Set boundaries when you are growing into a NEW version of yourself. This is SO important!

Earlier today, I watched a viral video of a crab molting. If you don’t know what video I’m talking about, you can watch it here. It’s incredible! And a little gross but in a nature-is-wild kind of way. But it got me thinking about how in my journey to shedding many egos, and growing into new versions of myself, how important it was to have boundaries in that process. Just like the crab right after it molts, it’s most susceptible to harm because it leaves the old shell and is literally just a soft body without an exoskeleton. While it only takes a few days before the crab grows back it’s full armor, those are vulnerable days for the newly-molted crab.

Our spiritual transformational journeys take a similar arc. We often shed the old skin and we are left in a vulnerable state as we transform because we don’t have the armor of the old ego to protect us anymore (congrats you’ve outgrown it!) but you haven’t quite settled into the new state yet.

In that liminal space, it’s VITAL to have discernment and set boundaries. Why? Because this is when people from the past might unintentionally drag you back into old patterns that might suit the version of you they had in their head. Others might live in negativity so they might unintentionally program you with that negativity. Even subtle messages like one wayward comment, a nasty look, or a condescending tone of voice can keep you from stepping fully into that new version of yourself.

On a sunny day when everything is great, you wouldn’t bat an eyelash at that type of behavior, however when you are vulnerable it’s a whole different story. This is where you have to get REAL about who is and isn’t able to stick around during this process. And it’s also the reality that sometimes it’s the people closest that have to take a backseat at this pivotal time. It might be fine to let them back around eventually when you feel more empowered and strong, but don’t let anyone stifle your transformation!

It’s likely not that they are “bad” people, it’s that we must protect our own becoming.

Taking inventory of who is supportive for you and who is not for you right now as a gift to your future self. Honestly ask yourself: who will nurture the new version of me that is birthing? Which communities are safe for me to open up to, and which ones are not? Who might use my weakness against me? Who is here to nourish me?

Stepping into that new version is a beautiful, tender process. It’s a process we have many times over in our lives. And while it’s so worth it, it can be uncomfortable and unfamiliar in the meantime. As humans, we are wired to resist the unfamiliar. But change is the only thing that is constant and transformation is our destiny. Trust that a more expansive, strong, abundant and vibrant version of you is on the way.

Thanks for reading!
Christina