At this time of year, life can feel louder. The invitations, expectations, family pressures and emotional load all stack up and before you know it , your energy is in limited supply. For many of us, the hardest part isn't the busy calendar, it's the guilt that shows up when we try to protect our own wellbeing. But here is the truth: Boundaries aren't barriers between you and others, they are bridges back to yourself. When you set a boundary, you're not being difficult, distan