You’re Not the Boss of Me

 Do you remember saying that as a kid? It could be directed at a parent or a sibling, a friend or a classmate. It’s a moment of ego popping up saying “I am separate from you.” It’s a necessary part of growing up, I think. We all need to establish our own boundaries, and the process is silly, sloppy, and awkward.

If you said it to a parent, a teacher, or a sitter, the answer was inevitably “yes I am!” As a grown-up, I know I’ve said that in response to my kids.

Growing up, learning the difference between showing respect for others and having personal boundaries can be a weird dance, one with many missteps. It has been, I find, a continuous effort well into my “grown-up” years. While I am well beyond yelling out “you’re not the boss of me!”, I still find the need to discern respect for my own boundaries. I am ever the student, even when I think I’ve graduated.

Today, I’m grateful for the wisdom which comes from experience. I’m grateful for all my teachers, whether or not they appreciated their own role. I’m grateful for the kind support of friends and the bonds of mutual respect and love we humans have the great opportunity to experience, both from receiving and from giving.

I am grateful for the fact that you are not the boss of me, and that I am not the boss of you. Knowing these rules, there can be Peace on the Playground.