LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE

Afew years ago my doctor told me I had lupus. At the time I was under a lot of stress but never imagined I could have an autoimmune disorder. I had many questions, research to do and serious lifestyle changes to make.

I live a pretty good life. I eat well. Drink plenty of water. Love to drink green juice and enjoy organic and locally grown foods. I get a lot of rest and even go on vacation by myself so I can regain my energy. I studied with top leaders in the fields of nutrition, medicine, and holistic healing.

What I learned is there are many reasons for low energy. Some days it’s due to lupus. Sometimes, it’s because I haven’t set or enforced personal boundaries, and people are trying to take advantage of my time. Sometimes, certain people I’m around can drain me of my energy and leave me tired and frustrated.

Here are 4 ways to regain your energy levels by setting boundaries.

1. List relationships that drain your energy. Chances are, the reason it’s draining your energy is because you let the other person cross a boundary which was important to you. Awareness is the first step to making a change to improve your life. Knowing what drains you is important.

2. Become aware of when a relationship crosses a boundary. Sometimes we may not notice when a boundary is being crossed because it isn’t obvious. For example, if someone complains to you about a situation but does nothing to change it except constantly unload on you – that’s a red flag that you’re being taken advantage of. Draw the line with the person and tell him or her what behavior you can and cannot tolerate.

3. Note people and activities which drain your energy – and also those which energize you. You may have accepted a person into your life or joined an activity that drains your energy. For example, I once joined a walking group. Each time we met someone would walk beside me and talk. I enjoy silent walking. This group was not good for my energy. Think about things in your life that just don’t fit. Make a note of it, get out of the situation and set a clear boundary so it never happens again. Replace energy drainers with activities that make you feel good.

4. Be clear about what your life will look like if you were energized and didn’t have people or situations which interfere with that energy level. This was a difficult task. I had to visualize what I wanted for my life after the age of

50. What did I want to get done? What would I like to be doing? I invite you to think about what you’d be doing and accomplishing if you didn’t have the “energy drainers” that you have now. What boundaries need to be set in place for those energy draining situations and people to go away?

Getting the big picture can be the catalyst you need for a life better lived with boundaries. I know it did for me and it will for you, too.