How To Stand In Your Power and Set Healthy Boundaries
Ivy Griffin
Something that many of us hear, but may not have been modeled is how to hold our inner power and set healthy boundaries. Standing in your power and setting healthy boundaries is essential for maintaining your well-being and cultivating healthy relationships. You might ask yourself– What does it look like to stand in your power? Standing in your power means confidently and authentically expressing yourself while taking control of your life and decisions. It involves embracing your inner strength, values, and self-worth. Now this sounds great in theory, but it isn't something that happens over night and needs conscientious practice, self awareness, and validation. I would be remiss to not address that there are various cultural, societal, and systemic oppressions that are created to take our power away. And while that may be true–
Here are some tips to help you reclaim your inner power and set boundaries to continue to maintain your authentic self while continuing relationships with those you hold near and dear to your heart.
Self-Awareness: Understand who you are, your strengths, weaknesses, values, and what truly matters to you. Self-awareness is the foundation of standing in your power.
Confidence: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Try not to shy away from challenges but instead face them head-on, knowing you can handle them.
Authenticity: Be true to yourself and your values. Don't pretend to be someone you're not to fit in or please others. Authenticity is about embracing your uniqueness.
Communicate Openly: Effective communication is key to setting and maintaining boundaries. Express your needs and limits assertively and clearly to others. Use "I" statements to avoid blaming or accusing others.
For example, say, "I need some alone time right now" instead of "You're always bothering me."
Saying ‘No’: It's okay to decline requests or commitments that don't align with your values or overwhelm you. Saying no is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of self-respect.
Trust your Intuition: Listen to your gut feelings and instincts. If something doesn't feel right or makes you uncomfortable, it's a signal that you may need to set a boundary.
Tip: Practice noticing sensations that come up in your body and take note of what’s happening in the room.
Be Clear and Direct: Be specific about your boundaries and the consequences if they are not respected.
For example, if you need quiet time to work, tell your family members, "I need two hours of uninterrupted work time each day. If you interrupt me during this time, I won't be able to help you with other tasks."
Practice Self-Compassion: Setting boundaries can be challenging, and you may face resistance from others. Be kind to yourself and remind yourself that taking care of your needs is essential for your well-being.
Setting healthy boundaries are ways that we tell others we want to continue our connection with them and let them know how to honor our needs. Remember that setting and maintaining healthy boundaries is a skill that takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself as you work toward standing in your power and creating a healthier, more balanced life.
In Gratitude,
Dre Merkey
They/them
AMFT #127804 & APCC #10183
https://thrivetherapyandcounseling.com/dre-merkey