Welcome to Episode 3 of Just What I Needed with Esther and Paul, where we coach the brave next step forward using the questions people carry quietly every day.

Today we tackle a fear almost everyone has felt:

“I know I need boundaries, but I’m afraid of what will happen if I set them. How do I say no without feeling like the bad guy?”

In this episode, we make boundaries feel practical, human, and even freeing. We break down a key distinction: a limit is the hard line (yes or no). A boundary is your space, and you are the gatekeeper deciding what gets access to your time, energy, money, and emotional bandwidth.

We also name the hidden cost of not setting boundaries: resentment that builds until you hit a boiling point, then withdraw, then repeat the cycle. If you have ever wondered why you feel exhausted or quietly irritated with people you love, this conversation will click.

You will learn how to:

• Pause the automatic yes with “Let me sit on it” and reply after 24 hours
• Offer a redirection instead of a shutdown: “I can help this way, not that way”
• Reinforce boundaries with action, including not responding when needed
• Notice when seasons change, and adjust boundaries without guilt
• Spot extractive dynamics and shift your giving toward relationships that grow with it

And yes, we use a surprisingly powerful metaphor: pizza toppings. When you tell people what you like and what you do not, you are not being difficult. You are making it easier to love you well.

If you want to keep your sparkle and protect your peace, press play.

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS!
This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you would like us to answer, if you would like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you would like for us to discuss. Find us:

Instagram: @be.act.change
Website: beactchange.com
Email: hola@beactchange.com

CONTACT RUBY GARCIA
Shout-out to Ruby Garcia, a great friend and incredible coach who specializes in helping people set and enforce boundaries. Connect via LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubygarcia/

THEME SONG
“HIGHER” by Kingsley
Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast.

Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley
More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast
Instagram: @yokingsleymusic
Website: iamkingsley.com

SEO
Keywords: setting boundaries, boundaries without guilt, how to say no, people pleasing, resentment, emotional boundaries, limits vs boundaries, healthy relationships, communication, burnout prevention, self respect

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#JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Boundaries #SettingBoundaries #SayNoWithoutGuilt #PeoplePleasing #HealthyRelationships #SelfRespect #EmotionalWellbeing #PersonalGrowth #BurnoutPrevention