Boundaries is a word I do not think enough people have in their vocabulary. However, I’m not speaking as if it’s a breeze (though I imagine it could be) enforcing them. It takes some courage, but also assurance of yourself and an immunity to caring if you are offending someone expressing your restrictions.

I gotta admit: it took me awhile to get there, so maybe I’m speaking for myself. While I can’t control other’s actions, I can control mine and situations I’m in. Before making a decision, I assess the consequences and follow through on the choice most beneficial living with.

For example, if I’m in a room with professional people using profanity, yet I haven’t expressed my boundaries being profanity-free, then I have a choice — continue to socialize with this group and build relationships despite the boundary breach or remove myself jeopardizing the potential relationships I can have enjoying the benefits from them.

If the choice doesn’t cause me to compromise my integrity, then that’s the right choice for me.