In today’s demanding world, we are pulled in countless directions. The pressure to be always "on"—for work, for family, for social media—can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted. Prioritising our mental and emotional wellbeing has never been more crucial, and one of the most vital tools for this is the practice of setting healthy boundaries.

"Oh, no, not me!" "I hate having my picture taken." "You all go ahead, I'll just take it."

How many of us have said these words? I have heard so many people—dear friends, family, and patients—voice this same feeling. That moment a camera appears, and we are suddenly filled with a desire to duck, hide, or become invisible.

Have you ever found yourself in a room, dimming your own light? Perhaps you held back a passionate idea, downplayed a recent success, or hid a quirky part of your personality, all in an effort to fit in. This feeling of needing to shrink ourselves to be accepted is a deeply painful, and surprisingly common, human experience.