If you’ve ever felt stretched thin, resentful, or stuck in situations that drain your energy, it’s time for a reset.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through my 6-step process for creating healthy boundaries that protect your time, energy, and focus without feeling guilty. I’ll also share my shopping mall analogy that makes boundaries simple (and even a little fun) to understand, plus a short exercise you can do today to start putting them in place.

You’ll hear a real-life story of a client who went from a chaotic life to creating a stable, fulfilling life and it all started with getting clear on his vision and setting strong boundaries. I’ll also share a quick update from my recent trip to the U.S.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why everything in your life right now is something you’re allowing and how to change that.

• The 6-step process for creating boundaries that stick:

  1. Get crystal clear on your vision

  2. Decide what you will and won’t allow

  3. Communicate clearly and early

  4. Enforce without guilt

  5. Build in self-checks

  6. Protect your “yes”

• How to use the shopping mall analogy to decide who gets access to your life (and at what level).

• The truth about why boundaries aren’t selfish, they’re actually an act of stewardship.

Resources & Links:

• Download the "Discover What You Really Want" free training here

• Learn more about my coaching and courses at maryvalloni.com

Let’s Connect:

• Email: mary@maryvalloni.com

In this episode, we explore the quiet power of joy: what it is, why it matters, and how it can radically shift the way you live and lead.

You’ll learn the difference between happiness and joy, discover why joy is essential (especially in seasons of overwhelm or uncertainty), and uncover what actually happens when you begin to make space for it in your daily life.

We talk about:

• What joy really is (and how it differs from happiness)

• Why it’s more than just a “nice to have”

• How to add more of it to your life

• The powerful shifts that happen when you start living with joy

This episode will leave you feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected to what matters most.

Ready to create your own Joy List?

Take my free mini-training Discover What You Really Want — a simple 15-minute experience that will help you reconnect with what brings you life. Start now at maryvalloni.com.

Over the years, I’ve done a lot of things because I thought I should, especially for my dad (who passed away 12 years ago when this episode airs!). But that one word, “should,” has carried more weight than I ever realized. In this episode, I share why I decided to remove “should” from my every day life and how that one shift has allowed me to take my power and voice back.

If you’ve ever felt guilt for not doing enough, shame for not being farther along, or pressure to be someone you’re not, this will be a good episode to listen in to.

• Why “should” is so heavy and what it’s really costing you

• The hidden connection between “should” and guilt, shame, and external pressure

• How “should” disconnects you from your truth and your joy

• 5 simple but powerful ways to start releasing the word “should” today

1. Catch it in the moment — Notice when you say or think “should” and ask, “Says who?”

2. Replace it with empowering words — Like “choose,” “want,” or “need”

3. Reflect daily — Ask, “What did I feel I should do today?” and “What did I actually want or need?”

4. Practice out loud — Invite a loved one to help you shift your language

5. Listen to your body — Notice how “should” feels tense, while “want” feels safe

Removing “should” doesn’t mean avoiding responsibility. It means living from a place of freedom instead of fear. As someone committed to helping others move from impossibility to freedom, this practice is foundational—for me, and maybe for you too.

When you stop living by “should,” you:

• Free your voice

• Strengthen your boundaries

• Make space for clarity, joy, and authenticity

Start with my free training to reconnect with your voice and your vision.

Grab it here.

Have questions or thoughts about this episode? I’d love to hear from you.

Connect with me at maryvalloni.com or email mary@maryvalloni.com.

Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs permission to let go of shoulds and embrace freedom.

We’re just getting started and I’m so glad you’re here.