How Setting Boundaries Transformed My Life

The surprising freedom in setting limits.

Photo by Vie Studio:

For most of my life, I would be the kind of person everyone would go to for help because they knew I wouldn’t say no.

Look: in theory, it’s not bad. But always being there for everyone, taking on more work than I should, I felt mentally and emotionally exhausted.

That meant I prioritized solving other people’s issues or tasks over my own and left myself on the back burner.

Now I wonder why I used to do that. I probably believed that agreeing to everything was the right thing to do because I feared letting others down.

And maybe — deep down, I thought my worth was tied to being constantly available and helpful.

My wake-up call came when I emigrated from my country by myself.

Moving to such a different place meant leaving my comfort zone. I left behind the familiar faces, culture, and social dynamics I was used to.

People will not tell you “no” to your face from where I come from. They will come up with an excuse or a reason why they can’t help you.

On the other hand, people here will be a little (maybe a lot) more direct and more likely to respect your…