If you’ve ever created a calm, intentional holiday calendar… only to have it blown up by someone else’s expectations, this episode is for you.

Maybe it’s the company party suddenly requiring gifts, cookies, and a casserole. Maybe it’s a family member insisting, “But this is how we always do it.” Or maybe it’s the pressure of being the reliable, high-achieving one who makes the holidays “magical.”

In Part 2 of my holiday series, we’re talking about how to handle other people’s expectations without abandoning your own energy, priorities, or well-being. Because when you protect your capacity, you protect your joy.

Inside this episode, I walk you through:

✨ Why boundary pushback is normal

✨ How guilt, people-pleasing, and rejection sensitivity get activated this time of year

✨ A simple phrase to buy yourself time before saying yes

✨ How to reconnect with your holiday “why” before responding

✨ How to communicate limits clearly and kindly

✨ What to do when someone keeps pushing

This episode will help you stay grounded, protect your white space, and design holidays that actually feel good, instead of overwhelming.

What You’ll Learn:

• The roots of holiday guilt and pressure
• How to make decisions based on your capacity, not obligation
• Why overexplaining backfires
• Simple scripts for warm, clear boundary-setting
• Why assertiveness is a kindness — to you and everyone else

Your Next Steps:

Work with Me: https://www.dr-alise.com

Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment: https://www.prior10.com

Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/dralisem

Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.

The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.