PS. Senior Psychologist. Public Sector.
‘I was finding it really difficult to maintain my boundaries at work often taking on more work and then feeling quite overwhelmed by it. I remember you saying to me then :

'When people ask you to do something for them, it's a compliment, as they are saying that you are capable of doing this work, you could see this as a Gift that they are giving to you - but the thing is that you can accept this gift without having to return the favour - I.e. you don't have to return the favour by always agreeing to do the work'.

This message really stuck with me as it made me realise that many times the reason I agreed to do things was because I wanted validation. It gave me permission to accept this validation unconditionally. Feeling happy that someone thought to ask me.

I still try to remember that message and it has helped me have greater control over my work life. Thanks again’.