dearest muse,

this week we declare that our time, energy, and emotions are sacred

at je mérite, i deserve, we believe that boundaries are not about keeping the world out, but about allowing yourself to exist fully within it — grounded, whole, and free

this week’s affirmation, “i deserve boundaries, je mérite des limites,” invites you to reclaim your space with compassion and clarity

here are some steps to help you protect your energy

all photos are links to more information - the bookshop.org link is an affiliate link

we start this week with "the sacred no"

this meditation focuses on helping you establish a deep connection with the earth, anchoring your energy and providing a solid foundation to navigate life's challenges

additionally, it offers techniques to shield your energy from external negativity, ensuring that you remain centered and protected

grounding & protecting your energy (guided meditation)

by great meditation

next, a wonderful blog post and journal prompt

“setting boundaries without guilt”

therapy for black girls

have you ever found yourself saying ‘yes’ to avoid the uncomfortable feeling of saying ‘no’?

perhaps most of the events or activities you participate in aren’t ones you’d choose for yourself, but rather ones that your friends have chosen for you

you may also struggle to prioritize your wants and needs because you’re too busy tending to your friends’ requests

if all of this hits home, it might be time to reassess your boundaries

enjoy

next, a great podcast

conversations from sessions live: nedra glover tawwab | where should we begin? with esther perel

licensed therapist and new york times bestselling author nedra glover tawwab offers a clear, compassionate roadmap for navigating boundaries in relationships

boundaries do not have to mean endings

in fact, boundaries can be a way for us to connect

she explores how boundary-setting is not about pushing people away but about creating the conditions for healthy connection

in a time when many feel overstretched, overwhelmed, or emotionally enmeshed, she reminds us that boundaries are a vital act of self-respect—and a necessary foundation for mutual care

next, our book selection...

set boundaries, find peace: a guide to reclaiming yourself

by nedra glover tawwab

"a boundary is something that keeps you safe and comfortable in your relationships," says tawwab, a licensed therapist and author

"boundaries can look a lot of different ways depending on who makes them. a boundary for you might not be a boundary for me because it is unique," says tawwab. "it's based on who i am"

lastly, but certainly not least

a slow-burning psychological thriller drama, exploring the quiet tension that builds when love, control, and desire blur the lines of selfhood

in this film, the actions of the protaganists are guided by a destructive and ever-shifting arrangement, which begins as a loose implicit understanding and evolves into a deadly explicit one

the boundaries of this arrangement are constantly pushed and redefined by both parties in a twisted game of power and obsession

deep water

starring ana de armas and ben affleck

setting boundaries is one of the deepest acts of self-respect

it is how we teach others, and ourselves, what peace feels like

this week’s ritual centers on reclaiming your energy, honoring your time, and protecting your emotional sanctuary

silence unnecessary notifications mute or unfollow accounts that drain you

block 2 hours in your calendar this week for uninterrupted self-care

practice saying “no” without justification silence is a complete sentence

clean or rearrange one area of your home to feel more like a sanctuary

write a love letter to yourself for honoring your needs this week

enjoy!

boundaries are how you teach the world to treat you

and how you remind yourself that you are worthy of respect, rest, and reverence

this week, may you honor your needs with tenderness and your limits with pride

because you deserve to feel safe in your own body, your own space, and your own spirit

you'll be hearing more from me soon

promise

tamara charese

as always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here