Although it can feel challenging, limit-setting is the ultimate form of self-care.
Now more than ever, you need to learn to honor your boundaries, declare what you need and say “no” without feeling guilty.
The current political climate, decisions about educating your children and choices in safeguarding your health are all fodder for your loved ones (even friends) to chime in. Sometimes this sounds like love and support. And other times it is the loud clanging of judgment, “shoulds” and personal agendas.
Setting limits with your loved ones goes deeper than just saying “no”. It involves sharing your feelings about what is happening, speaking your truth, identifying your priorities (they many change week-to-week) and communicating what it is that you need from others (again, this may change week-to-week).
In the midst of your busy life, there is one surefire way to know when you need to speak up.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!
Begin to notice the moments when you:
Clench your jaw
Tighten your stomach
Freeze up
Feel our heart rate increase
Hold your breath
These are IMPORTANT CUES your body is delivering to you, telling you that your values are being challenged, your needs are not being met or that you are feeling vulnerable or threatened in some way.
Use these signals as an indication that you need to SPEAK UP and declare what you need.
This is truly personal work that no one can do for you.
AND the benefits to your health and well-being will make it worth the effort.
Discover Growth
Cheri Timmons is a Greensboro Downtown Parks program partner. The work she does with us is critical to providing FREE wellness programming to our park community. As we make our way through these unprecedented times, consider how you might support local Greensboro non-profits like us, as well as local businesses, artists, entrepreneurs like Cheri, makers, and more. We'll continue to bring you free programming through our digital platforms and look forward to having you join us and Cheri back in the parks soon!