Tuesday

"Rest is not something I need to earn."

Welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Signs your boundaries are working

• How to respect others’ boundaries

• Are you aging well?

• What to do with that grudge you keep holding

• How to protect your wallet from home repairs

What Healthy Boundaries Actually Feel Like

We often think boundaries are about saying “no”, but that’s just one piece. Therapist Elisabeth T. Lilja says healthy boundaries are really about meeting your needs with clarity and connection.

Some green flags? You feel safe expressing what you need, and your “no” is heard without pressure to explain or justify. You can navigate disagreements without shutting down, and you're able to repair after conflict. Instead of fearing rupture, you work toward resolution with accountability and care.

And the most underrated sign of all: consistency. Following through with your own boundaries, even in small ways, builds trust with yourself. It helps you stay grounded, feel safe, and relate to others in a way that feels respectful on both sides.

Boundaries aren't walls. They're quiet practices of self-respect.

What It Really Means to Respect Boundaries

Most of us want to be respectful. But sometimes, without realizing it, we cross someone else’s line. This could be messaging after hours, interrupting a “no,” or oversharing when the vibe isn’t right. These aren’t moral failures, but they are moments to pause and reflect.

Therapists say boundary respect is less about guessing and more about staying curious. Ask if something’s okay. Watch for signs that someone’s uncomfortable. Take “no” at face value, without trying to change it. And if you miss a cue? A simple, sincere apology helps repair trust more than you think.

The key is remembering boundaries aren’t rejections. They’re personal guardrails, not judgments of your intent. When you learn to respect other people’s boundaries, especially the ones you don’t fully understand, you show them they matter. And that makes space for a deeper connection.

Are You Too Young to Think About How You’re Aging? Probably Not

Starting in our 30s, some key cellular processes begin to slow down, making us feel tired and weak over time. This decline affects not just our physical strength and endurance, but significantly reduces our quality of life making everyday activities harder to enjoy.

Luckily, scientists have discovered a way to shape how we age. Mitopure®, by Timeline, targets the root cause of this cellular decline and is clinically proven to increase cellular energy, giving our bodies the energy they need to function optimally. The results? Double-digit increases in muscle strength and endurance without any change in exercise.

Take aging into your own hands. Note To Self readers get 30% off with code 30NEWSLETTER for a limited time, while supplies last.

Thank you to Timeline for sponsoring Note To Self. 

What to Do With a Long-Held Grudge

Holding onto a grudge can feel justified, especially when the other person never acknowledged what they did. But resentment often ends up hurting you more than them, draining your mental energy and reinforcing pain you didn’t cause.

Letting go doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t happen or offering forgiveness. Instead, therapists suggest naming your emotions, validating the hurt, and expressing it privately (like in a letter you never send).

Some grudges are rooted in relationships worth salvaging. In those cases, a direct conversation might offer closure, even if it doesn’t lead to reconciliation. But if the person isn’t safe or trustworthy, boundaries may be a more empowering path forward.

Letting go is less about freeing them and more about freeing you. You don’t have to excuse the behavior; you just don’t have to carry the weight of it anymore.

A Home Warranty Plan Could Save You Thousands in Repairs

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: False. They can shift with your needs, season of life, or capacity.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: You’re allowed to take up space. To rest, to protect your energy, and to decide what you’re available for—and what you’re not.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!