Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not. Boundaries impact all areas of our lives: Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us and under what circumstances — Mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts and opinions — Emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others — Spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God’s will from our own and give us renewed awe for our Creator .

Often, we focus so much on being loving and unselfish that we forget our own limits and limitations. When confronted with our lack of boundaries, we ask: - Can I set limits and still be a loving person? - What are legitimate boundaries? - What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundaries? - How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy, or money? - Aren’t boundaries selfish? - Why do I feel guilty or afraid when I consider setting boundaries?

My friends, please hear this… it is okay to say no to those that are sucking the life out of you!!!! Just because you are someone’s friend or son or daughter, doesn’t mean that you have to take on their burdens. I am not saying that you cannot care, but you must draw a line between caring and taking it on. Do you listen to a chronic complainer so much that you have lost your optimistic view on life? Not so happy anymore but your life is fine and you should be happy? You need to look at if you have allowed someone to cross boundaries.

We all have enough things on our own plate than to be someone’s counselor. Children…it is okay to tell Mommy that she needs to get counseling…tell Daddy to stop talking about her to you…pinning you between them…tell them to get counseling…Tell them that you are their child…NOT THEIR COUNSELOR NOR THEIR FRIEND FRANKLY.

So many times I see parents overloading their kids with their crap. What a shame!!!

I would recommend a book called Boundaries by Dr. Townsend. It will bring freedom to you like you would not believe. It helps you understand boundaries and how to set them.

Do yourself a favor and get it!!!