Limitation has a negative connotation.

Limitations are designed to hold you back.

Limitations won’t let you be great.

Limitations are stifling.

Limitations are often put in place by someone or something that is trying to keep you out of or away from something. Limitations are restrictions that are used to curtail your power in a situation. These constraints are almost always from an outside entity. Limitations are loud and intrusive. Limitations are imposing and rigid. Limitations are often fixed and stationary. Limitations inhibit growth because they do not allow compromise. Limits do not occur naturally, they are set in place by an external source. You don’t get to choose limitations.

Boundaries are personal.

Boundaries are freeing.

Boundaries are self-made.

Boundaries are adjustable, flexible, and adaptable. Boundaries are what you need in the moment but can change as you change. You choose your boundaries. Boundaries are protective but not isolating. Boundaries allow for compromise and can aid in healing. Boundaries are mature and modifiable. Boundaries are self-care. Boundaries tell the outside world that you are self-aware. That self-awareness provides you the insight to assess whether or not your boundaries are still serving you. Boundaries lend themselves to growth because they allow you to operate completely in any space. Boundaries are quiet and comforting. Boundaries are necessary. Boundaries are for you as well as other people. Boundaries teach other people how to treat you.

Boundaries set the tone.

Boundaries are peace.

Boundaries are restorative.

Knowing the difference between a limit and a boundary informs the way you manage yourself as well as other people. Limits and boundaries can coexist but often get confused. They are not interchangeable. Both limitations and boundaries serve a purpose, but it’s up to you to discern the source of each and how they contribute to your health and growth.

*This post was written before news of Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open. I am mentioning this because this is an excellent example of setting a boundary. Naomi demonstrates self awareness perfectly and leaves room for adjustment, which is exactly what boundaries allow you to do. Right now, she is prioritizing her mental health above the outdated and arbitrary rules of the Tournament. This is a shining example that we can all look to in order to demonstrate that boundaries are self-care.