Boundaries Through The Metaphor of Doors and Thresholds
This journaling exercise explores your boundaries through the metaphor of doors and thresholds—spaces where you decide what enters your life, what stays out, and what gets to pass through.
Boundaries are not barriers—they’re choices made at the doorway to your well-being.
Step 1: Draw a Doorway or Threshold
Imagine your personal boundary as a door. What kind of door shows up?
Is it open or closed? Heavy or light? Locked, guarded, swinging, or revolving?
Is it a front door? A bedroom door? Something symbolic, like a glowing archway or a curtain?
Draw or paint the door that represents how you currently navigate your boundaries. Include any details—signs, handles, locks, windows, colors.
Step 2: What's on Each Side?
Now, explore what's on either side of the threshold.
On the inside: What are you protecting? What do you value and want to keep safe?
On the outside: What pressures, people, roles, or energies knock on your door too often—or try to come in uninvited?
Use images, colors, or words to explore what it feels like to say yes or no.
Step 3: Personalize Your Threshold
Add symbols, phrases, or images that help reinforce the kind of boundaries you want to hold.
Maybe you add a doorbell for things that need permission.
A “welcome” mat for what you truly invite in.
A “do not disturb” sign for when you need rest.
Or a peephole to help you assess what’s really on the other side.
Get creative—this threshold is yours.
Step 4: Reflect on What You’ve Created
Take a moment to sit with your work.
What kind of boundaries does this doorway reflect?
Is it easy for others to enter your space? Too easy? Too hard?
Do you ever let in things you don’t want—or keep out things you long for?
What would it feel like to redesign your threshold with clarity, care, and respect for yourself?
This practice is about becoming more aware of how you interact with others—and how you honor your own emotional space. Boundaries don’t need to be hard or cold—they can be warm, wise, and flexible.
