by Dena Patton

 

Just a reminder that when you create a boundary you must honor it FIRST, otherwise you can't expect others to honor it. You know those people in your life who have weak boundaries. They can't say no to you and you know it! So you go to them for favors and to help you do things or pick up the kids etc. By having little or no boundaries they have trained you that you can 'over' do it with them. This is an example of someone who doesn't know how to say no or set boundaries. They are the ones who usually get dumped on, taken advantage of and overworked. Is this you? The first thing to realize is that you have a part in the complaint, "people take advantage of me", because in part, you've trained them what they can and can't do to you. Try setting new boundaries, stick by them and communicate them to those around you. The next time that you are asked to do something that you don't want to do, decline with grace. "Thank you for the offer to come over, but we are going to take you up another time so we can spend some family time." Stop saying yes to everything and everyone and start honoring what works for YOU!

Be unstoppable.

Dena Patton is a Life/Business Coach, retreat facilitator and Speaker. She is also the founder of Chat, Chew and Chocolate. She is writing her first book: Powerfully Living, Gracefully Dying which will be out in 2011. There are free downloads for you: a boundaries checklist, a great to-do list organizer, a Gratefulness Journal and a Me Time Study all on Dena's bio page (bottom/right side of bio page). Info on her programs, retreats and coaching visit, www.TheBoundariesCoach.com. Find her on Twitter @chatchew.