Episode 6

Boundaries That Don’t Feel Harsh

Setting boundaries doesn’t have to feel cold, confrontational, or guilt-ridden. In this episode, Marilyn explores how to create boundaries that protect your energy while still honoring who you are. This conversation reframes boundaries as acts of self-respect—not rejection—and offers gentle, realistic ways to set limits without over-explaining or shutting people out.

If you’ve ever avoided boundaries because you didn’t want to disappoint others or create conflict, this episode offers a calmer, more sustainable approach.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

  1. Why boundaries often feel uncomfortable or “harsh”
  2. The difference between walls and healthy boundaries
  3. How unclear boundaries lead to resentment and burnout
  4. Recognizing where you’re stretching past your capacity
  5. Quiet, compassionate ways to protect your energy

Reflection Questions:

  1. Where in my life do I feel most drained right now?
  2. What am I giving too much of without realizing it?
  3. What small boundary could support me this week?

Listener Reminder:

Boundaries don’t make you difficult.

They make you sustainable.

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About the Podcast

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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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