Standin’ On Business

 This is for my girls who have a hard time “standin’ on business.” You tough to everybody around you, but, that man. You went into something blindly, and quickly realized there were too many red flags, but you have astigmatism and wear prescription glasses from Zeelool…so the red flags looked pink---and you like pink, so you kept going. You be lying to your friends, but they know. You failed to set those boundaries from the jump and now you feel stuck. I see you, sis. I am you, sis.

 I wish I could tell me from three years ago to run. This is not what I pictured for my life but sometimes I don’t feel strong enough to just set my boundaries and stand on ‘em. I get to bending the rules and being inconsistent which contributes to not being taken seriously.

 Lack of consistent boundaries has caused me to:

·      Overwhelm myself by saying yes when I really should have said no. On numerous occasions, I have committed to something I truly did not have the capacity to do to avoid letting someone down.

·      Spend unnecessary money. Whether in the form of loans, attending events, or trying to show up for everyone in some way or another.

·      Give my last, then become frustrated because I never feel “considered” by those to whom I gave my all. I always feel like an afterthought.

Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being. Here are some ways you and I can work to implement new boundaries, to protect our mental health:

1  Understand our personal needs, values, and limits. This self-awareness forms the foundation for setting effective boundaries.

2. Be direct and assertive when expressing needs and boundaries.

3. Practice saying 'no' without guilt. It's okay to decline requests or invitations that conflict with our priorities or well-being.

4. Clearly communicate the consequences for violating our boundaries. Consistently enforcing consequences reinforces the importance of respecting our limits.

5. Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about boundaries. They can provide guidance, encouragement, and support as we navigate this process.

Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being. I pray that with God you find the words to communicate your needs in this season. I pray that you find the strength to stand on business even when you feel weak. You deserve healthy relationships with others who value you enough to respect your boundaries.

With love,

Latressa