Your Invisible Burden: 4 Ways to Increase Boundaries in Your Life
The Joy Unleashed Podcast - Episode 3
Your Invisible Burden: 4 Ways to Increase Boundaries in Your Life
with Mattie Cummins, MSW – Counselor, Coach & Founder of Cerebrations
You’re feeling exhausted - again. And not just physically. Emotionally. Mentally. Even spiritually. You’ve got nothing left in the tank, and yet the “shoulds” keep piling up. Sound familiar?
This week on The Joy Unleashed Project, Mattie dives deeper into the mental load conversation by focusing on boundaries - what they are, why we struggle to set them, and how to finally protect your energy without the guilt.
Because here’s the truth:
You were never meant to carry everyone else’s expectations on your back. That invisible backpack full of rocks? It’s not yours to lug around forever.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why boundaries aren’t selfish - they’re survival
The cultural conditioning that makes women over 45 feel guilty for saying “no”
How to reframe boundaries as acts of self-love, not walls of isolation
The NOVA Framework - a powerful journaling method to identify and implement meaningful boundaries
4 simple boundary scripts you can start using today (yes, even at work!)
How to handle pushback with confidence and grace
Why “slipping up” doesn’t mean you’ve failed - it means you’re human
Mattie reminds us that boundaries aren’t just rules, they’re invitations.
Invitations to protect your peace, honor your needs, and open the gate only when it’s right for you.
Permission granted: You are allowed to take up space. You are allowed to say no. You are allowed to rest without apology.
Want more?
Download the Joy Unleashed Journal here: https://cerebrations.org/journal to begin crafting your own boundary action plan.
Join the Flourish Collective—our supportive community for women 45+ navigating the mental load, midlife transitions, and everything in between. Join here: https://cerebrations.org/flourish
Need a circle of women who get it? Come hang with us in the Renewal Collective Facebook group. We’re saving a seat for you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/unleash.joy/
Until next time, keep unleashing your joy.
With love,
Mattie
