Empowering Yourself: The Importance of Setting Boundaries for Self-Love

I remember the first Summer that I did not feel like myself post-COVID. I was experiencing extreme anxiety, and fatigue but I kept pushing through as if everything were fine.

I was working on two farms, managing one of them completely, and tending to a large garden at home on our homestead.

I recall a particular day on the farm when I was managing an intern who said,

“Wow you do so much, you are like Superwoman!”

That kind of praise used to validate me. But that day I did not feel strong.

I did not want to be Superwoman anymore. I was running on empty.

But why? What was wrong with me for not wanting to be like Superwoman? 

I knew I needed a change. I needed to take care of myself, not just keep pushing through, but I felt lost.

Near the end of that farm season I got Covid for a second time and became home-bound for the following year and a half. My body taught me a lot of lessons.

Through this journey I was forced to learn to:

• Say no without guilt. (Which took a lot of time and practice)

• Take time off without explanation.

• Let go of roles that didn't serve me anymore.

• Learn that rest is not weakness, it’s wisdom.

• Practice checking in with myself and listening to my own needs first before saying yes. 

• Know that I am lovable when I say no and take care of myself.

Setting boundaries and carving out time for yourself is not selfish, it is an act of self-respect and self-trust.

You are not here to burn out proving your worth.

You are worthy just as you are in this moment. 

Here are a few photos of my garden (with our dog on the outside).

If I did not have a fence boundary around my garden, then the crops would be eaten by the many bunnies, groundhogs and dear that live in the forest.

There would be nothing left!

Just as you cannot give from an empty bucket.

How can you say yes to yourself today? Big or small, take some time for yourself.

Please reach out with any questions if you are in need of guidance and support.

With compassion and support,

Alisha Braswell