Hey there Reader,

I keep coming back to boundaries. Not because I have it all figured out, but honestly, because I’m still learning the lessons myself.

Trying to pick one story about my own poor boundaries is a bit like standing in a pick and mix shop trying to choose just one sweet. There are just too many to count.

And now there’s one that’s very fresh, and very real.

Over the last 18 months or so, not having proper work-related boundaries has cost me over £6,000.

Yeah. 6 grand.

At this stage in my business, that’s not small change.

That’s money I genuinely cannot afford to lose.

And it happened because I was being “too nice” i.e. giving away my time, my expertise, my energy... mostly because I was scared that having boundaries would make people like me less, or damage my business, or upset other people.

What actually happened?

I self-sabotaged.

I hurt my business far more by not protecting it than I ever would have by simply valuing what I bring to the table.

Here’s the thing I’ve seen come up again and again, in my own life, and with the people I work with.

We treat having boundaries like we’re being selfish.

Like we’re being difficult, or cold, or asking for too much.

And if any part of that resonates, my people-pleasing friend, I genuinely see you.

But boundaries aren’t a personality flaw.

They’re the things that protect your time, your energy, and your mental health.

They’re what stands between you and burnout.

And more importantly — they’re how you show other people how to treat you.

If you’re not clear on where your limits are, you can’t expect anyone else to be either.

I’m still financially recovering from not learning this sooner (and it's a painful reminder everyday, that I approach with self-compassion and understanding that it's an important lesson not to lose sight of).

So if this makes even just one of you feel less alone, and perhaps even ready to start practising boundaries to value your wonderful self in this world, then this email was worth sending.

This month, I’m going to be sharing some practical starting points for building healthier boundaries — with yourself and with the people around you.

It’s uncomfortable work, sometimes we learn the same lesson more than once, but it matters. You matter.

Best and brightest love

Beth x