Setting Boundaries Without Guilt 🛑❤️

2025-05-04 · Vishakha Singh

Hello everyone,

I'm Vishakha Singh, psychologist and founder of The Healing Souls. Today, I want to talk about a topic that comes up often in my sessions and in everyday life: setting boundaries—and doing so without guilt.

Why Boundaries Matter

Boundaries are not walls. They are healthy limits that protect our time, energy, and emotional well-being. They help define what is acceptable for us and ensure that we are respecting ourselves as much as we respect others.

When we set boundaries, we’re not being selfish—we’re being self-aware.

Common Myths About Boundaries

Many people struggle with guilt because of common myths like:

  • "Saying no makes me a bad person."
  • "If I set limits, people will leave me."
  • "I should always be available for the people I care about."

These beliefs often stem from past conditioning or fear of rejection. But the truth is, you can be kind and still say no.

How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt

Here are a few gentle but firm ways to begin setting boundaries:

  1. Get clear on your needs. Ask yourself: What drains me? What do I need more of? What feels respectful to me?

  2. Use “I” statements. For example: “I need some time to recharge this evening, so I won’t be able to talk right now.”

  3. Start small. Begin with one area of your life—perhaps with a friend, at work, or even in your family.

  4. Remember: Guilt is not a signal of wrongdoing. Feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It often just means you’re doing something new.

A Loving Reminder

You are allowed to have limits. You are allowed to protect your peace. And you are still a good, caring person when you do.

If no one has told you this lately: you don’t have to earn rest, space, or respect. You deserve it just as you are.

With care and compassion, Vishakha Singh Psychologist & Founder, The Healing Souls