No You May Not: The Boundaries We’re Holding Onto All Year Long

Dear Lifted Family,

Let’s go ahead and say it together one more time for the people in the back:

NO. YOU. MAY. NOT.

This month wasn’t just a cute play on words (though… iconic, let’s be honest). It was a whole movement. A whole mood. A whole lifestyle shift. Because if we’ve learned anything during No You May Not May, it’s this:

Boundaries are not about pushing people away — they’re about pulling yourself closer.

What “No You May Not” Really Means

Let’s be clear — this wasn’t about being rude, cold, or building walls taller than your student loans. This was about reclaiming your energy, protecting your peace, and choosing you without needing to over-explain, over-perform, or overcompensate.

And let’s not act like it was easy.

Saying “no” can feel awkward.

Holding a boundary can feel like you’re ghosting your old people-pleasing self.

And enforcing it? Baby, that’s a workout. Core, glutes, AND your inner child.

But it’s necessary.

What We Talked About This Month

In case you missed any of the juice, here’s a recap of what we covered in our boundary boot camp:

🧠 Knowing what you’re comfortable and uncomfortable with

Because if you don’t know your limits, someone else will — and they’ll run laps around them.

💬 Saying no without guilt

We practiced soft no’s, hard no’s, and the kind where you just log off without replying.

🚫 Boundary affirmations

Like: “No, you may not weaponize my healing against me.”

Or: “No, you may not confuse access with entitlement.”

📱 Digital boundaries

Because turning your phone on Do Not Disturb is a form of therapy.

👀 Recognizing where YOU violate your own boundaries

Yup. Sometimes it’s not them — it’s us. We ghost our own rest plans. We say yes while twitching. Growth is real.

Actionable Steps: How to Set Boundaries All Year Long

Let’s take these lessons and turn them into lifestyle. Because No You May Not doesn’t end in May. It’s a 365-day vibe.

1.

Check in with yourself before you say yes

Ask:

• Do I want to?

• Do I have capacity for this?

• Am I saying yes out of guilt or alignment?

If the answer is no — respect the no.

2.

Start small and get comfortable with discomfort

Boundaries are like yoga for your spirit. At first, they’re awkward. Then they stretch you into something stronger.

Start by saying:

• “I’m not available for that right now.”

• “That doesn’t work for me.”

• “Let me get back to you.” (your polite pause button)

3.

Let people adjust — or not

People who benefit from your lack of boundaries will feel triggered by the new ones. That’s not your problem. That’s your confirmation.

4.

Give yourself permission to revise

A boundary doesn’t have to be forever. You’re allowed to update it, soften it, or reinforce it — based on how you feel, not how someone else reacts.

5.

Use your body as your boundary compass

If your chest tightens, your stomach turns, or your vibe gets murky — that’s your boundary saying, “Girl, this ain’t it.”

6.

Practice the art of walking away

You don’t have to stay in every conversation, every group chat, or every connection just because you once did.

Sometimes peace is simply:

“I’m out.”

Final Thoughts from Your CPO (Chief Positivity Officer)

Lifted Family — I’m proud of us.

We laughed, we set boundaries, we practiced saying “no” with our chest, and some of us even said “yes” to ourselves for the first time in a long time. Whew.

Let’s carry this energy forward.

Let’s remember that our boundaries don’t make us mean — they make us clear.

And let’s never forget…

No, you may not play with my peace. Not now. Not ever.

With love and lifted energy,

Jhoe✨

CPO, Keep It Vertical

Ready to keep the movement going? Drop your favorite “No You May Not” in the comments or tag us in your boundary wins. Let’s keep lifting each other up. 💬👇🏾