Be you, love you. All ways, always.
-Alexandra Elle
I find it so interesting how self-love and boundaries go hand in hand. If I’m setting boundaries from a place of loving myself first, it’s so much easier to set and hold these boundaries, even the hardest ones with the most difficult people. However, if I’m not feeling great about myself or my basic needs haven’t been met (things like sleep, eating a healthy diet, hydration, exercise, emotionally connecting with others, etc.), then it’s so much harder to set and hold boundaries, and I’m much more likely to either not set them at all or set them but then easily let them go when there’s pushback from others. Can you relate? Ideally, we’re setting boundaries from a place of self-love. But, so often, as with so many other things, this is a work in progress for us.
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: What loving kindness toward yourself may sound like, what loving kindness towards others may sound like, and wrapping up with self-care for when life feels out of control. Enjoy!
Loving kindness towards yourself may sound like:
- I am enough
- I am worthy
- I live in my own truth
- I am compassionate
- I am authentically me
- I am love
- I know myself (well!)
- I own my true story
What else would you add here?
Loving kindness towards others may sound like:
- You are enough
- You are worthy
- You matter
- Your story is important
- You are loved
- You are caring
- You are values
- You are seen, heard and understood
What else would you add to this list?
Self-care for when life feels out of control:
- Meditate- a quiet or guided meditation
- Cry- let the tears flow!
- Listen to music and dance around too
- Go outside and focus on the beauty all around you
- Go to therapy and process how you’re feeling
- Eat a healthy diet for your diet
- Grieve the losses in your life
- Journal- a written or digital diary can be so helpful
- Read a great book
- Exercise, stretch or just move your body
What else helps you when your life feels out of control?
If you’re struggling right now with self-love and boundary setting, know that you’re not alone. This is a common struggle for many of us. If you could use more help and support in your life, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area. I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way as you work on setting boundaries from a place of self-love.
