Fences with Gates

"Boundaries are good, but without a gate,

all that you have are fences."

Anthony T. Hincks

It is difficult to set boundaries at work and socially, and it is even more challenging with family and friends. The key is flexibility, being able to extend without getting swept away or pull back without becoming isolated.

Initial stages of learning boundaries teach us to use our voice and remain vigilant with our choices.  This is great practice, but in the long run, we must learn to adjust without losing all of our control.  Like a successful diet, one might be tempted to taste just one small bite of dark chocolate ... knowing the risk of relapsing into food fantasies ... discretion must be exercised.

Obviously, flexibility is the key when we have maintained our sense of protection.  Situations differ from time to time so with mindfulness, we can choose to walk away or open the gate for this particular experience.  Gates swing both inward and outward so that we are not rigidly denying opportunities meant to enhance us.