Episode 31-Healthy Self-Care Series-Boundaries-4.m4a

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to the Get Well, Live Well, and Thrive podcast. I’m Dana Lyons, your host, and today we’re continuing our series on Healthy Self-Care with episode three.

Picture yourself on Self-Care Island, where I hope you're relaxed in your favorite chair with your favorite drink. If you’re multitasking, I encourage you to pause and take this time for yourself—you deserve it! If you’re out for a walk, I hope you enjoy the scenery while I share some insights on self-care.

Today’s topic is boundaries. As I became healthier, I found it easier to set boundaries without feeling guilty. Establishing boundaries is not just about saying "no" to others; it's also about honoring our own needs and well-being.

Let’s consider boundaries from a biblical perspective. God, who is a God of order, establishes boundaries out of love for creation. In the beginning, He created distinct boundaries: light and dark, land and sea. Even in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had freedom to enjoy the garden but were given boundaries regarding specific trees—a reflection of the freedom that lies within limits.

Boundaries may seem restrictive at times, but they help maintain order and protect us. As good parents or caregivers, we set boundaries for the well-being of those we care for. For instance, we guide children away from danger to keep them safe. Boundaries, when established healthily, provide clarity and opportunities for growth.

However, we must also recognize the less healthy side of boundaries. In my early years, I created barriers rather than boundaries; these were protective walls built out of fear or hurt, which often alienated others and led to harmful relationships. While healthy boundaries preserve relationships, unhealthy barriers can sever them.

Reflecting on your own life, you may ask yourself whether your boundaries are healthy or stifling. Are they wishy-washy and blurred from insecurity? Many of us, like I did, may have gotten caught in cycles of codependency, adapting our lives around the behaviors of others rather than asserting our own needs.

It’s essential to acknowledge past regrets without allowing them to define us. Instead of viewing ourselves as failures, let’s see these experiences as opportunities for learning. Today can be a fresh start—an opportunity to establish healthy boundaries that allow you to thrive.

Through my journey over the past 20 years, what has helped me most in learning to create healthy boundaries is understanding my value. Recognizing your self-worth is the first step toward establishing boundaries that protect and empower you.

As we explore the topic of boundaries further, let's remember that it's okay to seek help in understanding what healthy boundaries look like and how to implement them. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out for support if needed.

Moving forward, I invite you to think about your own boundaries. Are they allowing you to thrive, or are they keeping you stuck? As you begin this process, focus on what feels right for you. Establishing healthy boundaries is about communicating your needs clearly while also respecting others. Remember, learning to navigate boundaries takes time and practice.

Today, choose to embrace the possibility of establishing boundaries that foster healthy relationships, both with yourself and those around you. Let’s take this journey together toward better self-care and living well! Thank you for joining me today, and I look forward to our next discussion on how we can continue to thrive in life. Many of us struggle with self-worth, often fixating on our mistakes and failures, which can overshadow our sense of value. It's easy to conflate what we do with who we are, leading to feelings of inadequacy when we fall short. Yes, I make mistakes, and yes