Guarding Your Wellspring: Five Simple Steps to Implementing Boundaries

 

I was having a conversation with my son recently; as our conversation progressed I shared with him how important it is that I guard my heart. Guarding my heart is significant in how I implement my boundaries and force my surroundings to respect them.

In Proverbs 4: 20-23, Solomon was giving his son some specific instructions, he said - "My son, pay attention to what I say, listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's entire body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." 

I have read this scripture many times, yet what I learned this time was profound to me. Like any parent, Solomon wanted his son to listen to his instructions and implement them as he matured.  Therefore, his words were targeted and laser focused - 

• Pay attention 

Give your attention to what I am about to tell you because it's important to you and the man you are about to become

• Listen closely  

Take in what I am telling you; let it be a part of your character

• Keep it in your sight 

 Let my instructions be what guides and navigate you through your life         

• Do not forget them

From time to time revisit them, let it be your north star, your foundation, your anchor or your reference point

 However, what struck me the most, Solomon says ABOVE all else, above everything you have heard me say - guard your heart! In other words, “Son if you don’t take away anything else from our conversations, be sure to take hold of this part.” Here is my focal point and I hope you receive something from this as well; guard your heart because the wellspring of life flows from it.

Wellspring is defined as: source, aquifer, river or fountainhead - right away I had the mental picture of a water source. The water sources through out this country have guidelines that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) along with Homeland Security implements safeguards to prevent the compromise of our water sources. Literally these two agencies act as the buffer or boundary to guard the life source of each American community.

The human heart, not the organ, but our thoughts, will, intellect, character, decision maker - are all vulnerable and open to be compromised if we choose not to guard it. Guarding requires us to install boundaries in our lives, which will protect our heart from compromise. Protect against hate, indifference, self-destruction, negative temperaments, gossip, falsehoods, etc.

 Some Quick Steps to Boundary Setting:

• First understand why you need boundaries - take a position.
• Be direct - before becoming frustrated, and then state your position.
• Disengage from manipulative relationships - people, social media, news, etc.
• Stay in touch with your feelings and thoughts - deal with the real reason you allow your boundaries to be compromised (insecurity, fear, people pleasing, etc)
• Maintain your boundaries - if violated, communicate your boundaries without being defensive or over explain 

How have you been dealing with boundaries? What is the hardest part for you? Do you find yourself setting boundaries or building walls? 

Here at Coach4Life, LLC we help our clients establish healthy boundaries in dating relationships, marriages and a host of other areas of life. Reach out; let's see how we can help you establish some healthy boundaries to guard your heart.