Setting Boundaries

I mentioned in earlier blog entries that life often sends you messages, life lessons, or “whispers.”  As I approach today’s blog entry, I’m awakened by a message that I am receiving from multiple directions.  It’s about setting boundaries.  I hear the message.  I need to do something about it.

When I responded in this week’s CUTL (Certificate of University Teaching and Learning) assignment, “Difficult Teaching Situations,” my responses resonated with setting boundaries.  This weekend I received four messages about tutoring services and I am currently booked. Less than 15 months ago, I was a public school teacher. Today, I am a school trustee and the BCTF (BC Teachers’ Federation) and BCPSEA (BC Public School Employers’ Association) are in a labour dispute.

There is no question that there is a clear sign about setting boundaries in terms of my teaching practice, time management, and political views.  It’s not about hiding or denying.  It’s about having a clear vision and making choices that best reflect my authentic self.  Although I’ve been told many times that “it’s not about me,” what I do know it’s about being true to oneself.  Setting boundaries may imply that the answer might be YES, but sometimes it can be NO.  Either way, it’s OK.