You’ve probably heard about or even experienced the importance of setting boundaries. More times than not, when we talk about boundaries we are talking about those we set with other people, but it’s equally important to set boundaries with yourself.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Sherri, this whole month is about declaring my independence! Why are you talking about boundaries?” While boundaries might sound rigid, creating them is an essential first step towards setting yourself free!

I’ll explain how setting boundaries with yourself will set you free by sharing a little story.

One summer morning, I went out early, and I saw a woman walking her dog. It was a big dog, but you could tell he was still a puppy, and he was going nuts! First, there was a bird he wanted to chase, then it was a squirrel, then a gardener revved up his lawnmower, and the dog tried to dart across the street. Every time he tried to run off, his owner tugged on his collar, sometimes gently, sometimes with a little more force.

I looked at that dog, and thought, “This is how we are with our thoughts.” They take our attention here, there, and everywhere. We have to rein them in just as that woman did with her dog.

So, where should you start? Here are three essential boundaries you should set:

3 Essential Boundaries for Your Freedom:

1) Physical Boundaries – These boundaries are set to make sure that you are taking care of your physical health. This might look like ensuring that you exercise, take breaks every hour to stretch and move if you are sitting at a desk all day, drink water, get good sleep, and eat foods that nourish your mind and body.

2) Mental Boundaries – These are the boundaries you set with your thoughts. Our thoughts are powerful determinants of our reality. If we let toxic thoughts dominate and take space in our minds, they can wreak havoc on the results we desire and the type of situations we attract in our life.

3) Emotional Boundaries – These boundaries might include putting an expiration date on your unhappy emotions so you don’t stew forever or have prolonged pity parties. Just as you’d set an end time for a party, do the same with the emotions that spiral you down into a dark pit. Allow yourself to feel the emotions then set a time or date when you’re going to release those unhappy emotions and move on. Another way you can set emotional boundaries is by speaking your truth. Oftentimes, unhappy emotions stem from not speaking up and not feeling heard or seen. It’s your job to be your own advocate.

With these three essential boundaries in mind, ask yourself where, in your life, you can set personal boundaries to protect your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Living the free and vivacious life of your dreams starts with freeing yourself from your limiting beliefs and behaviors by setting healthy personal boundaries.

With Love,

PS – Join my free private Facebook group for more tools and strategies for healthy boundaries