In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the concepts of boundaries and self-care have gained significant traction. Yet, they’re often misunderstood or misrepresented. Let’s take a closer look at what these terms really mean, how they’ve impacted my journey, and why they’re central to the changes I’m making in my podcast and YouTube channel.

What Boundaries Really Are

When I first started studying boundaries, I came across a quote that deeply resonated with me: “Boundaries are the distance at which I can love both you and myself.” While I can’t recall the original source, the essence of this idea has stayed with me. Boundaries are not about controlling others or setting rules they must follow. Instead, they are personal limits that protect our well-being and enable healthy relationships.

Boundaries are for us. They define what we need to feel respected, valued, and secure in our connections with others. They aren’t easy to set—especially because others may not always react positively—but they’re essential for maintaining peace of mind. Over time, I’ve also realized that setting boundaries with ourselves is just as critical.

The Truth About Self-Care

Much like boundaries, self-care has become a trendy buzzword, often co-opted by marketing campaigns to sell products. But at its core, self-care is simply about renewing your energy and nurturing yourself in ways that are neither selfish nor harmful to others.

For me, self-care includes activities I don’t always love, like exercising. While I don’t enjoy the process, I know it gives me the energy and clarity I need to face each day. Self-care isn’t always glamorous—it’s often the hard work of choosing what’s good for you over what’s easy in the moment.

Navigating Change and Embracing Community

The past couple of years have been a season of change for me. Between personal, family, and health challenges, life has been full. Through it all, I’ve stayed committed to creating content for the I Wonder podcast and YouTube channel. But recently, I’ve been feeling called to do things differently.

One of the things I love most about being on YouTube is the sense of community it fosters. Unlike podcasts, where communication can feel one-sided, YouTube allows for real-time interaction through comments and questions. This feedback has been invaluable and has inspired me to shift my focus toward building a deeper connection with my audience.

As we head into 2025, my goal is to evolve the I Wonder podcast and YouTube channel into a true community—a space where we can learn, grow, and support one another. To prepare for this next chapter, I’m taking a short break to recharge and focus on my physical and emotional health.

Looking Ahead

While I step back for a few weeks, there will still be content for you to enjoy, including some of my favorite episodes and interviews from the archives. I encourage you to revisit those episodes, explore past content, and share your thoughts with me.

When I return, I’ll be bringing new energy, ideas, and opportunities for connection. Together, we’ll dive deeper into the topics you care about and create something truly special.

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for sharing this journey with me. Stay curious, take care of yourself, and get ready for an exciting new chapter in the I Wonder community.

What does self-care or setting boundaries look like for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your perspective!