STEPPING INTO YOUR POWER: PART I
It’s important to understand that establishing boundaries is different than the skill of communication. Although we might communicate boundaries, the two invoke separate and distinct intentions that sometimes, can be confused or disorienting. Communication opens to a flow of potential sharing. Whereas, setting boundaries temporarily stops the flow in effort to conserve. Boundaries are not haphazard, they are put forth with meaning and purpose, to protect and maintain your power.  
7 TYPES OF BOUNDARIES
​7 TYPES OF BOUNDARIES
MENTAL
Freedom to have your own thoughts, values, and opinions.
  • Boundary: “I respect your perspective although I do not agree.”
  • Communication: “I respect your perspective. Would you be willing to hear my thoughts on this subject as well?”
 
EMOTIONAL
Reflects how emotionally available you are to others
  • Boundary: “I want to support you right now. However, I can sense my emotional capacity is not 100% and I will need to come back to this at a time when it is.”
  • Communication: “I can feel myself getting emotional. Are you okay with me sharing my feelings about this as well?”
 
INTERNAL
Self-regulation, energy expended on self vs. others
  • Boundary: “I’ve worked all week and will need to take the weekend to catch up with myself.”
  • Communication: “I’ve worked hard and need time for myself. However, I’m happy to check-in and let you know if I might be up for talking or doing something toward the end of the weekend.”
 
PHYSICAL
Privacy, personal space, your body
  • Boundary: “I would like to get to know you more before I decide if I’m comfortable with a hug.”
  • Communication: “We don’t know each other that long. What are your thoughts about physical expressions like hugging?”  
 
TIME
How much time you spend with someone or doing something
  • Boundary: “I can only stay for 30 minutes.”
  • Communication: “I can only stay a bit but I will call you later to continue the conversation.”
 
CONVERSATIONAL
Topics that you do and do not feel comfortable discussing
  • Boundary: “This subject makes me feel uncomfortable and I would prefer to switch topics.”
  • Communication: “I can feel a little heated around this subject. Would you be willing to switch topics?”
 
MATERIAL
Monetary decisions, giving or lending to others
  • Boundary: “I’ve lent you money 2x’s now and I am not willing to make it a 3rd time.”
  • Communication: “I noticed this is the 3rd time you’ve asked for money. I know times can be hard, help me understand what you need the money for, and we can talk about how best I can support you.”
- Jennifer Circosta, Gentle Touch Healing, www.jennifersmusing.com, Emotional Wellness Coaching 
Inner Beauty Blog: Stepping into Your Power: Part I Here>>