The kingdom of you: boundaries, dignity and saying “no”
About this episode
This episode explores the importance of boundaries and self-assertion through personal stories and improv practice.
Join me beneath a silver birch tree in my local park as I explore the messy, empowering, and deeply embodied world of boundaries. This episode dives into the lived experience of saying yes and no - where you end, where others begin, and how asserting your edges becomes an act of dignity, humility, and self-leadership. I share recent stories from my life and my improv practice, including a difficult withdrawal from a performance. Through these moments, we look at why boundaries often feel icky or shame-tinged, why we avoid them, and how our bodies tell us the truth long before our minds do. We’ll explore the difference between loving boundaries and defensive ones, how resentment grows when edges aren’t expressed, and why small, compassionate no’s prevent the need for thermonuclear ones. And towards the end, I share an unexpected discovery: how honouring your own boundaries subtly shifts your presence in the world - how people look at you differently, how you feel more real, and how clarity creates safety, play, and connection (just like good improv!). Come along if you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, losing yourself in any kind of relationship, anxiety, or trusting…
More episodes of Beyond the basement
- No means no - why boundaries begin with yourself
- Laughter is the best medicine
- Joy is wealth
- When self-care, compassion & love don’t work
- The beat beneath it all - rhythm in your life
- “I don’t care” (and you’re not bad for saying that)
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