Establishing Boundaries

So thankful I am no longer enslaved in pretzels!  ha ha!

After talking to both my counselor and my coach yesterday, it seems like the repeated theme right now is "Time to Establish Some Boundaries."  I have to say, the words they were speaking sounded so familiar to me.  They sounded like something my friend Cynthia and I have been talking about for years--most often in relation to food.

There are so many things in our lives that can become unbalanced and nudge God out.  Things that also keep us from doing what God wants us to do with our lives.  Time again to turn an ear Godward and listen. (Really, is there ever a time to stop doing that?!)

Some counsel I received yesterday:
- Ask yourself, "Could I live with myself if this didn't happen?"  (Whatever is begging for my time or attention)

- Remind myself that doing things because I think there is no one else who can or will do them is not a good reason to say "Yes"

- Revisit an old object lesson I had learned.  Start with a big jar (my life) and put the big rocks in it first (those things that are the top priority).  Then add the smaller stones that still fit without crowding out the rocks.  If it is possible, add some sand (the smaller, insignificant things).  Ask myself if this is a rock, a stone or sand when I am evaluating if I should or shouldn't do something.  But I have to know what the rocks are FIRST.  If I start filling the jar with sand and stones before I put in the rocks, then the rocks definitely won't fit.

- Make my answer to every question asked of me, "Let me run that by Dan and I'll get back to you."  Dan wants to be my protector and he knows what is best for me.  (True story!)

- When in conflict, only tackle one thing at a time.  Don't try to take on multiple issues at once or you will bleed out.  Deep breath and...one things at a time.

- Set a schedule that works for me and for my family.  Only coach others on that schedule.  Only do tasks according to that schedule.  I can't be all to everyone at all times.  (This is a big one for me!)

- Realize that not everyone will respect your boundaries, but you MUST.  It doesn't matter what other people say or do. 

Right!  Right!  These are good things to learn.  And to learn apart from food.  Excellent!