Coffee Table Coach Boundaries By Hannah Bouwmeester
I
am sitting sipping my coffee, looking out at my chicken coop. I realize that these furry friends teach me a vital life lesson as they interact with one another. You see, I have a chicken that belongs to my 11-year-old daughter.
Something happened to this speckled hen that caused her to become lame. She hobbles around the coop, carefully navigating her way from her hiding spot under the laying boxes to the food and water and back again. She is cautious
not to attempt this when the other hens are still in the coop. Why? They sense her weakness and will begin pecking at her. Because she is lame, she cannot escape their abusive behavior. So, she has learned what to do to stay safe. Let’s learn a lesson from the speckled hen. As Veterans and active-duty-military, many of you have been wounded and are affected by the wounds you carry. All of us must establish boundaries in our lives that help us navigate safely and effectively. Here are some easy steps to help you begin setting boundaries and finding safe ways to meet your needs. 1. Be Clear: Define what you want and where you are going. If you are uncertain about this, you will have no way of knowing your boundaries. 2. Be Certain: Pause and get in touch with your emotional state surrounding a
10 – GATHER Veterans
