Episode 15

Boundaries and Balance During the Holidays

The holidays can be beautiful—and overwhelming. In this episode, we talk about setting kind, clear boundaries that protect your time, energy, budget, and peace. You’ll get simple scripts you can use word-for-word, a 3-step boundary framework, micro-habits that reduce stress, and a short guided exercise to define your non-negotiables.

What You’ll Learn

  • A simple 3-step framework: Notice → Name → Negotiate
  • Word-for-word scripts for time, money, food/body talk, travel, hosting, hot topics, and last-minute requests
  • Micro-boundaries that prevent overwhelm (calendar buffers, two-yes rule, “leave while happy”)
  • A quick Guilt Detox reframe to stop second-guessing
  • A 5-minute Holiday Non-Negotiables exercise you can repeat all season

Links & Free Resource

  • Free One-Pager: Holiday Boundary Script Sheet — copy/paste scripts, plus the Non-Negotiables template.
  • Share this episode with a friend who needs permission to choose peace over perfection.

Follow & Connect

  • Subscribe to Put It in a Bubble for weekly mindset tools.
  • Connect with Marilyn on social for episode updates and prompts.


#PutItInABubble #HolidayBoundaries #MindfulLiving #StressLess #MentalWellness #PositiveMindset #SimplifyTheSeason

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Put it in a bubble
Life, Mindset & Everything In Between

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About your host

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Marilyn Barker

Marilyn Barker is an author, speaker, business consultant, motivational coach, and the creator of Put It in a Bubble™. Through her books, podcast, workshops, and coaching, she helps people create space, shift their perspective, process difficult moments, and take intentional steps forward.
Put It in a Bubble™ is built around a simple idea: you do not have to carry everything at once. Marilyn encourages listeners to pause, decide what deserves their energy, take action where needed, and release what they no longer need to hold onto.
Her approach is practical, encouraging, and grounded in real life. The goal is not to ignore hard things or force positivity, but to handle challenges with more awareness, stronger self-talk, greater resilience, and a clearer sense of what comes next.
Marilyn is the founder of Barker Business Services LLC, which serves as the umbrella for her consulting, speaking, educational resources, books, and the Put It in a Bubble™ brand.

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