KEY LEARNINGS

Chapter 4: Boundaries (Protecting What Matters)

  • Boundaries protect your energy so you can show up fully for yourself AND others without them you burn out and breed resentment

  • Four types: Physical (time/space/body), Emotional (what feelings are yours), Mental (what enters headspace), Energetic (vitality protection)

  • Most conditioning tells us boundaries are selfish - this is false; they actually improve relationships

  • 5-step process: Anchor in values, start small/be consistent, use clear kind language, expect pushback, reinforce as needed

  • Practice in real life: at work (finish times, email boundaries), relationships (honesty, not fixing others), technology (limit scrolling), family (loving without accepting poor treatment)

  • Boundary guilt is real but boundaries make you more generous, present, and authentic when properly resourced

  • When boundaries feel impossible, start with internal ones (stop taking things personally, stop making their problems your emergency)

  • Setting boundaries gives others permission to do the same, it's modelling self-respect