Tag / boundaries

by tracycpoetry

Warning Sign Haiku #2

If you’re in a conversation that’s making you doubt your own knowledge, experience, and perhaps even your sanity – put a #stop to it!

If perceptions of reality don’t align and it’s just a circular battle that has you spinning – that’s #toxic so put a #stop to it!

In a healthy relationship, agreeing to disagree and coming to the most beneficial resolution for all will be the result of stepping back and gaining perspective. You both understand that relationship is more valuable than being right.

But if the other in the relationship just wants to keep pouring oil on the flame of their fight to be right or they punish you with long silence after heartfelt apology has been offered, you may have to make the difficult decision to walk away (or to not fight to get them back or obsess about the loss after they walk away).

Either way, #crazymaking is too toxic to allow in friendships, family, work, or any environment.

Stay sane, my friends. Even if the steps to sanity sometimes cause pain.

by tracycpoetry

Warning Sign Haiku #1

Abuse doesn’t have to be physical.

In fact, emotional toxicity can invisibly penetrate someone’s soul in such a way that the damage may be worse than physical.

And friends, family, and other well-intended people helpers may add to the abuse because they can’t see it, so they question whether it is even happening causing the victim to feel even more confused and unsafe.

That is why I am starting a series of #Haiku (#17syllable poems) called #WarningSigns to help us #CheckOurselves and those we allow in our inner circle for signs of #toxicity.

My hope is to shine light on toxic behaviors so we can recognize it in others, step away when we need to, and eliminate these toxic behaviors in ourselves.

It’s time to step away from #toxicity and into #healing and #peace.

by tracycpoetry

Recommended Reading: “Are You Setting Boundaries Or Just Being Manipulative?”

The past year has been an intense year of strength, growth, and healing for me.  One of the things I have been learning is how to set healthy boundaries.  I’ve been shifting from a life-long pattern of people-pleasing to, instead, a life driven by God-pleasing.  (Which is a real good thing because what I am learning is that God is already pleased with me!).

My new found ability to set boundaries is giving me a new strength and lease on life.  But, as with anything, even strengths have a “flip side”.  As I am learning to live a healthy life, I must exercise caution and not allow the enemy of my soul to take a good thing (healthy boundaries to protect my ability to live out my calling, serve God, and love others well) to manipulation (unhealthy attempts at control simply to get my way and feed selfishness).

So, if you are also learning to set healthy boundaries – I strongly recommend that you click this link to read an excellent article by Leslie Vernick:  Are You Setting Boundaries Or Just Being Manipulative?

Becoming who I already am,
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