Today’s Practice: The Boundary Audit (20 Minutes)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Find a quiet space where you can reflect honestly on your boundaries.
- Create your “Boundary Map” by dividing a journal page into sections for each life area:
- Work/Professional
- Family
- Friendships
- Romantic Relationships
- Digital/Online
- Physical Space & Energy
- Self-Boundaries (how you treat yourself)
- For each area, reflect on these questions:
- Where do I feel drained or resentful?
- When do I find myself saying “yes” when I want to say “no”?
- What situations consistently leave me feeling uncomfortable?
- Where do I feel my needs are consistently overlooked?
- Rate your boundaries in each area from 1-10 (1 = very weak, 10 = very strong)
- Identify your priority area – Which section would benefit most from stronger boundaries?
- Create one clear boundary statement for your priority area:
- Make it specific and actionable
- Frame it positively rather than as a restriction
- Example: “I will check email only during working hours” rather than “I won’t check email after work”
- Complete the implementation plan section:
- When and how will you communicate this boundary?
- What might make maintaining this boundary challenging?
- How will you support yourself in honoring this boundary?