In this episode of A Fresh Story: Simple Tips to Support Yourself, executive coach and licensed clinical therapist Laura Fink, offers clear, actionable guidance on how to navigate boundaries—especially during seasons of heightened stress like the holidays. With a background in high-performance coaching and clinical mental health, Laura brings an expert lens to why boundaries matter, how they evolve over time, and the role they play in emotional resilience, healthy communication, and overall family wellbeing. She breaks down the difference between protective boundaries that keep you grounded and rigid boundaries that unintentionally shut people out, helping listeners understand where and how to create space for themselves within complex family dynamics.Throughout the episode, Laura shares practical tools for reading your own internal signals—particularly the physical and emotional cues that surface when something feels off. She offers accessible strategies to help listeners distinguish between avoiding discomfort and responding to an authentic need for safety or calm. Her tips support anyone navigating tricky family dynamics, parenting pressures, or seasonal overwhelm, emphasizing discernment, flexibility, and staying aligned with personal values.Laura also provides empowering insight into when to soften boundaries, when to strengthen them, and how boundary fluidity supports healthier family systems—especially during high-pressure moments like the holidays. Listeners will learn how to make decisions rooted in self-trust, cultural context, and emotional clarity. Whether you're re-establishing boundaries with a parent, managing expectations with extended family, or simply trying to protect your peace, this conversation offers gentle, practical guidance for creating steadiness, connection, and confidence in your everyday life.