Lucid Thoughts: Boundaries
Boundaries, are they essential?
Setting boundaries may seem as a defense mechanism. To an extent they are, but some do end up using them as a way of manipulation. Boundaries are needed for both sides: For the person setting them, it is a way of maybe dealing with anxieties, trauma or stress. It could be a way dealing with being around others, or just a way of coping with interactions, whether in person or through other means of communicating.
The hardest thing with setting boundaries, of any kind, is usually having others respect it. There may not be a real neccessity to explain the “Y’s” behind these decisions. Not at first, at the very least. These can be very personal, and that must be understood. Boundaries may allow someone to be able to get through the day to day things like social interactions, dating, family, etc. Lacking the respect or understanding of said notion, can lead to even more difficult times to both parties involved.
Setting boundaries is healthy for growth in any “ship” you maybe in. It can also open the door for conversations, a meeting of the minds if you will. It challenges others to reach a better level of understanding. May even allow you to learn how to navigate previously difficult waters of emotions or actions. Creating a level of accountability that may not have been there before, on all sides. But of course only if there is wanting to learn. For some, this can be uncomfortable, leading to avoidance, and lack of communication, to the extreme point of zero communication.
If anything has been learned in last year or so, throughout this panorama, is that not everyone is ready or willing to deal with uncomfortable conversations. Many will just drop out of your life, the easy route. Others will tip-toe around the subject, the passive-aggressive route. Others will just never fully acknowledge it, because the truth is just too much to handle. Which in turn, must make the other person that much more weary. Thus leading to more silence in-between, a constant never ending cycle of undisclosed emotions and assumptions.
The simplest solution for all this: HAVE THE CONVERSATION!!
Literally just listen, respect, and try to understand. We as human beings really tend to overcomplicate things, for no reason at all. The world is in very a fragile and ever changing state. If you still hold onto the ideals of “I’m always the same, I’m not going to change!” Then clearly you have some introspective work to do. Life is a constant flow of change, adapting and progression.
Anything less than that, you must ask yourself:
Am I really living life?
Does the concept of living life, in my head, lead to me believe that I am, enough for me?
If “Ignorance is bliss” is your key to life, more power to you. I judge not. But as for myself, the world is far deeper than that facade will ever allow me to grasp. It is what keeps me going day to day. The concept of growth and/or change, and embracing the unknown has been some of the best motivational constructs ever placed. Especially at times I've not been at my very best, it has given me the strength to push forward.
Challenge yourself, and uplift someone else while doing so.
Lucid OmniJack