My Journey to Setting Boundaries!

A few years ago, the idea of setting healthy boundaries—felt like speaking a foreign language I’d never even heard.

I used to believe if someone crossed a line, I’d swallow the discomfort, convince myself it wasn’t a big deal, and request them to stop, react to them, or let them keep going. The quiet needs of my innerchild went unnoticed, buried under layers of “be nice,” “don’t rock the boat,” and “they don’t mean it.”

Then my conscious journey began. Slowly, like building a muscle, I started strengthening my awareness muscle. I began to notice the exact moment my ego kicked into defense mode, the urge to fight back, to fix everything, to justify, over-explain, blame, or chase someone else’s approval just to feel okay again. I didn’t have to control them. I only had to speak my truth—clearly, kindly, firmly.

From requesting “Can you please stop doing that?” To "I don’t want to argue when we’re upset. Let’s pause and talk when we’re calm." "I won’t stay in a conversation if you’re shouting. I’ll come back when you are calm.”

A simple sentence. A whole new language.

Of course, I’m not 100% perfect—far from it. Some days I still waver, still catch myself people-pleasing in disguise. But now, I’m also flexing a newer muscle: SELF-COMPASSION.

I meet my stumbles with gentleness instead of shame.

What a journey this is—learning to protect my peace without losing my heart.

#boundarysetting #self-compassion

Sangeetha💕