Week 6: How I Maintain Healthy Boundaries

February 2025: How I Maintain Healthy Boundaries: Share advanced strategies for setting and keeping boundaries.

How I Keep My Sanity and Maintain My PEACE

Boundaries are like fences—not walls. They protect my peace without shutting people out. But let’s be real, as a recovering people pleaser, keeping boundaries has been one of my biggest struggles. Through my journey (which I share over at JourneyOnStrong.com), I’ve learned that setting boundaries isn’t just about saying ‘no’—it’s about keeping my energy, time, and emotional well-being in check. Here’s how I do it, and how you can too.

1. Figure Out Your No-Go Zones

It’s way easier to set boundaries when you know what really matters. I have a mental list of my absolute ‘nope’ zones—things I won’t compromise on, like my self-care time, personal values, and dealing with toxic behavior. If you don’t decide what’s important, people will decide for you. And trust me, their list won’t include your naps or quiet time.

2. Say It Like You Mean It

Gone are the days of dropping hints and hoping people pick up on them. I’ve learned to be clear and firm when I lay down my boundaries. Instead of saying, “I don’t really like when you do that,” I say, “I’m not okay with that, so I won’t be involved.” Clarity avoids resentment and drama—unless, of course, you enjoy starring in a soap opera.

3. ‘No’ is a Full Sentence

Saying ‘no’ used to make me feel guilty, so I’d over-explain. Now? Nope. I say ‘no’ like I mean it—because I do. No isn’t rejection; it’s self-respect. And if someone reacts badly, well, that’s their problem, not mine. Unless they throw a tantrum—then it’s still their problem. I just leave.

4. Back It Up with Actions

People will test your boundaries—it’s human nature. Instead of just talking about them, I follow through. If someone keeps ignoring my limits, I adjust how much I engage with them. Actions speak louder than words—especially when those actions involve me suddenly being “too busy” for nonsense.

5. Protect Your Energy Like It’s Gold

Not everyone gets VIP access to my time and energy. I put people into categories: close circle, acquaintances, and energy-drainers. My close circle gets my time and deep convos. Acquaintances? Small talk. Energy-drainers? They get a polite wave from a distance. Or, if I’m feeling extra, an overly enthusiastic thumbs-up.

6. Give Yourself the Stamp of Approval

People pleasers crave approval, but I’ve learned to give myself my own gold star. I remind myself that I don’t need permission to set boundaries. The only opinion that really matters? Mine. And maybe my dog’s, but that’s a different story.

7. Let Go of What You Can’t Control

Not everyone will respect my boundaries, and that’s okay. My job isn’t to control their reaction—it’s to stick to my own standards. If someone walks away because I set healthy limits, that just means they weren’t meant to stay. Bye, Felicia.

8. Check In with Yourself Often

Life changes, and so do my needs. I check in with myself regularly to see if my boundaries still work or if they need tweaking. Growth means being flexible while still standing firm in my values—like a yoga instructor who also refuses to answer emails after 8 PM.

Final Thoughts

Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s survival. It’s taken me time, practice, and plenty of deep breaths, but I’ve learned that boundaries are an act of self-love. If you’re struggling with this, know that you’re not alone. Keep practicing, keep reinforcing, and most importantly, keep protecting your peace.

For more on my personal journey and boundary-setting tips, visit JourneyOnStrong.com. Let’s grow stronger together!

Join me on this blogging challenge. Visit the page and download the PDF. I would love to read your story! 

• Week 6 – Blogging Challenge for Codependency Recovery:
  • Recognizing My Triggers: Identify situations that lead to codependent behaviors.
• Week 6 – Blogging Challenge for Advanced Codependency Recovery:
  • How I Maintain Healthy Boundaries: Share advanced strategies for setting and keeping boundaries.

#CodependencyChallenge2025