Hey friends, welcome back to another #MentalHealthMonday on The Meredith Patterson Podcast.
I'm so grateful you're here—because today, we're talking about something essential.
Something that has quite literally transformed my life over the last few years.
Protecting. Your. Peace.
Now, I want to start this episode by reading something I wrote recently on Instagram that really struck a chord with a lot of people. Maybe it'll strike one in you too.
From @merpatterson
"There is so much hate, negativity, and injustice in the world. I am choosing to protect my peace. I am about to enter a new decade at the end of this year and this fact has me taking stock yet again of what is working in my life and what may not be serving me anymore. 🫶"
Recently, over the past 2 years or so, I really began to take inventory of who I was surrounding myself with in both work and social life. I was not fully trusting my gut when I felt someone or something was off. I would excuse the behavior away and deal. But, I noticed how these people or work environments were changing my mental, physical and emotional health."
I suddenly put my foot down and took a hard look at everything. I started identifying and removing myself from all toxic people and not working for companies who had bad reputations. I raised the bar. I set up boundaries and enforced them. And it felt wonderful.
I didn't need anyone's permission, I just shifted my allowance. Those who respected it stayed, those who didn't left. What a lesson that taught me. My energy shifted and I am protecting my peace at all cost.
I learned what I valued in friends and colleagues — integrity, compassion, honesty, and open-mindedness — and what I wouldn't tolerate — subtle and compounded cruelty, selfishness, narcissistic, competitive behavior, and manipulative tendencies.
With these boundaries, I immediately started to feel a lot better. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest.
As we cross the halfway mark of this year, I am so thankful I made this powerful choice. I encourage you to take stock of the life you have, the people who are in your tribe, the vibe you allow. It isn't easy to do but it is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
Be the change, treat others as you would want to be treated, and uplevel your life."
That post came from a very real place in my heart
Because for so long, I ignored the signs. The energy-drainers. The manipulative dynamics. The subtle disrespect. I'd excuse it away, especially if someone was "important" or if I thought walking away might hurt my reputation or limit my opportunities.
But over time, I realized: staying in environments that disrespect you will cost you far more than leaving them ever will.
So I made a choice. I stopped asking for permission to protect my peace. I set boundaries. I made values-based decisions. I stopped tolerating what made me feel small.
And I started healing.
So today, I want to leave you with a challenge. A call to action.
Declare your peace. Out loud. In writing. In a journal. In a voice note. To a friend.
Ask yourself:
What is no longer serving me?
What drains my energy or makes me feel less than?
Who in my life makes me feel seen, safe, and celebrated?
Where do I need firmer boundaries?
What would protecting my peace look like today?
And then...take one small action. Maybe it's a conversation. Maybe it's letting something go. Maybe it's just saying "no" when you usually say "yes."
Whatever it is, do it for you. You do not need anyone's permission to protect your peace. You only need the courage to prioritize yourself.
Because when you do? You rise. Your energy rises. Your joy, your clarity, your creativity—it all returns.
So as you move through this week, I want you to carry this mantra with you:
✨ Protecting my peace is not selfish. It's sacred. ✨
Thank you for being here with me. Thank you for listening.
If this episode resonated with you, share it. Tag me. Start the conversation.
Let's normalize having boundaries. Let's normalize peace. Let's uplevel—together.
Until next time,
Thank you for listening!
Remember Bliss Is Your Birthright
Have Vision for what you want and be grateful for where you are every single day
#ProtectYourPeace #MentalHealthMonday #BlissIsYourBirthright
