Boundaries and Faith: 3 Tips for Preserving Your Inner Peace

✨ New Podcast Alert! 🎙️ Discover how to set boundaries that align with your values and God's divine plan. Join us as we explore strategies to preserve your inner peace and live a life of purpose. Tune in now on your favorite podcast app!

#FaithBoundaries #InnerPeace #WomenOfFaith #Podcast

Transcript

Welcome to the The Positive Growth Doctor Podcast®! I am your host, Dr. Christina Wilson. 

My heart has been heavy lately with all the things I have on my plate as a woman in general. I’m sure you can relate. This is life, right?

All humans experience this. Life is full of ups and downs that include some beautiful times and devastating ones as well. 

We live in such a broken world. It can weigh heavily on your heart WHEN you let it. 

Notice I said “when” and not “if?” That is because it happens to us as humans. We aren’t perfect! 

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of setting boundaries that honor your faith and values. Discover how aligning your boundaries with God's divine plan can lead to a more peaceful and purposeful life.

Find the full transcript for this episode on your favorite podcast app. 

Please share the podcast with other women to help them grow on their journey through life. 

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Aligning Boundaries with Faith and Preserving Inner Peace Through Divine Guidance

This past week has been hard for our family. I learned of an incident where a group of kids were physically harming my son at a playtime event. 

This is crushing for a mother of a child with “disabilities” or unique needs. It is something that weighs heavily on those who parent some of the most vulnerable in the world. 

As I was collecting my thoughts for this episode and listening to Brandon Lake, I looked over at my son, who is on the spectrum. He had the biggest smile on his face and was rocking back and forth to “Miracle Child.” 

At that moment, I was reminded of the beauty that still exists in such a broken world. I said, “Thank you God!”

Gratitude is important because it reduces the toxicity of envy and resentment. There is a lot of science behind gratitude. 

It isn’t just fluff. It impacts sleep, relationships, and mental and physical health.

When hard times hit, there is something that can create a buffer between you and whatever is bringing the difficulties. Boundaries!

That is a tricky word for some. They don’t want to put others off or come off as nasty or mean by not adhering to every ask from every person they encounter. 

Women sometimes seek the acceptance of others. It happens so often. They want to be liked. There is a societal pull to be this way based on the expectations. It often comes from past trauma too. 

This is also derived from Locus of Control (LOC). Research suggests (including my own research) that those with an internal LOC are happier. Whereas, those with an external LOC, one is more influenced by external factors to determine the course of their life. 

Women of faith want to live in a way that brings glory to God but find themselves “people pleasing” rather than pleasing Him. It happens. It can become a bad habit.

Living Your Values: Setting Boundaries in Faith

What if I said that God intended us to set boundaries? Well, we know that values are important, right? From the time we were young children, we started figuring out what we valued most in the world, and that drove our thoughts and behaviors.

Values and beliefs come from our ecological make up of those around us, such as parents, family, friends, teachers, neighbors, church community, etc. 

So let’s think about this. Does God want you to hold true to your values? Does he want you to be stressed out and worried? No! The bible literally says “fear not” 365 times.

Does God want you to be anxious or depressed? No! John 14 “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Right? You are not alone.

This is why boundaries are important. Yes, He wants us to set boundaries. Not to be mean, but to preserve our inner peace and well-being and live the life He has planned for us so that our choices align with Him. 

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

So, let’s dive into some action steps. 

1. Self-Awareness awareness allows us to catch when we are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. We know that something needs to change when we are aware of the warning signs.
2. Set limits by communicating clearly. Try “I” statements to communicate your needs, and do so kindly yet firmly. “Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I need some time for myself right now to finish the projects I have already promised. 
3. Allow yourself to accept the freedom God gave you by acknowledging your limitations and staying true to your values rather than getting sucked into second guessing yourself and overthinking. Choosing peace of mind so you can fulfill God’s purpose for you is not a bad thing. 

I hope this helps! I am thankful you are here to pour into yourself and know that you are loved!

Let's meet up again next week for another episode. Have a beautiful and blessed week.