'No' is a complete sentence. One of the first words we learn in life is 'No'. But doesn't it seem like we unlearn it as we learn how to empathize with other people. When I began to understand how 'No' might make somebody else feel I stopped using it so often. And as an adult it inhibits my ability to create healthy boundaries for myself.

I understand that I don't owe anyone an explanation and that it's up to me to enforce my boundaries. But, I think there is a part of me that doesn't believe I am worthy of my boundaries. I must recognize the difference between not wanting to do something because I'm isolating and not wanting to do something because it is not healthy for me.

You don't have to be in recovery to understand the need for enforcing healthy boundaries. But, living with chronic pain requires me to always be self-aware and aware of my surroundings. “Is this good for me or not?” “Am I putting my own recovery first or trying to please other people?” People pleasing is an obstacle to creating healthy boundaries for yourself. It takes courage to put yourself first.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube.

Visit me at ⁠⁠⁠recoverydailypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ or email me at ⁠rachel@recoverydailypodcast.com⁠.

#PeoplePleasing #SetBoundaries #HealthyBoundaries #MentalHealthMatters #SelfWorth #RecoveryJourney #SayNo #EmpathyAndBoundaries #PutYourselfFirst #SelfAwareness