I met with a group who explained apologetically that the routines of their organization might be considered rigid. Apologetic, because they like to think of themselves as flexible.
I was out of town for three days last month and one day I got a text from my husband thanking me for the routine my kids have in the morning. They got dressed, came downstairs, my son cooked breakfast and they ate while reading Calvin and Hobbes. He marveled at how automatically they fell into the grooves of the morning routine without anyone hovering or nagging.
We set a budget for our family at the beginning of each month. There is always a budget line for getting lunch with friends. Depending on the month, I might have a line for a weekend away, a concert, or a conference.
I don’t have to spend mental energy on taking care of myself, because my body goes on autopilot, drinking a full glass of water as soon as I wake up, putting on my running shoes two days a week, and planning out our weekly meals on Sunday night.
The beauty of these boundaries is that they allow freedom. My trip out of town was less stressful, because I knew that everything at home could run without me. I indulge in things I enjoy, because there’s no guilt associated with the money I spend. When life throws a curve ball, I can face it head-on, because taking care of myself is built into the system.
As I see it, boundaries allow a person or organization to bemore flexible.
What boundaries are you grateful for? Where might you find more freedom and flexibility in your life if you set more of them?