Some may say that having boundaries in your life will stifle your freedom. Keep you from being your true self. I heartily disagree. In fact, I think that couldn’t be further from the truth. Smart girls have learned that boundaries are not meant to hold them back, but to guard them from potential harm. They’ve discovered that they can thrive within strong healthy parameters both personally and professionally. And, not only do they thrive, but succeed and live with greater purpose.
Many years ago I made a conscious decision to live my life intentionally. At the time I was not really sure how to go about it, so I started studying women that were rising in leadership. What I quickly learned from their life was that they said ’no’ way more often than they said ‘yes’. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted to glean from them, but it turned out to be one of the best lessons in living on purpose. So, I tried it.
At first saying ’no’ was not easy. In fact it was down right hard. I hated it. It seemed as though I was passing up every opportunity that came may way. One day it dawned on me that the women who were saying ’no’ had a reason why they were doing so. They had created healthy boundaries around their personal and professional lives. They had discovered that not every opportunity was a good opportunity, and that in order to really live out their callings they had to limit what they did on a regular basis.
All of the sudden it became clear to me that I had to do the same thing. I could no longer live the same way as everyone else if I really wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, and to accomplish the calling on my life. Having boundaries in my life were not meant to limit my freedom, instead to ensure I was protected.
As women, I think one of our biggest struggles in life is having healthy boundaries around our personal and professional lives. The tendency is to allow too many voices to speak into our lives, to say ‘yes' when we really want to say ‘no', and to be everything to everyone.
Smart girls have boundaries because...
1) They have developed the confidence to walk out their purpose.
Girls who KNOW their purpose inside and out exude confidence. Although it does take dedicated time and effort to live with purpose and intention; life is never the same.
2) They hold themselves to a higher standard.
It can be lonely to take the road less traveled. When expectation is raised, responsibility and capacity are increased.
3) They have fought + won the battles.
Setting up boundaries will be the catalyst to experiencing victory in every area of life, both personally and professionally. The battles fought are not easy and require sacrifice to see massive change.
It may seem as though living life in the confines of boundaries can be difficult, but let me tell you the freedom that comes with living a life that is fulfilled and full of purpose is worth every sacrifice it takes to get there.
We Are Better Together!
