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Boundaries = Freedom: How To Create Boundaries That Set You Free Without Feeling Guilty
Everything You Need To Know About Setting Boundaries To Find Peace In Less Than 100 Pages
Our emotional suffering does not come from the events in our lives, but from how we respond to them. Each boundary we set helps to create space for a different behavior and response when we are faced with the same situation that causes our suffering.The space we create within ourselves is the source of infinite possibilities for us to choose peace and a new experience of life.
This book was written to help you learn how to create this space so that you will always have room for love and joy in your life, no matter what happens in it.
Here's What You'll
How to say 'no' without feeling guiltyHow to peacefully communicate your boundaries in a way where others will understandHow to become okay with disappointing others, so you be free from being affected by what others think of youHow to create boundaries that prevent you from burning outHow you can find peace no matter what happens in your lifeThe most important and life-changing boundary to create stop negative thinkingHow to identify the most important boundaries in each area of your lifeHow to honor your boundaries so that there are fewer relapses into old, destructive patterns
Our emotional suffering does not come from the events in our lives, but from how we respond to them. Each boundary we set helps to create space for a different behavior and response when we are faced with the same situation that causes our suffering.The space we create within ourselves is the source of infinite possibilities for us to choose peace and a new experience of life.
This book was written to help you learn how to create this space so that you will always have room for love and joy in your life, no matter what happens in it.
Here's What You'll
How to say 'no' without feeling guiltyHow to peacefully communicate your boundaries in a way where others will understandHow to become okay with disappointing others, so you be free from being affected by what others think of youHow to create boundaries that prevent you from burning outHow you can find peace no matter what happens in your lifeThe most important and life-changing boundary to create stop negative thinkingHow to identify the most important boundaries in each area of your lifeHow to honor your boundaries so that there are fewer relapses into old, destructive patterns
91 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2023
310 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 5, 2023
Reads like a long twitter feed. Nothing new or unique to say, just a collection of surface thoughts on boundaries. Maybe it will be helpful for others, I’m glad it was a quick read so it didn’t waste more of my time. Feels lower effort than his other books, which I did enjoy.
January 11, 2024
Some of the exercises in the book were helpful. I read to my husband, because he needs to let go and set boundaries with everyone in his life. It was a quick read.
March 17, 2025
Buddhism offers more direct paths to freedom, than looking at boundaries. Perhaps since the middle aged, life has already given me more than a few constraints, and accepting of my situation, and practicing non-judgment on my remaining degree of freedom… Those offer peace.
I was expecting more of that from this book, and while I thought his first book put a lot into 200 pages, I did not feel much gain from this 100.
Perhaps other younger readers might benefit more from Nguyen’s practice of saying no. But then again, I think exploring experience is really important too, so I think breaking through your own mental boundaries might be more important than constraining yourself within them.
I was expecting more of that from this book, and while I thought his first book put a lot into 200 pages, I did not feel much gain from this 100.
Perhaps other younger readers might benefit more from Nguyen’s practice of saying no. But then again, I think exploring experience is really important too, so I think breaking through your own mental boundaries might be more important than constraining yourself within them.
November 15, 2024
A quick, much needed read. 🩵
November 28, 2024
LOVED IT SO MUCH!!! I already feel like this helps with ur mental health if u struggle with something I highly recommend it if ur struggling bc it gives a better perspective and helps
December 17, 2024
Quite a short read. Both concise and to the point. Easier to digest and reread and I believe that is how the author intended the book to be consumed. Interested to read other books by the author.
December 24, 2023
Never thought about boundaries like this
The book talks about how to set boundaries unapologetically. Book talks about setting boundaries in different areas of life. How it benefits and what are the disadvantages of not doing so.
The book talks about how to set boundaries unapologetically. Book talks about setting boundaries in different areas of life. How it benefits and what are the disadvantages of not doing so.
December 11, 2023
this feels more like a zine than it does a book, but that’s not a bad thing, it just wasn’t what i was expecting.
I didn’t really learn anything new but that’s okay, i think this book would be amazing for people who are just learning about boundaries or stopping people pleasing. If you have an enmeshed family or something that’s a bit trickier, maybe look for something else.
ALSO: this book isn’t up to be rated on storygraph! Just in case someone reading this can fix that, I figured I’d mention it. I read this for a book club and some people can’t review it lol <3
I didn’t really learn anything new but that’s okay, i think this book would be amazing for people who are just learning about boundaries or stopping people pleasing. If you have an enmeshed family or something that’s a bit trickier, maybe look for something else.
ALSO: this book isn’t up to be rated on storygraph! Just in case someone reading this can fix that, I figured I’d mention it. I read this for a book club and some people can’t review it lol <3
August 3, 2024
درباره ی نیاز و الزام به مرزبندی توضیح داده بیشتر ولی تکنیک مرزبندی خاصی نگفته. بیشتر در حد motivation برای شروع مرزبندی خوبه
October 18, 2025
I don't typically find myself reading for the aim of self-development, but I've been wanting to delve into to why I've always found it difficult to say No. My resistance to it has been justified by simply being optimistic and embracing every opportunity . How can one say 'No' when a 'Yes' can take you so far? I've spent the better part of two years conscious of my vice, rarely attempting to remedy it. There is a quiet comfort in self-awareness, as if the mountain has been climbed already. I think this may be from a combination of reluctant resilience and fear of disappointing. How fun. I came across this piece while randomly perusing the internet and thought today was a better day than any to finally get around to reading it.
It was insightful at most and frustrating in part. There is a strictness I apply in the 'self-help' category, where you do not get the luxury of using words or exploring ideas carelessly. I believe there is an obvious impressionability to all those who pick up the genre (myself included). Each claim should have substantive thought behind it. I enjoy most of the ideas:
Where I derive issue is the application of boundaries to mental health. From what I gathered from the text, it preached that the removal of negative thought creates space for positive thought, and with that, peace. I agree. However I think there is too much control and pressure to combat these negative feelings alone. An example is where he says:
Obviously if possible, all should choose to rid themselves of negativity. However I believe it's not that simple. These thoughts can boil down to chemical imbalance, hereditary predisposition, or just temporary circumstance. I find it difficult to claim that willing yourself better is enough to cure these issues. For many, it should not be a battle they wage in their head alone. I do see how promoting self-actualization can benefit many. I just believe its a topic with weight that should be addressed with more than 99 pages.
Ultimately, the book was insightful- a bit repetitive at times - but it addressed a simple explanation of boundaries: their importance and how to set them. Well applied in situations pertaining to physical or emotional boundaries. I just thought the section around negative thoughts was underdeveloped and, with that, potentially dangerous to promote.
It was insightful at most and frustrating in part. There is a strictness I apply in the 'self-help' category, where you do not get the luxury of using words or exploring ideas carelessly. I believe there is an obvious impressionability to all those who pick up the genre (myself included). Each claim should have substantive thought behind it. I enjoy most of the ideas:
"In constantly saying yes to everyone else we are inadvertently saying no to ourselves"
"Are we not of better service to others when we are full of peace, love, and joy ourselves?"
Where I derive issue is the application of boundaries to mental health. From what I gathered from the text, it preached that the removal of negative thought creates space for positive thought, and with that, peace. I agree. However I think there is too much control and pressure to combat these negative feelings alone. An example is where he says:
"Each time a negative thought enters your mind, you have the choice of continuing the emotional pain or deciding to stop it because you no longer want to suffer
Obviously if possible, all should choose to rid themselves of negativity. However I believe it's not that simple. These thoughts can boil down to chemical imbalance, hereditary predisposition, or just temporary circumstance. I find it difficult to claim that willing yourself better is enough to cure these issues. For many, it should not be a battle they wage in their head alone. I do see how promoting self-actualization can benefit many. I just believe its a topic with weight that should be addressed with more than 99 pages.
Ultimately, the book was insightful- a bit repetitive at times - but it addressed a simple explanation of boundaries: their importance and how to set them. Well applied in situations pertaining to physical or emotional boundaries. I just thought the section around negative thoughts was underdeveloped and, with that, potentially dangerous to promote.
November 23, 2024
If you have been someone who’s mostly afraid of offending others by asserting your basic needs, this book is going to help you.
It also instills a sense of self discipline and self respect by reiterating the conscious of being the way you want to be.
Why I read it?
I didn’t know how to create boundaries with work and manager. 🥲 I have always felt crushed and not accounted for the extra hours I had put in. I desperately needed a way to put forward some points to myself and to others. I understood in is the only way out. I definitely need to communicate politely with others but that courage only comes when you know you when you are with yourself are doing something worth that is fighting for. And my health, interests, life is definitely worth fighting for. ❤️🤭
Where it helped me was- introducing the concept of boundaries with my self. I would often go down a spiral of rumination but I realised that all these negative thoughts are the echo waves of the one sound that an emotional voice makes. To address the emotion doesn’t mean to keep echoing it again and again, it essentially means to segregate thoughts from emotional feeling and then let yourself be without exaggerating the experience. It sounds like a denial at first, but that’s the thing, as long as it doesn’t feel a denial chop it there. Once you realise you are extending it perhaps a bit more, we can say - hey buddy. Maybe I can allow myself to have better time with myself now, I’ll come back to this sooner with a better state of mind.
And the above ofcourse has my own interpretation added to it. It is a short book but definitely helped me be more assertive for my needs with myself and with others too.
It also instills a sense of self discipline and self respect by reiterating the conscious of being the way you want to be.
Why I read it?
I didn’t know how to create boundaries with work and manager. 🥲 I have always felt crushed and not accounted for the extra hours I had put in. I desperately needed a way to put forward some points to myself and to others. I understood in is the only way out. I definitely need to communicate politely with others but that courage only comes when you know you when you are with yourself are doing something worth that is fighting for. And my health, interests, life is definitely worth fighting for. ❤️🤭
Where it helped me was- introducing the concept of boundaries with my self. I would often go down a spiral of rumination but I realised that all these negative thoughts are the echo waves of the one sound that an emotional voice makes. To address the emotion doesn’t mean to keep echoing it again and again, it essentially means to segregate thoughts from emotional feeling and then let yourself be without exaggerating the experience. It sounds like a denial at first, but that’s the thing, as long as it doesn’t feel a denial chop it there. Once you realise you are extending it perhaps a bit more, we can say - hey buddy. Maybe I can allow myself to have better time with myself now, I’ll come back to this sooner with a better state of mind.
And the above ofcourse has my own interpretation added to it. It is a short book but definitely helped me be more assertive for my needs with myself and with others too.
May 12, 2025
Setting boundaries is a vital step toward emotional resilience and personal peace, and this concise guide delivers powerful insights in under 100 pages.
✴️The core message is clear: our emotional suffering doesn't arise from external events, but from how we react to them. By establishing healthy boundaries, we carve out space within ourselves to change our patterns, respond more mindfully, and break free from the cycles that once caused pain.
✴️The book emphasizes that this internal space is a wellspring of possibility—a place where we can consciously choose peace, joy, and love, regardless of life's challenges. It serves as a practical roadmap, helping readers cultivate this inner space and gain control over their emotional responses.
✴️Written in a straightforward and compassionate style, this book is perfect for anyone seeking to enhance their well-being, strengthen their relationships, and reclaim control over their emotional landscape.
If you’re ready to transform how you experience life, this book offers the tools to start that journey—compact, impactful, and empowering
✴️The core message is clear: our emotional suffering doesn't arise from external events, but from how we react to them. By establishing healthy boundaries, we carve out space within ourselves to change our patterns, respond more mindfully, and break free from the cycles that once caused pain.
✴️The book emphasizes that this internal space is a wellspring of possibility—a place where we can consciously choose peace, joy, and love, regardless of life's challenges. It serves as a practical roadmap, helping readers cultivate this inner space and gain control over their emotional responses.
✴️Written in a straightforward and compassionate style, this book is perfect for anyone seeking to enhance their well-being, strengthen their relationships, and reclaim control over their emotional landscape.
If you’re ready to transform how you experience life, this book offers the tools to start that journey—compact, impactful, and empowering
February 18, 2025
"Do not mistake simplicity for lack of effectiveness."
"Do not mistake its brevity for lack of potency."
These two quotes from the author himself beautifully and succinctly explains how this book is.
Boundaries = Freedom is simple yet, in just 91 pages, teaches you what boundaries are, why they are important, how to effectively put them to work and the potential outcome of doing so - which is, living the life you love.
Absolutely loved this book. An definite must read and re-read-worthy!
"Do not mistake its brevity for lack of potency."
These two quotes from the author himself beautifully and succinctly explains how this book is.
Boundaries = Freedom is simple yet, in just 91 pages, teaches you what boundaries are, why they are important, how to effectively put them to work and the potential outcome of doing so - which is, living the life you love.
Absolutely loved this book. An definite must read and re-read-worthy!
May 4, 2025
Before I begin the review, I want to appreciate this book's size, print quality, and minimalistic design. Now coming back to the review, this book is just the right mixture of practical advice, realistic examples, and conveys its core message very well. However, at some point, the content feels repetitive, like the author has tried to make a blog into a full-fledged book, and in attempting to do so, the repetitive content decreases readers' interest. Overall, a good one-time short read, but fails to become one of my favorites in the self-help category.
July 10, 2025
A must read to lift that what keeps you down
This book is one of the most helpful and inspiring books I’ve read that made me feel so much better and happier about myself and why setting boundaries is so important. It removes the sense of guilt of letting go of things we hold on to that keeps us from living a more peaceful, fulfilling and happier future.
Short and to the point sentences, easy to remember to help you cut through negative thoughts and what to do to achieve a healthier and happier life. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
This book is one of the most helpful and inspiring books I’ve read that made me feel so much better and happier about myself and why setting boundaries is so important. It removes the sense of guilt of letting go of things we hold on to that keeps us from living a more peaceful, fulfilling and happier future.
Short and to the point sentences, easy to remember to help you cut through negative thoughts and what to do to achieve a healthier and happier life. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
November 29, 2025
I needed this
This would have saved me decades of struggles and therapy sessions that left me messier on some occasions.
I liked the brevity - it lands better. Appreciated that it didn't overwhelm with all the fluff stories, better impact for myself.
Well written.
This landed hard, Loved this quote:
“Some of the bravest things you can do are to say ‘no’ and set boundaries when you spent a lifetime convinced that you needed to please others in order to be loved.” — Xavier Dagba
This would have saved me decades of struggles and therapy sessions that left me messier on some occasions.
I liked the brevity - it lands better. Appreciated that it didn't overwhelm with all the fluff stories, better impact for myself.
Well written.
This landed hard, Loved this quote:
“Some of the bravest things you can do are to say ‘no’ and set boundaries when you spent a lifetime convinced that you needed to please others in order to be loved.” — Xavier Dagba
February 26, 2025
Just wowww! While I followed some of the concepts of setting boundaries in my life before reading this book, but after reading it here it immediately strikes in your mind hard and affirms what I use to feel, I just loved this book, it’s very short read most can complete probably in about an hour. Especially some of the highlighted quotes are so good that it acts like a therapy. It’s 100% recommend for anyone.
September 17, 2025
Felt like reading a long Twitter thread. The book is written differently. The book emphasizes that it is important to care for your own peace and be joyful by setting boundaries. Your freedom is more important than their anger. Captures this idea. My favorite quote from the book is "Peace is found when we become okay with being misunderstood by others." However, the book is insightful, and I enjoyed reading it.
January 15, 2024
Another nugget of gold!
Joseph's new book touches on a subject for those of us, who have grown up feeling the need
to make everyone else happy in order to survive a challenging childhood. Setting boundaries is the genuine solution to the exhaustion of always trying to tap dance fast enough.
Thanks again, Joseph!
Joseph's new book touches on a subject for those of us, who have grown up feeling the need
to make everyone else happy in order to survive a challenging childhood. Setting boundaries is the genuine solution to the exhaustion of always trying to tap dance fast enough.
Thanks again, Joseph!
September 2, 2024
Excellent book on how you can help yourself by creating some healthy boundaries! & Don't worry, the writer has not bored the reader with a lot of words. A few words that make an impact is how I would describe this book. The book doesn't even have 100 pages, but the message conveyed weighs so much! Happy Reading!
November 21, 2024
What a beautiful book, gave me a new perspective on life , the answers I was searching for, for a very long time, were all answered. The "Art of saying NO" and creating the healthy boundaries, is very important for an introvert, and must be learnt soon, to save his/her's mental health and well being.
March 2, 2024
A great short read!
This is a very specific book focused on what boundaries are and how to create / sustain them. Must read for all those who think their lines are blurred over setting and maintaining boundaries.
This is a very specific book focused on what boundaries are and how to create / sustain them. Must read for all those who think their lines are blurred over setting and maintaining boundaries.
July 4, 2024
Probably the best book of the year for me. It's small, barely even 100 pages, still it has the power to change your life. As it rightly says one thought , one idea can change your life. All that you need to know about boundaries. It's very soothing to read, simple and serene.
November 14, 2024
quick beneficial read!
So many great points in this quick read. Definitely something I can read over and over. Take your time to truly think about the words written. Self reflect and use the tools in this little book to change your life!
So many great points in this quick read. Definitely something I can read over and over. Take your time to truly think about the words written. Self reflect and use the tools in this little book to change your life!
January 24, 2025
3.5 stars to be exact. its a short read which is good in a way because it is simple to understand and can be picked up right where you left it anytime. it would be great if there are more illustrations or exercises as the content can feel a little superficial without any further elaborations.
February 6, 2025
I find this author's work highly engaging and beneficial for personal growth. This particular book offered valuable insights that resonated deeply with me, prompting me to share relevant passages with family and friends who might also find them helpful.
July 9, 2025
I would recommend this book to Everyone!
Unbelievable good advice on how to live a life of peace and love!
In very simple words that speak directly to the heart
I am so grateful that this book came my way🥰
Unbelievable good advice on how to live a life of peace and love!
In very simple words that speak directly to the heart
I am so grateful that this book came my way🥰
November 28, 2023
Well written. Makes you give serious thought to how you’re choosing to live your life.
January 13, 2024
Concise and helpful
I enjoyed this short read a lot as the authors previous books. Very helpful and crucial suggestions for personal growth and happiness.
I enjoyed this short read a lot as the authors previous books. Very helpful and crucial suggestions for personal growth and happiness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews