Boundaries define us. They define what is you and what is not you. A boundary shows you where you end and someone else begins. It sounds so easy and yet many of us struggle with maintaining our boundaries because we were taught that it was selfish, self centered to say no to someone. However, boundary setting is not about being selfish. It is about protecting yourself and others. Because it’s not just about protecting yourself from others, it’s also about protecting others from your own potential toxic behaviors that may unconsciously occur when your needs are not being met-when you say yes when you really mean no. And setting boundaries is really about modifying your own behavior to conform to the reality that you are limited in what you can do for others. It means recognizing that to effectively bring your authentic self to others, you must care for yourself—not as an afterthought, but as primary focus. Today, it is time to become aware about your boundaries, or lack of them and begin to take steps to create better boundaries in your life. Begin by clearly defining your values-what do you really want. Then, set you intentions to say no when you mean no even if the other person attempts to guilt you into doing what they want. Finally allow yourself to ask for what you need and to make time for yourself. You have in reality trained the people in your life to "use you", to bully you and they have come to count on you to not have any boundaries at all because that meets their needs. Today it is time that you consciously stop making other people's needs and wants more important than your own. Today begin to ask for what you need. Say no when you need to, and when you say yes, mean it. As a result of you setting better boundaries, you will be able to be more compassionate toward others because your healthy boundaries will keep you out of resentment and anger because your needs will finally be met. Remember, the only people that will be upset about you setting healthy boundaries are the ones that benefit from you having none.

Just for today, I respect my boundaries and I insist others do too. I say yes when I mean yes and no when I mean no. I know what I want and I do not need to apologize for it. I am a master at setting healthy boundaries that save my time, energy, creativity and emotional well being. I ask for what I want. I am safe when I speak up for myself. I reclaim my power now and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.