The boundary lines we draw for ourselves delineate a safe area within which our recovery can flourish. We set limits on what we do and say, how we spend our time and money, whom we choose to be our friends.
Setting limits makes life more satisfying. Much of our stress results from being unclear about our boundaries: what we need as opposed to what we want, what is necessary for us to do and what is optional, what is life-enhancing and what goes against health and integrity. Knowing when to stop and when to say No reduces frustration and saves us from making emotionally costly mistakes.
We said No to the incapacitating effects of our addiction when we accepted abstinence and the principles of the Twelve Step program. Organizing our lives this way reduces stress, since we have solid support to rely on and a simple maxim to remember: when in doubt, don't.
I will move toward recovery today by setting limits.
