In this month’s coaching blog, Kimberlyn Palchak encourages us to think about how we create boundaries that give us the freedom to grow and become all that God has made us to be.
KIMBERLYN PALCHAK
Royal Oak: First UMC
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NRSVUE).
Are you a human being or a human doing? I like to ask this question to many of my coaching clients, especially when they feel burned out and stressed and notice how this seems to be leading to misunderstandings at work, at home, and in their everyday lives.
Why do I ask this question? Of course, I’m a human being, you may be thinking. But really, the point of this question is to get us thinking about how we are setting aside time to be and not do.
Many of us have been taught that the doing part of life is most important. As a result, we have few, if any, boundaries to allow for being — something God has done for us. God sets boundaries for us, so we should not fear setting personal boundaries for ourselves.
Boundaries are limits that lead to less pain and exhaustion, allowing healthy relationships to thrive instead. Setting and maintaining boundaries leads us to respect ourselves more, and in turn, it helps others to respect us and our time. We let them know what we are capable of and only ask that they embrace these boundaries with us so that we all may grow.
When we value doing above being, we are never truly at peace. Our brains and bodies crave rest and renewal. After all, God created human beings, not human doings. Being is magical, filled with wonder and contentment to experience what is. When we enjoy being, we bask in the knowledge that we are creating a more awesome space for the brain and body to flourish.
So, how will you show up for yourself, create boundaries, and be a human being? This question is easily asked but perhaps difficult to answer at first, and it is worth considering.
If you would like to develop better boundaries in your work and life, talk with a Michigan Conference coach. We are here to help you on your path to freedom and a new you!
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Kimberlyn Palchak is a content creator, addiction medicine specialist, and licensed social worker who became a health coach after leaving the addiction field. She has been coaching for almost ten years and is now a Michigan Conference coach.
Last Updated on March 5, 2025