Day 2 - the WHO names Omicron a “variant of concern”

I finished this book yesterday…

11/26/21. Friday.  

9:30-10:00 – I’m up so I go downstairs to say good morning to the animal. She’s still asleep on the couch so I sit next to her for kisses and cuddles and rub her tummy for several minutes. After awhile, I cue her to go outside, she grabs her toy, and we head to the backyard.  I note that she pooped on the patio (sigh). The dog goes potty and we return inside: coffee for me, cheese for her. I go upstairs. 

10:00-12:00 – Yesterday, I finished Boundaries. I really enjoyed this book…too bad I missed the book club meeting.

So when I hear the word “boundaries” the first word that comes to mind is “pushover.” I erroneously thought that people who are not setting boundaries are “spineless”, “gutless”, “unable to assert themselves”, and allowing other, more dominant personalities, to control their lives. BUT, my definition of boundaries was extremely limited. The author, Nedra Glover Tawwab, a psychotherapist with a formidable Instagram presence and a huge afro, informs us that our lack of boundaries extends to all facets of our lives including spending too much time on social media, watching excessive TV, and being unable to set aside our devices.  Initially, I had never considered the previous areas as a representation of boundary violations, but Nedra’s right – they fit the category. 

Nedra includes “self-care” as a potential boundary violation if you don’t get enough sleep or fail to eat healthy meals because you’re too busy. She also includes “Finances” and “Time Management” as potential boundary violations and starts this section with the sentence, “A lack of self-discipline is symbolic of the lack of self-boundaries.” Who doesn’t demonstrate a lack of self-discipline in at least ONE area of their life??? which means this book is for everyone, thereby expanding her “target market.”  I’m not trying to be cynical but it is something of a revelation that, basically, we’re all living, breathing, walking, boundary violations in one way or another, i.e., we’re all f—ked up and need help.  

BTW, there’s also an entire chapter devoted to “Work” boundary violations. 

Nedra uses her therapy practice as a springboard to personalize boundary violations and provide numerous situations for the reader. For example, did you know that wanting to help people and volunteering your time consistently may be defined as a boundary violation if you’re left feeling overwhelmed and over-extended? I didn’t. I chalked it up to poor planning and ineffective time management for the person who keeps giving back to the community and who has little time for anything else. HOWEVER, the fact that “Jane” (Nedra’s patient) was contributing her time to a variety of charities and causes, while simultaneously failing to establish boundaries to ensure her own self-care, meant she was in need of this book.  And more therapy.   

Nedra writes this book for an audience who is at an 8th/9th grade reading level. This is not a criticism because the book is easy to understand and a fast read. Each chapter provides a real-world dilemma involving one of her patients. Then, the issue is defined and described using a series of bullet points, with proposed solutions. At the end of every chapter is a section entitled “Exercise” with questions that Nedra encourages you to answer so you will have a better understanding of your own personal lack of boundaries. Answering the questions is thought-provoking and fun!  I learned a lot about myself and boundaries in general, especially how they can encompass all aspects of our lives. Highly recommend! 

12:00-12:30 – I wash my face, brush my teeth, and get dressed in my Covid-19 uniform. Then, I start a load of laundry. 

12:30-1:00 – I make a piece of gluten-free toast with almond cinnamon butter and raspberry jam. 

3:30-4:30 – For whatever reason, I’m aimless today. I lie down and nap off and on, listening to Organize 365. 

4:30-5:30 – I take the dog for a walk. 

6:00-8:00 – L.’s easel arrived so I put it together. Assembly is difficult so I watch a couple of You Tube videos to figure out how to do it.

-I have one last spool of chain left, so I press on with the DIY chain divider project, cutting several links of chain and hanging them from the soffit.  

8:00-9:00 – I make a poached egg on toast and eat while I’m doing kitchen duty. I ready my coffee for tomorrow. 

9:00-11:00 – I read Lazy Genius. 

11:00-12:30 – I ease into a 10-minute Insanity – Abs Attack, then complete a 30-minute Insanity - Friday Fight workout. 

12:30-1:30 – Blog post. 

1:45-2:15 – I upload the blog post to my website. 

2:15-2:45 – bullet journal. 

2:45-3:15 – Nighttime routine. Bed.