On our Norns Triad Publications blog, I have feature called, Julie’s Jewels. I use it to share tidbits about my life, which I tie into book suggestions (because you know I love books). I thought it might be fun to do something similar here. Hence, the birth of this series, #NorthupNews.
The cool thing is that my partners, Sahara Foley and Karen J. Mossman, have similar features on Norns Triad Publications. It is a way for us to connect with our readers. Hopefully, it is as interesting to you as it is for us.
Boundaries are hard for me. See, I want to believe everyone at face value. I want to give the benefit of the doubt and trust everyone. Unfortunately, I have been burned a lot and used. This has left me incredibly hurt and yet, I don’t want to change who I am or my values, but I must. That means I need to learn to place healthy boundaries.
A difficult aspect to doing this is the contradiction I face. I am often told: “You are responsible for how people treat you. The boundaries you set will tell people what you will accept for behavior and treatment from others.” Then, when I try respond to situations, I am told: “You should try to see both sides. That person may be having a bad day. Is it really worth getting upset? You know that is just how they are.”
How do I get to be PROactive instead of REactive without judgment while muddling through learning how to put healthy boundaries in place?
J.M. NORTHUP 