Boundaries

Boundaries have always been difficult for me. Boundaries have meant to me "excluding possibilities" or "closing doors to fabulous and wonderful adventures!" Boundaries have not been fun and exciting...enticing...exotic...ripe with opportunity...or something to revel in. Erroneously, I have believed that new and great possibilities only come without boundaries...without fences that hem me in. Until very recently, I believed this was true. However, I am discovering something quite new and exciting...boundaries actually provide incredible possibilities unlike the possibilities I ever experienced without boundaries.

I am learning how to not only enjoy the boundaries in my life but set boundaries with others. This calls me to step fully into myself, take up space, and give voice to who I am. I feel like I am being invited to indulge in life...the capital L version of Life that is. When I am contained within my boundaries I am beckoned to sink in to deep parts of myself that I only skimmed the surface of before. I get to explore the depths of these fenced in areas that are sublimely vast and caverness. I look around and think, "There is so much in here for me! Why would I ever want to leave!"

It is also terrifying to go into these dark places as I sometimes want to hop the fence and find a pasture that is freshly groomed and sweet-smelling instead. Showing up for myself in these dark and new parts feels hugely important for me...like I am a pioneer woman on the dusty trail seeking great fortune in the gold out West. I am starting to understand, however, that my "gold" is actually right where I am standing this minute. It is in every nook and cranny of my being if I allow myself the chance to just mind my fences long enough to be with it.