Unfortunately, not much changes when you become an adult. I’m sure you can think of one person who goes against everything just because with no reason needed.

Some of the crazy things that matter to us as kids: Playing with our friends, staying up late, talking on the phone forever, and going to the movies.

Jump to the teen years into college years, and boundaries are the last thing we are considering. You want it; you go and do it.

And in my opinion, it’s only gotten worse. The “immediate” syndrome sends boundaries flying. That line in the sand is not washed out to sea.

Who needs to save money? Who needs to watch what we eat? Who needs to exercise more? Who needs to go to be earlier? Who needs to eat more vegetables? Who needs to sing more rather than yell? Who needs to drink more water?

The list goes on and on.

But overall, if you’re honest with yourself, boundaries are a blessing, especially if you exercise them.

What can boundaries do for you?

• In the past, boundaries might have kept you from mixing with the wrong crowd at the wrong time.
• Boundaries may have held you back from doing drugs.
• Boundaries may have increased your intentions when it comes to who you date, and how you parent.
• Boundaries may have defined what you need in a troubled or even a focused season.

Boundaries are a safety net. Yet every safety net has consequences, good or bad. Think back to the big trampolines. You can jump all you want in the center. But if you get too close to the edges, a lot can go wrong.

Life isn’t about pushing too hard, too fast. It’s all about exercising your boundaries.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Exercise your boundaries!

And making sure they work for you.

1. KNOW your boundaries. What boundaries have you set for yourself? Most of us don’t know what boundaries we do have. We just live a reactionary life. And that becomes dangerous when you’re talking about health and wellness.
2. ADJUST your boundaries. This is where you redefine your boundaries or change them completely.
3. PLAY FULL-OUT with your boundaries. If the boundaries are working for you, why would you go against them? So get yourself in gear and play full-out.

For me, it’s most challenging to keep something going when the temptation appears to have a greater reward. Now intuitively, you and I know that keeping to what benefits us is best. But you know how temptation works, especially when stress or life happens.

So don’t let the end of this year be the calamity at the beginning of your new year. Exercise your boundaries to work toward your healthy living goals.

PRAYER: May your actions reflect what your body needs in order to live a vibrant life.

“Train for life. Love your journey!“