Boundaries

Boundaries are there to protect ourselves and others. When we do the work to set them, communicate them, and honour them, we are healthier, more productive humans.

A lot of planning went into getting Red Chair Ranch ready to bring the horses home. One of the things most top of mind for me was the fencing we would put up to keep them safe.

For those who know horses, you know that if they really want to get out, they will. On the other hand, they can also be very respectful of the boundaries set up to protect them.

What kept popping for me throughout the planning and fence building process, was the parallel to life.

I have been wondering, as we slowly emerge from the pandemic, have we allowed some of our boundaries to erode?

And, what are the impacts?

Working from home has afforded us flexibility and given many of us unexpected gifts - better meal planning, time with children, time to walk the dog during a phone meeting.

It has also facilitated us to work more and take less breaks, creating fatigue and blurring the lines between work and home.

What has this done for our well-being?

Working from the cabin or the RV have been appealing options for some. How great to look out over the lake as we sit on a Zoom call!

I wonder though, what has that done for the boundary between recreation and work? How easy will it be to spend ‘just a few hours’ on work while the kids are waiting to go out on the lake?

What has this done for our relationships?

Technology has been a life-saver in so many ways. It has allowed us to connect and to see one another as we continue to get things done. It is there 24/7, requiring us to be clear about when we are ‘on’ and when it is time to put work aside.

What has this done for the boundaries we put around our time?

I do not write this as someone who has this all figured out. It is easy for me to keep working. To keep checking the newsfeed. To blur the boundaries between this and that.

I write this as someone who has been thinking about this knowing that when I blur boundaries there are consequences. I get tired. I am not as present with others as I want to be. I start to stress about things impacting my wellness. Sound familiar?

I write this as a coach who strives to continue her own work so that I can continue to partner with others as they do their work.

Horses are masterful teachers when it comes to boundaries and my herd is waiting to serve you.

Are you ready to spend some time at Red Chair Ranch and explore how your boundaries are impacting your life?