Boundries

The truth is life is messy and complicated. Sometimes we cross the line. We make mistakes. We step on each other's toes. We let people in and sometimes we hurt and we get hurt. And we think, if only we had better boundaries.

The thing about boundaries is we create them in an effort to protect ourselves, but mostly, they just serve to isolate us. We hold ourselves apart, at a distance, never being completely open and honest with those around us, because it is a risk. But if we never let anyone in, as safe as that feels, we never have the benefit of someone knowing us. We never benefit from trusting someone with our secrets. We don't allow ourselves the opportunity to be understood. Yes, intimacy is difficult. Because when we do let others in, inevitably, they let us down, they misunderstand and even on occasion they disappoint us. But to never let anyone in, well, then we would be missing out on one of the true gifts in life: relationships. Deep, meaningful relationships.

Boundaries, some at least, can serve a purpose. After all, we should not let everyone in all the time, that would just be plain foolish. But carefully crafted they must be for we would not want to build fences that keep everyone out. There are no absolutes. Life cannot be clean and tidy all the time. And the minute you start believing you are immune from the mess, that is when you will be given just the lesson to learn: Life is messy.