This quote really resonated with me - "Trauma teaches you to close your heart and armor up. Healing teaches you to open your heart and boundary up." There's a difference between armor up (trauma response) and boundary up (healthy form of self care).
Healthy boundary setting can make you more comfortable to open your heart and help you begin shedding that armor. Opening your heart up and setting boundaries are not mutually exclusive!
Trauma survivors often struggle with boundary setting, especially if the trauma involves somebody who pushes and/or disrespects previously established boundaries. If you are in a relationship where boundary setting is difficult, I'd recommend practicing on safe friends and family. Whenever possible, surround yourself with people who love you for you and respect your boundaries.
Open your heart, shed that armor, and replace that armor with healthy boundaries.
This link from Positive Psychology provides education resources and exercises surrounding boundary setting. If you'd like to further explore personal boundary setting, I'd encourage you to utilize this website
You can also visit the Resources tab of this page for boundary setting infographic and other mental health resources: https://www.counselorkatieb.com/projects-8
*Image Retrieved from @TinyBuddha
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