Happy Monday, boo!

 

I gotta say this loud for the kind-hearted ones in the back:

 

You can be loving…

You can be generous…

You can be dependable…

 

…and still have boundaries.

 

I feel like the world taught many of us that "softness" means saying yes to everything. And that being a “good person” means answering every text, picking up every call, jumping in whenever someone needs help.

 

But here’s what I’ve learned over time…

 

 

Because without them?

That softness becomes resentment.

That love starts to feel like weight.

That openness turns into burnout.

 

I know this personally.
 

I’ve overbooked myself in the name of being “nice.”

I’ve said yes out of guilt, not alignment. And I’ve smiled through moments when I was actually overwhelmed and exhausted.

 

If you know, you absolutely know.

 

I also learned that…

 

Boundaries are a form of wellness.

They’re not a rejection of people you love.

They’re a form of self-respect.

They’re how you say: “I love you—and I love me, too.”

 

And the people who are in their feelings about you setting a boundary? They're often the ones who've benefitted from you not having them (read that again, boo).

 

So in the spirit of National Stress Awareness Month (and because you are too cute to be stressin'!), I want to challenge you to check in:

 

What’s been causing you stress lately?

What boundaries might you need to create or reinforce?

 

Because…

 

You can protect your energy and still be full of love.

You can say no and still be supportive.

You can choose yourself and still show up for others

 

…just not at the expense of your well-being.

 

I’ll be going live on Linkedin this Friday to sharing some of my fave strategies for setting boundaries at home and work – as a recovering people pleaser.

 

MONDAY MOOD: Nope. Nah. No Thanks.

As part of my Pause with Ari series, I’ll be hosting a live 20-minute Walk & Talk session on LinkedIn—and I’d love for you to join me.

 

Topic: BOUNDARIES

 

Specifically, how I’ve learned to set boundaries at work and at home—as a recovering people-pleaser trying to protect her peace without guilt.

 

I’ll likely be on my walking pad, but whether you’re pacing the office, strolling the block, hitting the treadmill, or just getting some fresh air, lace up and walk with me. 

 

Let’s move and talk through what it means to set boundaries that actually stick. You can RSVP and add to your calendar via the link below.

 

 

Have a great week!