I used to build walls to protect myself from things of the past and things that were to come. It ruined relationships and wore me down from the inside out. And then I found freedom and gained control of my life when I learned to set boundaries.

Having boundaries is like drawing a line that says what’s okay and what’s not okay when it comes to how people treat me and how I interact with them. It’s about finding balance and being clear about what I want and don’t want in any situation. It’s my way of taking care of myself and making sure I’m safe from being hurt or taken advantage of. And they have allowed me to build strong, healthy relationships with people who genuinely care for me.

I refuse to let anyone, whether it’s a friend, family member, or foe, drag me into a chaotic situation that’s not of my own making. I choose how I show up in the world. Boundaries keep me focused and accountable to my words and actions. They give me confidence, help maintain my morals and values and live without regrets. So I’m very intentional and mindful about surrounding myself with people who accept that my boundaries are non-negotiable. You don’t have to like them or agree with them, but if you want to come into my world, you must respect them.