#Setting boundaries

[margecouture]

setting boundaries with yourself ☁️

setting boundaries with yourself is an important aspect of self-care and personal growth. here’s how setting boundaries with yourself looks like:

having a bedtime. having a consistent bedtime is crucial for improved sleep quality which leads to better sleep and more restful nights. this also creates routine and structure which can be comforting and beneficial to managing daily responsibilities more effectively. regular sleep helps maintain energy levels, preventing the afternoon slump and reducing the need for caffeine. so, find a helpful bedtime routine to get settled in and get a good nights sleep around the same time each night.

not believing all thoughts as truth. remember that THOUGHTS ARE NOT FACTS, so accepting every thought as truth can lead to distorted perceptions which leads to mental fog or an unhealthy mental state. when negative thoughts arise, practice mindfulness by meditating or journaling. question your thoughts by asking yourself “what evidence do I have for this thought?”. identify those thinking patterns and remember that thoughts are like clouds passing through the sky—temporary and ever-changing.

eating foods that make you feel good. junk food may taste sweet and look good but they aren’t healthy for your body in any way. use mindful eating by paying attention to how different foods make you feel & avoid foods those that leave you feeling sluggish or uncomfortable. eating foods that are rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals can improve your mood and mental clarity. this includes, salmon, leafy greens, and berries. healthy snacks such as, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and popcorn are helpful when facing cravings. remember to plan your meals, stay hydrated, and maintain balance.

doing hard things in the moment to create your desired future. doing hard things in the moment is like planting seeds for your future. tackling challenges head on allows you to develop skills, gain resilience, and learn discipline. it’s like building the foundation for your own dreams and setting your own self up for success. by handling what’s in front of you, you are preparing yourself for bigger opportunities and making the most of them when they come. picture your desired future as a beautiful garden that requires dedication and hard work, but it is necessary for your garden to bloom.

sticking to your word. keeping your word is crucial in building trust and reliability. this makes it easy for people to rely on you but also for you to rely on yourself. you set a standard for yourself which encourages discipline, self control and commitment. having confidence in what you are set out to do helps you to grow as an individual. as the saying goes, “Follow your plan, not your mood.” stay committed to your plans and goals and always give it your best. you only fail if you don’t try, no matter how small or how big the task may be.

setting boundaries with yourself is an act of self respect and is about creating habits that align with your long term wellbeing, even when they feel difficult in the moment. each step builds a stronger and more aligned version of you. keep honoring yourself! ☁️

[gentleaffirmations]

I am letting go of the need to fix others.

I am letting go of the need to manage the emotions of others.

I allow other adults to be responsible for themselves.

It is okay to say no.

I am letting go of the need to anticipate the needs of others.

I have a right to my own feelings.

[lynkinchronicles]

Am I sensitive or am I just setting boundaries on what you know about my health and you're not used to being told no?

[pinkpetalbee]

[serenityquest]

NeuroWild

[self-care-club]

That fawn trauma response goes deep! I won’t pretend it’s an easy habit to break. It takes time and practice. But I promise the people who matter will still like you even if you say “no” sometimes.

[milkoomi]

⋆˚࿔ a new canvas means a new you 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

a mini series on the art of becoming a better you

chapter 1 | chapter 2

chapter three — THE ART OF SAYING “NO”

learning to say “no” and having boundaries can really lift you up. it brings you this strength that you felt like would have been impossible to have. the mentality and emotional power it gives you can make you feel unstoppable! however, i know there’s a lot of us out there that may struggle with putting your foot down and saying no. and that’s okay! this chapter is here to teach you that saying “no” and putting your own needs first is something that you are allowed to do! people pleasing is a big thing that stops a lot of us from setting boundaries, and unfortunately, it’s caused us to be put in situations or relationships that aren’t good for us. say “no”! set those boundaries! you have a right to do so.

ᥫ᭡. the importance of putting yourself first

let’s start this chapter off with a discussion on why you need to put you and your own needs first.

you can’t give your best to others when you, yourself, aren’t at your best.

this is one of the biggest lessons i had to learn for myself. i’m not one to always call out from work or miss a lecture, but there are days where my mental health is really struggling and i can’t bring myself to even get out of bed. so, i prioritize myself and take a day to rest, relax, and recharge so that i can continue to give my all the next day! people always talk about prioritizing your health, but they don’t always include mental health, so be sure that when you prioritize your health that you’re also taking your mental/emotional state in mind!

you also can’t expect yourself to give others your best when you aren’t providing yourself the best. if a friend needs you, but you are in a spot where you need yourself more yet you continue to give to another person, then you’ll have nothing left for yourself. one of the first things you hear on an airplane is to put your oxygen mask on first before helping anyone else with theirs. so use that same mindset of helping and taking care of yourself first before you go and help another.

people pleasing gets you nowhere

to piggyback off of the previous statement, if you’re constantly someone’s “yes” man/woman/person, you’re constantly putting yourself in a position that makes you their personal doormat. people will lose respect for you and your boundaries if you’re always trying to please them; they see it all as an opportunity to use and take advantage of you, your time, and your energy.

you can still be a good person while still having boundaries! just because you’re setting a personal boundary for yourself and for others that doesn’t automatically mean you’re selfish or anything along the lines of being a bad person.

ᥫ᭡. how to set boundaries

setting boundaries is key! it’s important that these boundaries are put into place so that your own energy isn’t taken from you, especially when you need your energy the most.

know what your personal limits are

understanding what you will and will not accept will help be the first step into knowing what boundaries you want to set! take time to reflect and ask yourself, “what do i want with my time, my emotions, and my relationships?” know how you want your energy to be spent.

be clear about your boundaries

having a good idea of what you need and want for yourself will help you communicate your boundaries. once you know your own personal limits, create a clear boundary that you want to set for yourself and for others.

use “I” statements

setting a healthy boundary is important, so be sure to use statements with “i feel…” rather than “you…” because those “you” statements can come off as accusatory, and whoever it may be that you’re setting a boundary with may not take kindly to it.

consistency

make sure you’re consistent with your boundaries. reapply or restate them until those boundaries stick. practice, practice, practice! consistency will help to continue to reinforce the boundaries you’ve set!

set consequences

people will cross your boundaries, and it’s going to happen and it will be extremely frustrating. a lot of times, unfortunately, people will continue to cross your boundaries over and over again, so set consequences.

i’m not saying you have to be outright rude or lash out on them; fighting negativity with negativity is an unnecessary stressor to put on yourself. create a plan for yourself that will help you communicate some kind of response for whenever your boundaries are being crossed.

ᥫ᭡. practice saying “no”

saying “no” is one of the key things when setting boundaries. you don’t want to go out with people? say no. your boss is asking you to pick up more hours, but you’re already starting to feel drained? say no. a friend is asking you if they can vent to you, but you’re not in the right headspace to deal with strong emotions? say no.

you can always politely say no, of course, especially in a healthy friendship/relationship or a professional setting.

here’s how:

“i’m not feeling up for it right now, maybe when i’m feeling better another day we can!”

“i can’t take those hours on, i have prior responsibilities i need to attend to.”

“i’m not in the right headspace to take that on right now, but i still love and care for you!”

i know there’s a lot of us who might worry about coming off as rude, but there are so many ways other than the ones i mentioned to say no!

again, you can still be a good person and have boundaries. if anything, having boundaries puts you in healthier mindset and can bring you healthier relationships with people! boundaries are there to strengthen yourself!

you have to be firm and to assert yourself. you know you don’t want your time and your energy to be spent on someone or something that drains you more than replenishes you.

ᥫ᭡. final notes

i just want to keep reiterating that you are allowed to say no and set boundaries. too many of us have lived lives where we felt like our purpose was to please others and give and give until we have nothing left for ourselves. put yourself first! i say this all the time: you are always you’re number one priority. it’s the truth, and i’ll keep saying the truth until it sticks for you because you need to know that for yourself. you are allowed to prioritize yourself, your wants, and your needs. being selfish, for the right reasons, is okay! wanting to take care of yourself and focus on your needs is the right reason to be selfish. you’re allowed to want your own time, you’re allowed to be there for yourself before anyone else, you’re allowed to put your own well-being before others— you should be doing so! becoming a better you means learning to put yourself first!

with lots of love, juno 🌷

[goddessinnerglow]

Become Your Best Version Before 2025 - Day 18

Creating Healthy Boundaries

Hey Goddesses! Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty because everyone seems to want a piece of you? Work, family, friends, obligations, they all add up, and before you know it, you’re left with no time, energy, or space for yourself.

If that sounds familiar, trust me, you’re not alone. Most of us weren’t taught how to set boundaries, and even when we know we need them, it can feel so hard to say, “No, this doesn’t work for me.”

Just like clearing out our physical space makes room for what matters, setting healthy boundaries helps us make space for the right people and experiences in our lives. And honestly? It's one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves and others, even if it feels a bit scary at first!

Setting Boundaries 101

Think of boundaries like the walls of your house, they show where you end and others begin:

Your time and energy are precious resources

"No" is a complete sentence

You're allowed to change your mind

Your feelings are valid guides

Your needs matter as much as others

Signs You Need Better Boundaries

Let's get real about some common situations:

Feeling resentful after saying yes

Apologizing for things that aren't your fault

Always being available for others

Feeling drained after social interactions

Taking on other people's problems

Struggling to speak up for yourself

Some simple ways to start:

Begin with these simple steps:

Take a pause before saying yes

Use "I" statements: "I need time to think about it"

Start with easier situations and people

Practice saying no to small things

Give yourself permission to have limits

Practice phrases like "I'd love to, but that doesn't work for me right now"

Turn off app notifications during your personal time

The Art of Saying No

Try these gentle but firm responses:

"That doesn't work for me"

"I'll need to check my calendar"

"I can't commit to that right now"

"I have other priorities at the moment"

"Thanks for thinking of me, but I'll pass"

Setting Work Boundaries

Protect your peace at work:

Define your work hours clearly

Take your lunch break away from your desk

Don't check emails after hours

Learn to say no to extra projects

Communicate your limits professionally

Digital Boundaries

Create healthy limits with technology:

Set specific times for checking messages

Remove notifications that stress you out

Don't feel obligated to respond immediately

Mute or leave overwhelming group chats

Take social media breaks

Relationship Boundaries

Nurture healthy connections:

Express your needs clearly

Respect others limits

Share what feels comfortable for you

Take space when you need it

Don't compromise your values

Self-Care Boundaries

Protect your relationship with yourself:

Schedule non-negotiable me-time

Honor your emotional needs

Listen to your body's signals

Protect your energy

Make time for what fills you up

Setting boundaries isn't selfish It's actually about:

Teaching others how to treat you

Maintaining your mental health

Having more to give from a full cup

Building authentic relationships

Creating space for what truly matters

The Challenge for Today

Identify ONE area where you need stronger boundaries

Practice ONE new way to say no

Set ONE small boundary today

What's one boundary you're proud of setting? Or what's one boundary you want to work on? Share below, I’d love to hear from you!

See you tomorrow for Day 19! Remember, every time you set a healthy boundary, you're showing yourself and others that your wellbeing matters. And it absolutely does!

♡ ☆:.｡ Keep glowing, babes! ♡ ☆:.｡ With love, Goddess Inner Glow.

[ghost-blush-art]

A quick doodle I did today inspired by a cat meme I once saw. I seriously need to start setting boundaries but the thought of confrontation literally makes me want to cry 🥲

This week was quite a stressful one so I’m glad that it’s over 🥹

[elektroskopik]

[unwelcome-ozian]

[margecouture]

3 daily goals to implement into your life ୧ ‧₊˚ 🍵 ⋅ʚɞ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ 🌱 :

a physical goal -

eating & drinking what’s good for your body

exercising or yoga

skincare

a mental goal -

reading

painting or drawing

writing by typing or in a journal

a spiritual goal -

prayer

meditating

nature walks

[wordsofwisdomandsoul]

[bookmothic-dyke]

I think a reason I’m such a slut. So chaotic in my actions. So self destructive. Is I don’t know how to set boundaries.

I was raised to help, to appease, but never to draw a line of my own.

I can’t blame it all on my upbringing, but I definitely think that’s something I need to work on. Saying no. Making it clear when I don’t want something or it makes me uncomfortable. Talking about what’s allowed and what isn’t. Learning the boundaries of others.

I’ve hurt too many people I’ve loved and myself, because I couldn’t understand or set boundaries.

I need to grow.

[jeff-rees-jones]

Have a happy, healthy new year...

My older brother only made it to 38 and he would have been 65 now. None of us know how long we have left and most of us are waiting until the time is 'right' for us to do whatever it is we think we'll enjoy doing in the future, and then we're gone.

Over the years I've taken many courses, from various modes of counselling to all kinds of therapeutic work as both a student and a tutor and one thing I have discovered to be true is that each and every one of us has issues, some large, some small, we are all a little fucked-up in one way or another and more importantly, it's all about how we deal with those issues that will decide how we function in life.

Find someone to chat with, share your feelings, but after that you have to be prepared to make some changes, otherwise the same old behaviours will bring about the same old problems, and it isn't always other people, sometimes it's you.

Here are a few tried and tested small things that have helped me along the way, things you can do to improve your days and the quality of your life and your relationships, small steps but they work very quickly if you can stick with them.

So far I've failed at every single one of these more than once but hey, let's not make it all about me! This stuff works...

Happiness is a choice every single day.

You are perfectly free to be who you are and to love who you love.

Whatever age you reach, you will never feel grown up.

Learn to be alone and learn to love, or at least like who you are.

Try and feel gratitude for even the smallest stuff in your life.

Lower your expectations of people, no one can live up to your ideals.

Set your boundaries from the start in any kind of relationship.

Judge Love and friendship by what people do and not what they say.

Don't take shit from anyone, speak up and let them know how you feel, but do it kindly.

Try and choose being kind over being right.

Do not... Repeat: Do Not let anyone bully you.

No response is a response.

If they wanted to, they would.

Let them go.

Be good with your word.

Be consistent.

You don't need to be skinny to be attractive or to be loved.

ALWAYS keep secrets that a friend has shared in confidence, even if they turn out to be a *shit-bag.

*(Other words are available)

Never make someone a priority if they only think of you as an option.

Sometimes chocolate and wine can be the perfect food choice.

Don't ignore red flags in someone's behaviour, they're showing you who they are.

When someone shows you who they are...believe them, don't make excuses on their behalf.

The best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour. (read that again)

Sometimes punching someone in the throat is an option.

Don't carry the past with you, it's too heavy and you're not going in that direction.

You are never too old and it's never too late.

Holding onto anger only hurts you.

You are already good enough.

You deserve love and respect.

Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is to include someone.

Everything changes, everything.

It eventually gets better.

Stay hopeful.

[sk-lumen]

One amazing benefit from embracing your dark feminine is genuinely no longer being afraid of losing people, setting boundaries or imposing standards. You no longer care who you lose, or who sees you as a villain or b*tch. Because if someone ends up losing you, it's because they didn't appreciate you the first time around, and chose to fumble the bag even after you made your boundaries & standards clear. And let me tell you, it's one of the most empowering and liberating feelings ever. Know your worth and act accordingly.