Going through my medical challenges has caused me to seriously re-evaluate my life and change how I interact with others. I realize I need to put up more boundaries and I think writing this out and re-reading it will help solidify this in my mind. This list is a work-in-progress and will be amended/updated as needed:

1. I am my first priority. My son nor my job is my top priority. If I don't take care of myself first, everything else will fall apart. I will not apologize for it.
2. I am given one opportunity at life. Its my responsibility to make sure I do what I'm purposed to do and enjoy it.
3. Stop settling and accepting what I don't like. If I don't want to be treated a specific way, communicate it and accept no less.
4. Believe people when they initially introduce themselves to you. Stop making excuses for their behavior. If they say "I can be a jerk sometimes" then don't question them a month later when they act like a jerk.
5. No one will take care of me even if they say they will. People are well intentioned and they believe what they say when they say it.  But if my grass needs to be cut, it will only be cut by me. It is my responsibility to do for myself. I need to get over it.
6. I'm allowed to say no. I have an issue with wanting to please others and not disappoint. If I know that it won't work for me, say it and stick to it.
7. I'm allowed to spend as much money on me as I want. So if I want to spend $10,000 on my back yard renovation and buy the Porsche Carrera S and a Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas...I will. I don't need permission or to apologize.
8. No one will love me as much as I love myself. Period.
9. I will not apologize for my success, my accomplishments, my drive, or my knowledge. I will not play the dumb role and will not adjust the way I speak to fit my audience. So don't ask. Either deal with it or don't engage in conversation with me.
10. Stop pretending that I'm broke to make other people feel comfortable. I'm not. I'm blessed. No one needs to know details as to how I do what I do. So when people make jokes and call me a baller...no response is needed. People will think what they want no matter what you say to them.
11. I can't control what people think of me. I can only control the information I give them regarding me.
12. It is my job to cure my boredom and loneliness.  I work a full-time job, I own a small business, I raise a child, I oversee a few websites, I own a home, I have cable...I'm not sure how I end up bored.
13. I will not date a man who isn't what I want or where I am. I don't need a romantic relationship. There is something to be said for being unequally yoked. Companionship is something I enjoy. That isn't synonymous to a romantic relationship.
14. I will treat others with love and respect as long is it does not interfere with the above list.  Rule #1 is "I am my first priority."