Yesterday, I was writing my usual Friday check-in to my co-workers and talking about how I had been so focused on my family that I was not taking care of myself. I was not getting enough rest, eating healthy or even eating regularly, and I was not drinking enough water. As I concluded the message, I stated that those three things – hydration, regular meals, and plenty of rest – should be non-negotiable even when we are in survival mode.

That last statement shocked me. At some time or another, I have given up almost everything to care for my family. Usually the first things to go are my sleep, my food, and my hydration. But as so many other parents do, I have given up way more than that. In fact, I gave up so much that I lost myself in the process. Don’t get focused on this part. What I actually gave up is not nearly as important as what I realized: I don’t know what my non-negotiables are or if I even have any!

So how do I figure out what my non-negotiables are and then actually make them non-negotiable? It is easy to say things like “stick to your guns” and “just don’t give those things up” but when you have spent the last 13 years not sticking to your guns and giving those things up, it is clearly not as easy as it sounds.

So the goal for this week is to start working on setting some healthy boundaries. I really like they way Jimmy on Relationships explains boundaries and how to set them. You can check him out at https://youtube.com/@JimmyonRelationships?si=e6daqfZ36721jQFg.

I don’t want to take on too much too fast because this goal has to be specific and attainable for me to achieve it. And this one will take time and practice. What I would like to know is if you have non-negotiables. If you do, would you be willing to share what they are?

Until next time…