STEPPING INTO YOUR POWER: PART I
It’s important to understand that establishing boundaries is different from the skill of communication. Although we might communicate boundaries, the two invoke separate and distinct intentions that sometimes, can be confused.

Communication
Opens to a flow of potential sharing.

Boundaries
Stop the flow of potential sharing temporarily in effort to conserve energy.

Boundaries are not haphazard. They are put forth with meaning and purpose, to protect and maintain your power.
7 TYPES OF BOUNDARIES
1) MENTAL BOUNDARIES
Mental boundaries offer a sense of freedom to have your own thoughts, values, and opinions.
  • Setting a Boundary: “I respect your perspective although I do not agree.”
  • Communicating: “I respect your perspective. Would you be willing to hear my thoughts on this subject as well?”

2) EMOTIONAL BOUNDARIES
Emotional boundaries help tiu regulate how emotionally available you are to others
  • Setting a Boundary: “I can sense my emotional capacity is not 100% right now and I will need to come back to this at another time.”
  • Communicating: “I can feel myself getting emotional around this. Are you okay with me sharing how I feel about this as well?”

3) INTERNAL BOUNDARIES
internal boundaries help to assist in self-regulation and monitor energy expended on self vs. others
  • Setting a Boundary: “I’ve worked all week and will need to take the weekend to catch up with myself.”
  • Communicating: “I need time for myself. However, I’m happy to check-in and let you know if I’ll be up for talking or doing something toward the end of the weekend.”

4) PHYSICAL BOUNDARIES
Physical boundaries protect our privacy, personal space, and/or your body
  • Setting a Boundary: “I would like to get to know you more before I decide if I’m comfortable with a hug.”
  • Communicating: “We don’t know each other that long. What are your thoughts about physical expressions like hugging?”

5) TIME BOUNDARIES
Time boundaries help you navigate how much time you spend with someone or doing something
  • Setting a Boundary: “I can only stay for 30 minutes.”
  • Communicating: “I can only stay a bit but I will call you later to continue the conversation.”

6) CONVERSATIONAL BOUNDARIES
Conversational boundaries are used around topics that you do and don’t feel comfortable discussing
  • Setting a Boundary: “This subject makes me feel uncomfortable and I would prefer to no longer speak about this subject.”
  • Communicating: “I can feel a little heated around this subject. Would you be willing to switch topics?”

7) MATERIAL BOUNDARIES
Material boundaries support monetary decisions, giving or lending to others
  • Setting a Boundary: “I’ve lent you money 2x’s now and I am not willing to make it a 3rd time.”
  • Communicating: “I noticed this is the 3rd time you’ve asked for money. Help me understand what you need the money for and we can talk about how best I can support you.”
Love,
Jennifer
Gentle Touch Healing
Healing through Compassion
Inner Beauty Blog: Stepping into Your Power: Part I Here>>
- Emotional Wellness Coaching
MORE ABOUT EMOTIONAL WELLNESS COACHING HERE>>