In this episode of Live OUT Loud, Michele + River unpack the nuanced difference between honoring your peace and unintentionally slipping into isolation.

We start by defining what “protecting your peace” actually looks like — and how it differs from the quiet heaviness of emotional withdrawal. Is your solitude helping you recharge, or are you retreating out of fear?

Next, we walk the tightrope between healthy boundaries and avoidant behavior. We ask the hard questions: Are you truly preserving your energy, or dodging vulnerability? Can “too much peace” actually leave you feeling numb?

Finally, we explore the root causes of isolation in disguise — from social fatigue and fear of being hurt again, to unprocessed emotions and the kind of independence born from past trauma.

This one’s for anyone navigating the gray area between self-care and self-protection. Let’s get honest, compassionate, and real about what it means to live in connection, without losing yourself.