Hi readers, and welcome back to Week Seven, Entry Seven of Be Brazen w/ Tae.
This week, we’re diving into boundaries—how they shape our lives, the patterns we fall into, and how to challenge them in a healthy way.
Key Terms
- Self-Awareness – The conscious understanding of your own character, feelings, motives, and desires.
- Boundaries – The limits or guidelines that define what is acceptable for you in relationships, work, and personal space to ensure your well-being and emotional safety.
The key to setting boundaries with those around you is first knowing yourself. This means understanding the fine details of your reactions, behaviors, and communication style. When you develop a deep awareness of how you respond to situations—whether through resistance, avoidance, or over-accommodation—you can begin setting boundaries that align with your values and emotional well-being.
Understanding Values
Personal values are the core principles and beliefs that guide your decisions, shape your priorities, and influence your interactions with others. They define what truly matters to you—whether it’s honesty, respect, independence, or balance. When your boundaries align with your values, you create a life that feels more authentic, empowering, and fulfilling.
For a long time, I struggled with setting boundaries. My difficulty stemmed from my upbringing and the behaviors I observed while growing up. It took time to recognize how these influences shaped my patterns and to understand that redefining my values could help me establish healthier boundaries.
Last year, I felt a strong desire to be in spaces and around individuals who aligned with my healing journey. It was definitely a struggle to break old habits, but I knew I needed it. I was tired of unhealthy interactions—people not taking accountability for their actions, poor communication, and environments where carelessness was the norm. I needed a change to support my growth and well-being.
At the same time, I was going through a breakup with someone who never truly aligned with my healing journey. One day, I opened my journal and started writing down what felt true to me—listing my personal values, my values in a relationship, what I needed from a relationship, and my deal-breakers. At first, I focused on intimate relationships, but I quickly realized that many of these values carried over into other areas of my life—friendships, family relationships, and even professional connections.
I remember journaling about this twice last year. By the second time, I had developed a clear sense of the expectations I had for myself and those I interacted with. Through months of journaling and conversations with my therapist, I became more mindful of my day-to-day life. I gained clarity on what bothered me, what I no longer wanted to engage in, what I truly desired, what I expected, and how I wanted to be treated.
Most importantly, I deepened my self-awareness—recognizing not only what I could improve on but also the value I bring to my relationships. I realized that setting boundaries wasn’t about pushing people away—it was about making space for mutual respect, alignment, and deeper connections with the right people.
Your Turn
Grab your journal, date your entry, and take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- What are the top five values that feel most true to you right now, and how do they show up in your daily life?
- In what areas of your life (relationships, career, personal growth) do you feel misaligned with your values, and what small steps can you take to realign?
- Think about a time when you felt disrespected or undervalued—what boundary was crossed, and what does that reveal about a core value you need to honor more? How can you use this awareness to set clearer boundaries in the future, and what actions can you take to ensure your values guide your decisions and interactions moving forward?
Final Thought
Boundaries aren’t just about saying no to what drains you; they’re about saying yes to what honors and nurtures you. When you understand your values, you build a foundation for confidence, peace, and self-respect—allowing you to show up fully and unapologetically in every aspect of your life.
Keep journaling, keep reflecting, and keep being brazen.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this entry. What resonated with you the most? Drop a comment or share your reflections.
Be Brazen w/ Tae
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