“A no uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a yes merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Overstretched, taxed, burdened, spread thin, stressed-out, angry, resentful. These are just some of the feelings that may arise when we say “yes” when we really mean “no.” Yes to another committee, yes to assisting a colleague at work, yes to any number of things that friends and family members often request and expect. It isn’t easy saying no, as you risk disappointing or upsetting others. But spending your time and energy doing what others want, leaves you less time for the things of your own choosing. Learning to say no can be a courageous first step that will help you choose the life you want.
When something is asked of you, do you usually refrain from saying no or do you say yes only when your vision is served? What can you do to help yourself say yes only when appropriate?
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