Brave Pages: Putting Yourself First

Every Saturday, I post journaling prompts in my Braver Together community. (Check it out here.) Sometimes they feel more of a personal nature than a professional nature so I don't always share them here. But this one feels like it bridges the gap. I hope you take some time this weekend (or next week) to consider your answers to these prompts. Here's the post...

In a few weeks, I'll be presenting to a group of women on the topic of boundary setting. (Those who can't, teach... is that what they say?!? ??) There was also a comment in the community about how hard it is to set boundaries so that we can put ourselves first and make time to do the things we love. I was literally nodding my head as I read her comment... ????♀?

It feels like a topic that needs a little more attention right now. Let's spend a few minutes unpacking this today (or this weekend)... Grab your journal, set your timer for 20 minutes, and free write based upon these prompts:

1. Which areas of your life need more space? (Hint: look for areas that stir up challenging emotions like frustration, overwhelm, resentfulness)
2. As you look at these areas of your life, what are one or two boundaries you could put in place that would lessen the challenging emotions and contribute to balance, time for self-care, and/or values alignment?
3. Dig underneath to determine what is preventing you from setting and/or enforcing these boundaries...?(THIS is what we need to bring to light and work through)
4. How can you counter these fears and stand in your worthiness? ?

I don't usually share my thoughts or answers in this post but there's something about this that I can't NOT share...

I think one HUGE reason why we don't set and hold boundaries is our narrative of "I'm not enough". This kind of shame shitstorm self-talk gets in the way of our own pathway and purpose. We put ourselves second in our own lives because we have been taught to always put others first. We are conditioned to take care of others' needs and avoid disappointing other people so we sidestep our own needs and desires. And we wonder why we sometimes feel like we don't fit in our own lives.?

Hear me... You are WORTH setting (and upholding) boundaries in your life.?

Here are the truthbombs I'm dropping during my boundary presentation and you might need to hear them, believe them, embody them, and be driven by them too.

Upcoming opportunities