Happy St. Patrick’s Day!​
I hope you’re all wearing your green and having a wonderful Tuesday! If any of you can beat my husband's get up- please share- because I can't imagine anyone beating out this lovable goofball of mine!

Renewal Through Boundaries

So often we view boundaries as punishment or something restrictive.

But in reality, boundaries are freeing.

I love the way Greg McKeown talks about this in his book Essentialism. While the cover doesn’t say it’s a book about boundaries, that’s exactly what it teaches:

Living by design, not by default.

Eliminating the nonessential.
Removing obstacles.
Focusing on what truly matters.

If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it (and his second book Effortless).

Boundaries don’t exist to make life harder.

They exist to make life clearer, healthier, and more enjoyable.

Practical Ways to Set Boundaries

Define Your Availability

Start by clearly defining your work hours and communicating them.

For example:

Establish availability – Set clear work hours such as 8:00 am–5:00 pm with a lunch break.
​Let coworkers know – Post your hours where they’re visible or include them in your email signature.
​Create an after-hours protocol – Explain what counts as an emergency and who should be contacted.

Use Technology to Support Your Boundaries

Technology can help reinforce the boundaries you set.

Do Not Disturb hours – Silence non-urgent calls and messages after work hours.
​Auto-reply messages – A simple response like:

"Thanks for reaching out! I’ll respond during my work hours."

Handle After-Hours Communication Wisely

Prioritize true emergencies – Address only what is truly urgent.
​Use “Send Later” – If you write an email after hours, schedule it to send during work hours.

This helps reinforce healthy expectations.

Reinforce Boundaries Regularly

Boundaries work best when they are consistent.

Weekly check-in – Ask yourself if you are honoring the boundaries you set.
​Gentle reminders – If someone repeatedly reaches out after hours, kindly remind them of your availability.
​End-of-day ritual – Tidy your desk or write tomorrow’s priorities to signal the end of your workday.

What boundaries have you set for yourself?

Engagement Ideas

1.March 23 – National Puppy Day Visit a local shelter or pet store and get some puppy kisses and love. This will increase your happiness and joy exponentially! Just make sure you’re strong enough to say no if you don’t need a full-time puppy in your life… because they do eventually grow up. 🙂

2. March 29 – International Mermaid Day Ever since I won a coloring contest for free tickets to see The Little Mermaid when it first came out in theaters, I’ve dreamed of being a mermaid. Indulge in a little fun and fantasy today—take a trip to the pool, watch The Little Mermaid, or go all out and dress up. Make some dreams come true and have fun!

Things I'm Loving

1. As I mentioned above, Greg McKeown’s books are some of my favorites. I have countless nuggets from them that I remind myself of regularly.
2. If you struggle with boundaries, I’m also a big fan of Julia Arndt’s Instagram account, Peak Performance with Julia. Her posts have given me great insights and practical phrases for setting healthy boundaries.

Freebies!

If you’re looking for a place to start, my Boundary Blueprint may help you begin setting healthy boundaries at work.

Before we wrap up, here’s a small reminder for the week:

You don’t have to do everything.

You don’t have to say yes to every request.

Sometimes the most faithful and healthy thing you can do is protect the time and energy God has entrusted to you.

Boundaries don’t push people away.

They help us show up better, calmer, and more present for the things that matter most.

Wishing you a week filled with wisdom, laughter, and maybe even a few puppy kisses.
Cheering you on,