Boundaries. Boundaries can be good things. They can keep ourselves and others in check. Some people interpret boundaries to mean personal space. Ranchers use boundaries to position fences in order keep their stock within a certain area. Surveyors have yet a different perspective on boundaries.
Recently I've begun to think of boundaries in a new way: boundaries are what I put up to keep others at a distance. Why would I do that? I long to achieve closeness with others, to share experiences with friends and family. So why am I insistent upon setting boundaries in place?
The answer that came was that boundaries help me feel safe. If others don't see my weaknesses, if they don't witness my struggling, then I can keep up the pretense that all is well in my life. The truth is, sometimes all is not well. Like everyone, I have problems. I hurt inside. I occasionally wonder why I should even get up in the morning.
In writing this blog, I realize I have torn down many of my boundaries. I have chosen to share with you, my readers, some of the hard things that are going on in my life. And, because of that, I feel closer to you. What I can't say in person, I can give voice to through my writing.
So, for today, I am grateful for those of you who encourage me to tear down my boundaries.
To paraphrase:
ReplyDelete"Mrs. Choate, tear down this wall!"
Although I should put my own name in there instead of yours. This one struck home with me. Thank you.
Great post Mom. We all have some boundaries, that we do put up to protect us. I'm glad you have been able to tear some of yours down.
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