Lately I’m seeing lots of articles and posts, like the graphic above, about identifying boundaries. I resonate with phrases such as “I’m no longer available for” or “the older I get, the more I realize.” With age, most people have a better sense of these things.
In trying to live more intentionally, I’ve been thinking about boundaries. Boundaries around work, relationships, how I use my time, choices about health and wellness, etc.
On a lighter note, I even thought about boundaries this weekend when I went down a rabbit hole in googling celebrity lives. Not that mindless entertainment isn’t called for sometimes, but just then it wasn’t what I needed. I needed to go to bed.
Several weeks ago, in my journal, I was riffing and writing on the phrase “no thank you.” My thoughts are specific to the way I exist in the world as an introvert, as someone who doesn’t resonate with small talk and competition.
Below is just a tiny part of my personal “no thank you” list. Sure, all those things are part of life. And self-awareness can help us navigate various situations, whatever they may be. Recognize, reflect, and respond. Or not respond at all.
Your own “no thank you” list will of course be different. Just like doing an inventory, see my post from two weeks ago, it might be a helpful exercise.
***
No thank you to
one-sided conversations.
No thank you to
generic platitudes and
unhelpful advice
instead of
compassionate listening.
No thank you to
one-upmanship and
vying for attention.
No thanks to
consumer culture,
body shaming,
compulsive comparison.
No thanks to a
lack of awareness that
others may have different
opinions, interests,
lifestyles, resources.
***
That’s it for today. Just a note that I didn’t write a newsletter last weekend as I was away from home.
Yesterday, I was having some strong Why Bother? vibes about my writing, but also last week I submitted a couple of pieces for publication, so we’ll see where that goes. Update: As I was finishing up this post, I received a rejection on one of those submissions. Oh, well. Onward.
As always, thanks for reading my thoughts.
With gratitude,
Mary
This post makes me think of a mantra I may or may not have shared with you before.
Where attention goes
Energy flows
That's what grows
And an affirmation I often write in my gratefulness journal:
I pay attention intentionally
I have a long way to go in developing my skills at focus and concentration. It has never been one of my strong suits. Priorities and boundaries are also areas where I have experienced challenge - competing priorities making it difficult for me to establish boundaries and recognize when I am over doing something and ignoring something else. I have a college friend who, since I met him, has always encouraged "everything in moderation."
I look forward to reading your next post! I love the way you push my thinking and offer up new perspectives!