G.M. Sunshine Devotionals

Sometimes the lengthy version is not always the best. Healthy boundaries are established with self awareness and self discipline. That’s what makes a good disciple. So here are my thoughts in 5 steps.

Step 1. Know who you are. If you have to be told who you are, there will always be lines crossed that can cause you to feel like you have no control over how others treat you.

Step 2. Your presence matters. Carry yourself in your walk, talk, and how you dress so that it identifies with how you show up; as your best version of you. The bible says that man looks at the outward appearance. Stop thinking that others will take the time to know who you are on the inside, if they can just get past your presence. People are human and books are judged by its cover. Don’t listen to the lies that everyone agrees on. Your presence gets you hired, fired, promoted, demoted, targeted, ostracized, or draws others to you or pushes them away from you for multiple reasons.

Step 3. Speak up. Be assertive but not overly confident. Even if you’re unsure of what you want, if you know what you don’t want, then it’s easier for others to see or figure out what makes you happy. Don’t pretend to be ok with things that you’re not ok with. Once you have step one and step two down pretty good, you’ll notice that others will not only want to make you happy, but will also take pleasure in it as well.

Step 4. Ask yourself if you emanate someone of substance. It takes more than a confident, presentable, and well-spoken person to set boundaries. Being an honest, empathetic, respectful, kind, and authentic person is a gem in this world. Uncontrolled or unrestrained passion gives people mixed feelings on how to read you. People accomplish boundaries when others respect them, hold their thoughts to high regard and even if they disagree with you or you say something silly, or make a poor suggestion, it doesn’t damage your reputation or cause you to loose your standing.

Step 5. Be relatable and engaging. Communication and vulnerability, though mentioned lastly, do not diminish its primary purpose in being a functioning part of life’s relationships. If you can’t communicate and be ‘wisely’ vulnerable, then boundaries would look more like barriers and walls, than something adhered to out of respect and love.

Build boundaries responsibly,

G.M.