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Stop Feeling Guilty for Setting Boundaries: How to Honor Yourself and Your Giving Spirit





Does This Sound Like You?

  • I feel guilty for setting a boundary.

  • I feel guilty for no longer enabling someone to use me.

  • I feel guilty for not giving what others expect or feel entitled to.


If you’ve ever felt like this, you’re not alone.

But here’s the truth: You don’t owe anyone anything.

Many people won’t react well when you stop giving, but that doesn’t mean you should keep overextending yourself.

Boundaries are not selfish—they are necessary for your well-being, peace, and purpose.


Why Do People Expect So Much?

Sometimes, when you give from the kindness of your heart, people start to believe they are entitled to it.

They forget:

  • You were never obligated to give in the first place.

  • You gave because you chose to, not because you had to.

  • You may no longer have the capacity to give in the same way.

When someone stops pouring into others, instead of asking, "How can I give back?", many get resentful and ask, "Why did they stop?"


But before you judge someone for no longer giving, ask yourself:

Did this person ever have to do anything for me?

Has anyone else in my life done what this person has done for me?

If the answer is no, maybe instead of being bitter, it’s time to be grateful.


The Truth About Giving

You are not responsible for keeping someone else’s life running smoothly at your expense.

People will take until you have nothing left—unless you stop them.

You never signed a lifetime contract to keep saving someone who won’t save themselves.


But here’s what’s even more painful…

When you stop giving, many people act like you are in the wrong.

They forget:

  • How much you sacrificed.

  • How much you believed in them.

  • How much you poured into them.

They take it for granted and normalize it—until it stops.


Your Worth is Not Measured by How Much You Give

When people become familiar with your generosity, they expect it.

But remember this: Your value isn’t tied to what you give—it’s tied to who you are.

If someone:

Supported you in a dark season

Invested in your growth

Walked with you when no one else did

Helped open doors for you

Encouraged you when you needed it most

Then honor that, even if they aren’t in your life anymore.


How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt

If you struggle with guilt when setting boundaries, here’s what you need to do:


1. Recognize You Owe No One Anything But Love

The power of giving comes from the fact that it’s a choice, not an obligation.

You are not obligated to:

  • Be someone’s financial safety net.

  • Constantly pour into relationships that don’t pour back into you.

  • Be available 24/7 for someone else’s needs.

If someone makes you feel like you’re a bad person for setting boundaries, they were only there for what you could do for them.


2. Acknowledge the Ways You’ve Blessed Others

Write down everything you’ve given—your time, energy, money, wisdom, and emotional support.

This isn’t for public recognition—it’s for you.

So when someone tries to guilt-trip you, you won’t forget all the ways you’ve already given.


3. Set Firm Boundaries

You don’t have to keep giving just because you used to.

  • If something feels one-sided, it’s time to reassess the relationship.

  • If someone expects constant access to you, they need to respect your limits.

  • If giving is draining you, it’s time to redirect your energy elsewhere.

When you stop giving, you will see people’s true colors.


4. Focus on Your Priorities

You have limited time, energy, and resources.

Make sure you are:✔ Investing in your growth and well-being.✔ Pouring into mutual relationships.✔ Prioritizing what truly matters in this season.

Resentment builds when you keep pouring where you shouldn’t.


5. Release Other People’s Expectations

Some people will twist the story and make you the villain when you stop over-giving.

Let them.

That’s not your burden to carry.

People invent stories when they don’t want to take responsibility for themselves. You can’t control their narrative—but you can control your boundaries.

You can either be a God-pleaser or a people-pleaser—but not both.


6. Pay Attention to Reciprocity

Are you the only one giving?

Here’s the hard truth:

⚠ If a relationship is always one-sided, it’s not a relationship—it’s a transaction.⚠ If someone only takes but never gives, they are using you.⚠ If they only reach out when they need something, they don’t value you—they value what you provide.

Not everyone has to give the same way you do, but honor, respect, and appreciation are the bare minimum.


Surround yourself with people who:✔ Show up for you like you show up for them.✔ Support you without expecting something in return.✔ Are just as invested in you as you are in them.

If someone never reciprocates, it’s time to rethink that connection.


Stop Feeling Guilty—Start Owning Your Worth

Some people didn’t realize the blessing of being connected to you.

They took advantage of:

  • Your generosity.

  • Your wisdom.

  • Your kindness.

But here’s what’s powerful…


When you stop over-giving, you start showing up for yourself.💡 When you stop tolerating one-sided relationships, you create space for the right people.💡 When you stop allowing guilt to control you, you start living with freedom.

Don’t let their forgetfulness make you forget your worth.

Keep giving, but apply wisdom as you do.


Ready to Set Boundaries Without Guilt?

As we move into Q2 of 2025, it’s time to reclaim your time, energy, and peace.

Ask yourself:

  • Who am I allowing to drain me?

  • Where do I need to set stronger boundaries?

  • Who actually pours into me in return?

You don’t need to keep over-giving to prove your worth.

You are already worthy.


Work With Me: 3 One-on-One Coaching Spots Open

For a limited time, I’m opening 3 exclusive coaching spots for those who are ready to:

✔ Set healthy boundaries without guilt✔ Build mutual, life-giving relationships✔ Stop over-giving and start owning their worth✔ Create a life of peace, purpose, and alignment

This is a 3-month coaching experience that includes:✔ 4 private coaching calls per month (60 minutes each)✔ Custom strategies for setting boundaries and prioritizing yourself✔ Support, mentorship, and accountability


If you’re ready to take back control of your time, energy, and relationships—this is for you.

Pray about it. If you feel led, email info@julianapage.com with “Coaching” in the subject line to learn more.



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