Minisode 17 | April 20, 2021
Changing Family Patterns
In this minisode, we talk briefly about recognizing family patterns and setting boundaries to change those patterns.
INTRO
Welcome to “That’s a Hard No” – the podcast about saying no and setting boundaries so you can become the authentic and empowered you that this world needs.
Reminder: While Sarah is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, this podcast is in no way a replacement for one-on-one therapy with a mental health professional. If you are struggling with mental health issues, we welcome you on this journey, but also invite you to seek out professional help.
Looking for a therapist? Here’s a good place to start: psychologytoday.com

SHOW NOTES
Key Takeaways
- In this minisode, we briefly revisit our conversation with Reanna and Davis Karousis (episode 13) and how they proactively set boundaries in order to change their family’s patterns of behavior. If you missed it, we suggest going back and giving it a listen. You’ll love them.
- It’s important to recognize that we have all been molded into who we are based on our upbringing and our previous environments and circumstances. But once we’re adults, we do get to choose what we want our lives to look like.
- There is no manual for setting boundaries. Sometimes it takes trial and error. Sometimes we need to revisit and reinforce boundaries. Sometimes we change our minds. As Reanna said, “it’s not a ‘set it and forget it’ kind of thing”
- There are certain boundaries that serve certain seasons of our lives. But then it’s okay to go back to the drawing board and re-evaluate them once we find ourselves in different seasons.
- It’s important to identify what it is that you want, what feels right for you, and then to start having those open conversations and creating boundaries that serve everyone in the relationship. It’s not one-sided. It’s not about shutting someone down or out. We set boundaries because we want to have a healthy dynamic – a good relationship. It’s about managing relationships in a healthy way versus people-pleasing and unhealthy behaviors.
- And finally, if you find yourself stuck, suffocated, or not truly free in your decision-making, that may be a signal that something deeper is involved. We highly recommend seeking therapy with a professional who can help you sort out your feelings and dig deeper and unpack what’s really going on.
Credits and Thanks
- Special thanks to Reanna Karousis of Collective Reach and the Social Distance Happy Hour, who inspired and challenged us to start this podcast and helped us produce our first episode.
- Thanks also to our families and friends for all their encouragement and support, and to you, our listeners, for joining us on this adventure.
- That’s a Hard No is a joint production of Clever Girl Marketing and Purposeful Growth & Wellness.
- Logo design by Angela Giaco of A Pink Sunset. You can find her at apinksunset.com.
- Music: “Whiskey for Lunch” by GG Rigs. (Don’t judge us, you guys. We just like the song.)