Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself

This book should be required reading in high schools; an absolute must-read for everyone!
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book as part of the launch team, but I was not required to write a positive review. My thoughts are my own.I wish I had the words to adequately express how much this book has helped me in my journey towards finding true peace and empowerment within myself.I grew up in a very enmeshed family where boundaries were completely non-existent. My impulse to do whatever I could to please everyone, and to try to be everything to everyone, was ingrained in me since birth. I gave pieces of myself away every day, and as I got older, I realized that I was empty. I had nothing left to give; but somehow, I just kept on giving.Around eighteen years old, I had an epiphany when I learned what ‘codependency’ and ‘boundaries’ were. It hit me like a ton of bricks: I needed boundaries in my life. This was terrifying to me, because even just the thought of saying ‘no’ to people would leave me with feelings of excruciating guilt and anxiety. I imagined it would be unbearable.I started to collect every book I could find on the subject of codependency and boundaries; and although I learned many new and enlightening things about these subjects, I still kept reverting back to old patterns. I had an understanding of codependency, and I knew I needed to start setting boundaries, but I still couldn’t figure out how to do it.Last year, I discovered Nedra on Instagram. Every one of her posts were so on point. It was like, all this time, the lightbulb was dangling over my head, but her words finally switched it ON. I was ecstatic when I learned she was writing a book. I thought, “Well, if her book is anything like these posts, that is what I need!”. I signed up to be a part of the book’s launch team, and that was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself in a very long time.The reason ‘Set Boundaries, Find Peace’ has been so much more helpful to me than all the other books I’ve read on boundaries, is that it is so clear and direct – which is exactly what Nedra explains you have to be when setting boundaries. The way the chapters are organized is very clean and simple, and the exercises really challenge you to connect with yourself, and get to the heart of the matter you’re trying to work through. She emphasizes pushing through the feelings of guilt, and explains so concisely how guilt can trick us into believing we’re doing something wrong simply by saying ‘no’, or asking for help.On page 252, she says, “Remember: there is no such thing as guilt-free boundary setting. If you want to minimize (not eliminate) guilt, change the way you think about the process. Stop thinking about boundaries as mean or wrong; start to believe they’re a nonnegotiable part of healthy relationships, as well as a self-care and wellness practice.”She also gives you the exact words to use when setting a certain boundary, and she doesn’t leave anything to ambiguity. Not only does she include examples of real life scenarios where certain boundaries are necessary, she tells you precisely how to go about setting these boundaries in your own life. This is what every other book I’d read before was lacking. This is where the other books fell short. Nedra doesn’t just give you the tools; she tells you, clearly and directly, how to use them.I am so grateful that I got to be a part of this book’s launch team, and even though I wish this book existed years ago, I am so grateful that it exists in the world now.Give yourself one of the greatest gifts you ever could, and read this book. While I was reading it, there were times I had to put it down for a couple of days and really face some hard truths, but this is how we grow; this is how we ultimately find peace. We push through the tough stuff, and come out on the other side feeling more empowered than we ever thought possible; and this book will guide you through it, every step of the way.

Great book
Really great and practical advice. Enjoyed the sections on work, family, and freinds and will be looking at setting boundaries in my day to day life.

Nedra Glover Tawwab knows her stuff!
Nedra Glover Tawwab knows her stuff! As a clinician for the past 18 years, I haven’t read such a clear and comprehensive book about boundaries, why we need them and what happens to us when we don’t have them. Great examples of how to communicate healthy boundaries to others so that our relationships with self and others grow.

Life changing book, structured well
I recently finished reading this book, and it’s truly a game-changer! It’s easy to read and understand, with clear examples that make the concepts come to life. The book provides practical advice that helps rethink how to approach stressful situations, offering fresh perspectives and strategies for staying level-headed in stressful scenarios. It’s incredibly helpful and insightful, making it a must-read for anyone looking to be less of a people pleaser and more of a self advocate. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

As someone with ‘porous boundaries’ this book is excellent. Each chapter starts with a case study followed by clear, straightforward explanations and examples. Very easy to read but an awful lot of information to take in too. She suggests taking breaks to process and I would agree. It’s a lot, especially if you are revealing and breaking unhelpful habits of a lifetime. The exercises at the end of each chapter are useful in honing your skills. I have, however, bought the workbook too as I need lots of practice! I wish I’d had this book years ago!

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab is a life-changing guide to reclaiming control of your time, energy, and emotional well-being. As someone who has often struggled with people-pleasing and the guilt that comes with setting boundaries, this book felt like a gentle yet firm reminder that protecting my peace is not selfish—it’s necessary.Tawwab’s approach is refreshingly practical. She breaks down complex concepts about boundaries—be they emotional, physical, or digital—into clear, actionable steps. I appreciated her real-life examples and how they showed that boundaries can be applied in every relationship, from family to work to friendships. Her emphasis on self-awareness was especially eye-opening for me; it helped me identify where I’ve been overextending myself and why.One of the most powerful takeaways was learning that “no” is a complete sentence. This simple yet profound idea encouraged me to communicate my needs without overexplaining, which has been liberating. The sections on handling pushback and staying consistent with boundaries were also incredibly helpful, as they provided me with strategies to handle discomfort and guilt.If you’re looking for a book that blends psychology, personal growth, and practical advice, this is it. Tawwab’s compassionate yet straightforward tone makes this a must-read for anyone feeling drained by the expectations of others. It’s a reminder that peace begins with us—and that boundaries are an essential tool in building a life of freedom and balance.