting today. January 1st may be right around the corner, but change is always freely accessible to you.
If you ever need more help, remember that I have ‘Discover Your Worth’ and all the courses that can guide you through these changes! It comes with email access to me personally, and I am always here to help. Sending you love in your new year; cheers to you in 2024 – CJB.
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