If yes, you may need to set some personal boundaries and start taking as good care of yourself as you do others. Doing so will shield you from unwarranted toxic behavior and reckless invalidation. To help you get in the right frame of mind, we’ve curated a list of quotes about boundaries and hope they help you explore boundary setting for yourself.
45 Setting Boundaries Quotes to Propel You to Set Your Own
Our healthy boundaries quotes can apply to the six types of limits: emotional, physical, sexual, workplace, material, and time. Pick options that resonate with you and incorporate them into your affirmation practice.
- “You get what you tolerate.” – Henry Cloud
- “Choose to be pro-active, assertive and self-defining.”- Bryant McGill
- “Boundaries are to protect life, not to limit pleasures.”- Edwin Louis Cole
- “Boundary setting is really a huge part of time management.”- Jim Loehr
- “Individuals set boundaries to feel safe, respected, and heard.”- Pamela Cummins
- “The boundary to what we can accept is the boundary to our freedom.”- Tara Brach
- “The boundaries of design are the same as the problem of perception.”- John Hench
- “Each time you set a healthy boundary, you say ‘yes’ to more freedom.”- Nancy Levin
- “We need to have a talk on the subject of what’s yours and what’s mine.” ― Stieg Larsson
- “I encourage people to remember that “No” is a complete sentence.”- Gavin de Becker Tune In To Your Emotions With These 15 Feelings Charts For Adults (Printables) 9 Ways To Start Living For Yourself and Stop Living For Others 11 Top Reasons People Talk Behind Your Back And What To Do About It
- “Being able to say “No” is a necessary ingredient in a healthy lifestyle.”- David W. Earle
- “The only boundaries we have are in form. There are no obstacles in thought.”- Wayne Dyer
- “Boundaries are a part of self-care. They are healthy, normal, and necessary.”- Doreen Virtue
- “Boundaries aren’t all bad. That’s why there are walls around mental institutions.”- Peggy Noonan
- “Honoring your own boundaries is the clearest message to others to honor them, too.”- Gina Greenlee
- “It is necessary, and even vital, to set standards for your life and the people you allow in it.”- Mandy Hale
- “A boundary is not that at which something stops, but that from which something begins.”- Martin Heidegger
- “Boundaries represent awareness, knowing what the limits are and then respecting those limits.”- David W. Earle
- “A broken soul doesn’t invest in boundaries because the world has crossed them, without mercy.”- Shannon L. Alder
- “Your personal boundaries protect the inner core of your identity and your right to choices.”- Gerard Manley Hopkins
- “Healthy boundaries are not walls. They are gates and fences that allow you to enjoy the beauty of your own garden.”- Lydia Hall
- “Boundaries are, in simple terms, the recognition of personal space.” ― Asa Don Brown
- “Just as we expect others to value our boundaries, it’s equally important for us to respect the boundaries of others.” ― Laurie Buchanan
- “Once you see the boundaries of your environment, they are no longer the boundaries of your environment.” ― Marshall McLuhan
- “Having healthy boundaries not only requires being able to say “no”, but also being willing and able to enforce that “no” when necessary.” ― Jessica Moore
- “Respectful boundaries are needed so that we can look after ourselves and continue to give to others. After all, nobody can be expected to pour from an empty cup.” ― Mungi Ngomane
- “We are all entitled to feel worthy of our time here. Therefore, boundary those who make you feel unworthy in any way today.” ― Chidi Ejeagba
- “We can’t connect with someone unless we’re clear about where we end and they begin.” ― Brené Brown
- “When we give away our boundaries, we give away our life.” ― W. Allen Morris
- “Consider that the boundaries of your comfort zone are actually your core values.” ― Stacey Hall
- “The more you value yourself, the healthier your boundaries are.” ― Lorraine Nilon
- “Safe spaces have boundaries. You are a safe space. So set your boundaries.” ― Bethanee Epifani J. Bryant
- “Boundaries we set for our life are important, life-saving even. A lot of hurt comes from allowing others to guilt us into breaking them.” ― Zara Hairston
- “For some, their ‘self-love’ was really just a hell that felt numb; they’d made themselves so protected, so delicate, that like jail-cells their boundaries had become.” ― Criss Jami
- “Emotional self-defense is an act of wisdom. Building personal boundaries is an act of strength. Anyone who tells you differently is often the reason we need both.” ― Steve Maraboli
- “Those who get angry when you set a boundary are the ones you need to set boundaries for.” ― J.S. Wolfe
- “It’s not possible to have trust without boundaries. But for most of us, boundaries are a real mystery.” ― Gina Senarighi
- “Without clear boundaries, it’s not possible to build trust with others- or to earn trust from others.” ― Gina Senarighi
- “Walls keep everybody out. Boundaries teach them where the door is.” ―Mark Groves
Why Setting Boundaries Is Essential
Boundaries are essential if you’re contending with challenging people or situations yet want to maintain good mental and physical health. Establishing parameters for yourself will help:
Ensure you don’t burn outDecrease the chances of anxiety or panic attacksImprove your self-esteemReduce awkward or uncomfortable — but avoidable — situationsDevelop independence
Setting boundaries is beneficial, but it isn’t always easy. Doing some “quote therapy” work will give you the courage and clarity to get the job done.
Some Helpful Tips For Using These Quotes on Boundaries
In most cases, we need to set boundaries with people who we genuinely love or have to work with. After all, if the person didn’t matter to us, or we never had to see them again, we wouldn’t set boundaries; we’d just sever ties. As such, boundary setting isn’t the easiest thing to do. Thankfully, a bit of “quote therapy” can give you the motivation and confidence needed to broach the topic. How does it work? Here are the four pillars of using quotes.
As an Affirmation: Affirmations work. They create new neural pathways that help get us into the mindset we need.On Social Media: Posting and sharing quotes on social media can benefit you and others. It’s also a good reminder and psyches you up for the conversation.For Journaling: Journaling about quotes is a great way to “implant” them in your consciousness. Copying the quote is beneficial because we remember it better, and thinking about it from different angles also helps.As a Screensaver: Design a screensaver of your favorite spiritual healing quote for your devices.
Bookmark this page of boundaries quotes and come back when you need some inspiration. Boundary setting is a powerful tool, but they’re not a silver bullet. If you’re having a tough time navigating a challenging situation or relationship, consider seeking help from a therapist or life coach.
