May 13, 2026

On The Upside with Marley

Learning to set boundaries without guilt

Many people struggle with boundaries not because they don’t understand them, but because they feel uncomfortable enforcing them. Saying no can feel harsh. Creating limits can feel selfish. And choosing your own time or energy over someone else’s request can bring a quiet sense of guilt that lingers longer than the decision itself.

A boundary is not a rejection of others. It is a recognition of yourself.

When you avoid setting boundaries, you may keep the peace temporarily, but it often comes at a cost. Overcommitment, resentment, and exhaustion tend to follow. You begin to give from a place that is no longer sustainable, and eventually even small requests can feel overwhelming.

Setting a boundary does not require conflict. It requires clarity. It is not about pushing people away, but about being honest about what you can realistically give. When done calmly and consistently, boundaries often strengthen relationships rather than weaken them, because they remove unspoken expectations.

The discomfort you feel is not a sign you are doing something wrong. It is a sign you are doing something unfamiliar. Over time, that discomfort fades, replaced by a sense of balance and control.

People who respect you will adjust. Those who don’t often reveal why the boundary was needed in the first place.

Setting boundaries is not about changing how others behave. It is about deciding what you will allow to shape your time, your energy, and your peace.

Common Things That Aren’t What They Seem

• “Average” isn’t typical – The average can be influenced by extremes and may not represent most cases.
• Silence is rarely empty – There is almost always background noise your brain filters out.
• Multitasking reduces efficiency – Switching tasks quickly feels productive but often slows actual output.
• Fresh batteries can seem weak – Device calibration sometimes misreads new energy levels initially.
• Coincidences feel meaningful – The brain naturally looks for patterns, even where none exist.

Famous Canadians

Who is this young Canadian? (Click or Hover to Discover)

There’s No Hierarchy Among Thieves

A thief stuck a pistol in a man’s ribs and said, “Give me your money.” The gentleman, shocked by the sudden attack, said, “You cannot do this, I’m a congressman!” The thief replied, “In that case, give me MY money!”

Elementary Dear Watson

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine, they laid down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. “Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.” Watson replied, “I see millions and millions of stars.” “What does that tell you?” Watson pondered for a minute. “Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies, and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?” Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke. “It tells me that someone has stolen our tent.”

Just Enough Info, For A Raise

Phil walks into his boss’s office one day and says, “Sir, I’ll be honest with you. I know the economy isn’t great, but I’ve got three companies after me, and I’d like to respectfully ask for a raise.”

After a few minutes of haggling, the boss finally agrees to give him a 5 percent raise, and Phil happily gets up to leave.

“By the way,” the boss asks as Phil heads out, “which three companies are after you?”

Phil replies, “The electric company, the water company, and the phone company.”

The Tree Of Reality

An organization is like a tree full of monkeys, all on different limbs at different levels. The monkeys on top look down and see a tree full of smiling faces. The monkeys on the bottom look up and see nothing but asses.

Editors Quote Book

“Honoring your own boundaries is the clearest message to others to honor them, too.”

—Gina Greenlee

Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

Odd But True

Chinese Car Company patents a voice-activated “In Vehicle Toilet
A Chinese car company has been granted a patent for a voice activated, in-vehicle toilet that slides out from under a passenger seat. Comment your

* * * * *

Scientists Discover Immortal Jellyfish!
The immortal jellyfish can revert its adult cells back to an earlier polyp stage, effectively restarting its life cycle. Instead of dying, it transforms and begins again. Native to oceans worldwide, this tiny creature fascinates scientists studying aging, regeneration, and the possibility of biological immortality in nature. Life insurance salesmen are scratching their heads.

* * * * *

“Goat elected mayor of small town (and re-elected twice)”
In March 2019, a 3-year-old Nubian goat named Lincoln was elected honorary mayor of Fair Haven, Vermont, winning with 13 votes to raise funds for a new playground. The Nubian goat took the oath of office, wore a sash, and served a one-year term in the town of 2,500 people.

The Immortal Jellyfish

The Best Patient

Three doctors are discussing which types of patients they prefer. Doctor Watson says, ”I prefer librarians. All their organs are alphabetized.” Doctor Fitzpatrick says, ”I prefer mathematicians. All their organs are numbered.” Doctor Ahn says, ”I prefer lawyers. They’re gutless, heartless, brainless, spineless, and their heads and rear-ends are interchangeable.”

The Scientist & The Philosopher

A scientist and a philosopher are being chased by a hungry lion. The scientist makes some quick calculations and says, “It’s no good trying to outrun it. It’s catching up!” The philosopher keeps a little ahead and replies, “I’m not trying to outrun the lion, I’m trying to outrun you!”

No Respect

Why is Christmas just like the day at the office? You do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit.

Use ‘Beans’ In A Sentence

A teacher asked her students to use the word “beans” in a sentence. “My father grows beans,” said one girl. “My mother cooks beans,” said a boy. A third student spoke up, “We are all human beans.”

Odd But True

Chinese Car Company patents a voice-activated “In Vehicle Toilet
A Chinese car company has been granted a patent for a voice activated, in-vehicle toilet that slides out from under a passenger seat. Comment your

* * * * *

Scientists Discover Immortal Jellyfish!
The immortal jellyfish can revert its adult cells back to an earlier polyp stage, effectively restarting its life cycle. Instead of dying, it transforms and begins again. Native to oceans worldwide, this tiny creature fascinates scientists studying aging, regeneration, and the possibility of biological immortality in nature. Life insurance salesmen are scratching their heads.

* * * * *

“Goat elected mayor of small town (and re-elected twice)”
In March 2019, a 3-year-old Nubian goat named Lincoln was elected honorary mayor of Fair Haven, Vermont, winning with 13 votes to raise funds for a new playground. The Nubian goat took the oath of office, wore a sash, and served a one-year term in the town of 2,500 people.

The Last Word

“Respect for your own limits is the foundation of everything that lasts.”