JOURNAL WITH ME #1

Journal Prompt

Crack out your notebooks and journal with me.

Written 7/6/2023

When someone asks me for something or to do something, do consider the cost of my yes?

Don’t spread yourself too thin.

Only a couple months ago, I was a yes man. I had gotten to a space where I would put the needs of others before my own. This only allowed people to take advantage of me without even realizing how much strain I was putting on my mental health. I would complain about how they should be doing it for themselves or about how many times I had to help them, right after agreeing to do it.

After my big meltdown, I learned how setting boundaries was to my benefit regardless of how it was received. I am still learning to stay firm on my boundaries, to not feel pressured to give an answer right away, and not feeling bad about saying no.

If you’re like me, someone who feels like they must be everyone’s superhero 🦸🏾‍♀️, here is how I think we can start to put healthy boundaries in place:

1️⃣ Don’t rush to give an answer. Ask them if the situation is urgent or if you can have time to think about it. This will give you time to do the next step.

2️⃣ Have a self-care check in. Ask yourself if you have the resources, time, or mental capacity to help them. Depending on your answer follow one of the options below.

3️⃣ Option #1: If you say yes, offer your help to this person from a genuine place. It’s ok to help others sometimes.

4️⃣ Option #2: If you say no, be honest to them about your decision. Those that really love and care about you should understand where you’re coming from.

I hope this helps! 😉