Life Lesson #2

I used to shut down and build walls to protect myself. Now I set boundaries. I communicate those boundaries, and I stick to them. Boundaries define what is acceptable or unacceptable to us in terms of our interactions, relationships, and the way we allow others to treat us. They allow us to maintain a sense of control, protect ourselves from harm or exploitation, and nurture healthy relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.

I surround myself with people who respect my boundaries while holding me accountable in healthy ways. There is no way I will let anyone — friend, family, or foe — pull me into a cycle of craziness that I did not create or choose to participate in.