LIFE LESSONS
Boundaries Are Like Muscles — The More We Use Them, The Stronger They Become
It’s a truth that takes practice to learn
“You are not required to set yourself on fire to keep others warm.” — Unknown
No matter what your age, it is not always easy to set boundaries. Sometimes, you need a little push that comes from an unexpected source.
I met Mr. Li almost nine years ago while teaching ESL at his corporation. While he was proficient with the spoken word, I was hired to be his ghostwriter during some delicate negotiations. We have worked together on many occasions over the years. As his success grew, he called upon me to work with new members of his team.
Time passed and I was invited to his home to tutor the Li daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Li suggested that conversant English with no pressure would lead to confidence in the outside world. The idioms and nuances of the English language take years to understand and master. It was an excellent idea and the girls flourished.
As the girls grew into young women, my friendship with Mrs. Li deepened. When my husband died she came to my house every week with tea and honey cakes. Sometimes she would hold my hand and I knew she would not leave until I ate something.
