The importance of personal boundaries, their relationship with self-esteem, and the difficulty in saying "no" were some of the central themes discussed by psychologist Ismael Molina during his appearance on the podcast "The Joy of Living in Sobriety." In the conversation, Molina emphasized that the lack of clear boundaries not only affects interpersonal relationships but also becomes a barrier to overcoming addiction. He highlighted the role of professional support, such as that offered by the therapeutic community Misión Zoe, in recovery processes.

The psychologist stressed that setting boundaries is an essential component of maintaining healthy relationships and achieving personal well-being. In the context of addiction recovery, the ability to recognize and establish personal boundaries is crucial to avoiding relapse and effectively managing external pressures. Molina explained that many people in rehabilitation struggle to say "no," which can be a sign of their inability to set proper boundaries. This inability is often linked to self-esteem and self-worth issues.

In this sense, Ismael Molina highlighted that self-esteem plays a crucial role in how individuals value themselves and, consequently, how others value them as well. A lack of boundaries tends to signal low self-worth, which directly impacts vulnerability to addictive behaviors. Recognizing our own needs and desires is the first step toward establishing healthy boundaries, a key aspect that the psychologist identified as fundamental in the process of self-discovery and recovery.

Another important point raised during the discussion was the importance of assertive communication when expressing personal boundaries. Molina explained that the way these boundaries are communicated should be clear and respectful, as ambiguity or lack of firmness can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Even when boundaries are set correctly, it may be necessary to repeat them on different occasions since they are not always understood or remembered by others the first time.

The specialist also emphasized the flexibility that, at times, should exist when implementing boundaries. While consistency is necessary, Molina clarified that adaptability is important in certain situations, without it meaning that one should compromise their own well-being.

Failing to set clear boundaries, Molina warned, can have serious consequences, from conflicts in relationships to time management issues and excessive concern over others' actions. People who have not learned to set boundaries are more prone to emotional burnout and chronic stress. To avoid these effects, it is essential to identify what type of boundaries we are applying: porous, rigid, or healthy, each with different implications for our relationships and well-being.

Finally, the psychologist stressed that personal responsibility is unavoidable in this process, as each individual must take charge of their own boundaries rather than expecting others to do so for them. This proactive attitude is key to any recovery process, and having the support of therapeutic communities, such as Misión Zoe, can make all the difference in the success of rehabilitation.