It was easy for me to understand the concept of mature boundary protection in terms of how I allow others to treat me. Of course, it made sense that if I allowed someone to mistreat me in the form of yelling at me or telling me what to do, I was allowing them to trespass. However, what I have further learned is that taking on someone else’s feelings as if they were mine is ALSO a violation of boundary protection! When someone has anger towards me or frustration, even joy, those feelings are not mine. Those feelings are that persons, not mine. If I chose to take on their feelings it usually leads to feelings of guilt, shame or blame. My feelings are just that…my feelings.
I am 100% responsible for my own happiness. I am 100% responsible for all of my feel-good feelings.
