Ever felt selfish or guilty for setting boundaries? You’re not alone — but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, we explore how to set clear, compassionate boundaries without the emotional baggage. Learn why boundaries are a form of self-respect, how to communicate them with confidence, and why guilt has no place in your growth. Whether it’s with family, friends, or at work, discover how to protect your energy and show up as your best self — guilt-free.

✨ What we cover:


Why guilt shows up when we set boundaries


How to reframe boundaries as an act of love


Real-life examples of boundary setting in action

If you're ready to stop people-pleasing and start honoring your needs, this episode is for you.

Guest: Debi Russell, Christian Counselor Debi Russell Speaks

Today's Giveaway: Boundary Cheat Sheet Boundary+Cheat+Sheet+(2).png (1545×2000)

 

Ever felt selfish or guilty for setting boundaries? You&rsquo;re not alone &mdash; but it doesn&rsquo;t have to be that way. In this episode, we explore how to set clear, compassionate boundaries without the emotional baggage. Learn why boundaries are a form of self-respect, how to communicate them with confidence, and why guilt has no place in your growth. Whether it&rsquo;s with family, friends, or at work, discover how to protect your energy and show up as your best self &mdash; guilt-free.
✨ What we cover:
<ul data-start="693" data-end="880">
<li data-start="693" data-end="738">
Why guilt shows up when we set boundaries
</li>
<li data-start="739" data-end="786">
How to reframe boundaries as an act of love
</li>
<li data-start="828" data-end="880">
Real-life examples of boundary setting in action
</li>
</ul>
If you're ready to stop people-pleasing and start honoring your needs, this episode is for you.
Guest: Debi Russell, Christian Counselor <a href="https://www.debirussell.com/">Debi Russell Speaks</a>
Today's Giveaway: Boundary Cheat Sheet&nbsp;<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57051b21d51cd4379e4ea36a/t/68b5deeda9f60e2dfae93bec/1756749549407/Boundary+Cheat+Sheet+%282%29.png">Boundary+Cheat+Sheet+(2).png (1545&times;2000)</a>
&nbsp;

Welcome to Hope for the Journey – Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.

Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God’s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.

Whether you're facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual growth, or needing daily encouragement, Hope for the Journey is here to strengthen your faith and remind you that it’s never too late to start anew.

Join Monica Schmelter each week for powerful Christian testimonies, Bible-based encouragement, and uplifting conversations that will inspire your walk with God and help you navigate life’s journey with faith and hope.

FREE RESOURCES:

Check out all of Monica's free resources, including a free prayer guide and meaningful ways to comfort the grieving, at https://monicaschmelter.com/resources

Welcome to Hope for the Journey &ndash; Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.
Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God&rsquo;s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.
Whether you're facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual growth, or needing daily encouragement, Hope for the Journey is here to strengthen your faith and remind you that it&rsquo;s never too late to start anew.
Join Monica Schmelter each week for powerful Christian testimonies, Bible-based encouragement, and uplifting conversations that will inspire your walk with God and help you navigate life&rsquo;s journey with faith and hope.
FREE RESOURCES:
Check out all of Monica's free resources, including a free prayer guide and meaningful ways to comfort the grieving, at <a href="https://monicaschmelter.com/resources">https://monicaschmelter.com/resources</a>

Welcome to Hope for the Journey with Monica Schmelter– Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.  Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God’s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.

Hope For The Journey with Monica Schmelter

Hope For The Journey

Boundaries Without Guilt: No is a Complete Sentence, Stop People Pleasing and Enjoy Your Life

In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses the importance of embracing the holiday spirit by doing less and enjoying more.She emphasizes that holiday magic comes from being present rather than overdoing it and shares practical strategies for women over 40 to reclaim joy during the holiday season. Monica encourages listeners to set boundaries, focus on what truly matters, and find freedom in simplifying their holiday traditions.


Holiday magic comes from being present, not doing more.
Women often face cultural and family expectations during the holidays.
Doing less can lead to more joy and less burnout.
Setting boundaries is essential for a fulfilling holiday experience.
It's okay to say no without feeling guilty.
Focus on three meaningful holiday activities and let the rest go.
Grief can impact holiday joy; it's important to acknowledge it.
Creating new traditions can help in processing loss.
Doing less is a way to protect your heart during the holidays.
Finding joy in simple pleasures can enhance the holiday experience.

Extras - HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080×1350)

 

In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses the importance of embracing the holiday spirit by doing less and enjoying more. She emphasizes that holiday magic comes from being present rather than overdoing it and shares practical strategies for women over 40 to reclaim joy during the holiday season. Monica encourages listeners to set boundaries, focus on what truly matters, and find freedom in simplifying their holiday traditions. Holiday magic comes from being present, not doing more. Women often face cultural and family expectations during the holidays. Doing less can lead to more joy and less burnout. Setting boundaries is essential for a fulfilling holiday experience. It's okay to say no without feeling guilty. Focus on three meaningful holiday activities and let the rest go. Grief can impact holiday joy; it's important to acknowledge it. Creating new traditions can help in processing loss. Doing less is a way to protect your heart during the holidays. Finding joy in simple pleasures can enhance the holiday experience.
Extras - <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57051b21d51cd4379e4ea36a/t/69376a806ad7eb690a718731/1765239424647/HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png">HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080&times;1350)</a>
&nbsp;

Doing Less & Enjoying the Holidays MORE; Peace not chaos during Christmas

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/495cf528-9b22-4a94-9418-b3b501257c89/transcript

The holiday season often arrives wrapped in expectations—traditions to uphold, gatherings to organize, and memories we hope to recreate. But life is never static. Children grow. Circumstances shift. Loved ones move across states… or even across oceans. In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter explores how embracing flexibility can transform our holiday experience and keep our hearts centered on Christ. 

As a self-described recovering “control freak,” Monica shares how letting go of rigid expectations opened her hands to receive the grace God is offering right now. Drawing from personal stories—including celebrating Christmas early with her adult son before he travels abroad—and insights from Hope for the Journey guests, she reminds us that the true heart of Christmas remains unchanged: Christ has come. When we release the pressure for perfection, we make space for peace, connection, and gratitude. Flexibility becomes a spiritual posture, a way of loving others well, and a reminder that God’s joy isn’t fragile. From store-bought dinners to unexpected schedule shifts, the imperfect moments often become the sacred ones.

Hope for the Holidays - HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080×1350)

The holiday season often arrives wrapped in expectations&mdash;traditions to uphold, gatherings to organize, and memories we hope to recreate. But life is never static. Children grow. Circumstances shift. Loved ones move across states&hellip; or even across oceans. In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter explores how embracing flexibility can transform our holiday experience and keep our hearts centered on Christ.&nbsp;
As a self-described recovering &ldquo;control freak,&rdquo; Monica shares how letting go of rigid expectations opened her hands to receive the grace God is offering right now. Drawing from personal stories&mdash;including celebrating Christmas early with her adult son before he travels abroad&mdash;and insights from Hope for the Journey guests, she reminds us that the true heart of Christmas remains unchanged: Christ has come. When we release the pressure for perfection, we make space for peace, connection, and gratitude.&nbsp;Flexibility becomes a spiritual posture, a way of loving others well, and a reminder that God&rsquo;s joy isn&rsquo;t fragile. From store-bought dinners to unexpected schedule shifts, the imperfect moments often become the sacred ones.
Hope for the Holidays - <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57051b21d51cd4379e4ea36a/t/69376a806ad7eb690a718731/1765239424647/HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png">HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080&times;1350)</a>

Holidays -Unwrapping Grace: How flexibility can show others the love of Christ

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/5a526692-87d5-4481-88f0-b3ad01734bc6/transcript

If the holiday season is already feeling heavy - if your scheduled is already overbooked - you are NOT alone. Hope is closer than you think. Acclaimed author Cynthia Ruchti joins Monica to talk about the Spirit of Christmas - a unique look at the Christmas story - that may change your perspective on the Christmas season.

For example, if you've been celebrating Christmas the same way year after year - today's episode will encourage you to look for the Holy Spirit in the Christmas story and in your life during the holidays as well. Cynthia's unique perspective is a breath of fresh air for the woman and/or family who wants to get past the "commercialization" of Christmas and find what is truly meaningful.

Cynthia and Monica also talk about ways to slow down and resist the pressure of the season so that you can experience a Christmas season filled with His presence and peace.

It isn't too late to rewrite your holiday story. Your Christmas doesn't have to be filled with disappointment and unmet expectations. You can start fresh this year and create peaceful, beautiful and meaningful memories for you and your family.

Today's Guest: Cynthia Ruchti, Cynthia Ruchti | I can't unravel. I'm hemmed in hope.

Today's Giveaways & Resources:

Ruchti_The-Roles-of-the-Holy-Spirit.pdf

 401076_Ruchti_The-Spirit-of-Christmas_Coloring-Page-v3-1.jpg (1800×2250)

If the holiday season is already feeling heavy - if your scheduled is already overbooked - you are NOT alone. Hope is closer than you think. Acclaimed author Cynthia Ruchti joins Monica to talk about the Spirit of Christmas - a unique look at the Christmas story - that may change your perspective on the Christmas season.
For example, if you've been celebrating Christmas the same way year after year - today's episode will encourage you to look for the Holy Spirit in the Christmas story and in your life during the holidays as well. Cynthia's unique perspective is a breath of fresh air for the woman and/or family who wants to get past the "commercialization" of Christmas and find what is truly meaningful.
Cynthia and Monica also talk about ways to slow down and resist the pressure of the season so that you can experience a Christmas season filled with His presence and peace.
It isn't too late to rewrite your holiday story. Your Christmas doesn't have to be filled with disappointment and unmet expectations. You can start fresh this year and create peaceful, beautiful and meaningful memories for you and your family.
Today's Guest: Cynthia Ruchti,&nbsp;<a href="https://cynthiaruchti.com/">Cynthia Ruchti | I can't unravel. I'm hemmed in hope.</a>
Today's Giveaways &amp; Resources:
<a href="https://cynthiaruchti.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ruchti_The-Roles-of-the-Holy-Spirit.pdf">Ruchti_The-Roles-of-the-Holy-Spirit.pdf</a>
&nbsp;<a href="https://cynthiaruchti.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/401076_Ruchti_The-Spirit-of-Christmas_Coloring-Page-v3-1.jpg">401076_Ruchti_The-Spirit-of-Christmas_Coloring-Page-v3-1.jpg (1800&times;2250)</a>

Boundaries Without Guilt: No is a Complete Sentence, Stop People Pleasing and Enjoy Your Life

Hope For The Journey with Monica Schmelter

In 1 playlist(s)

Hope For The Journey

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips