It is OKAY to say no!!! In fact, it is actually GOOD for us to say no!
My mom is a pleaser. I like that about her, but it can be so exhausting for her. She does not like to say no to anyone. I grew up learning this, and I spent most of my growing up years and my 20's and part of my 30's saying yes to everyone and everything. I became exhausted trying to do what I thought everyone wanted me to do.
Around the age of 38 or so, it finally clicked with me that I could say no. It was good for me to say no. It made me happy so say no. I felt like burdens had been lifted from my shoulders when I said no.
We learn at a young age the word no from our parents. I remember saying no to the boys all of the time. They had to hear it or they could get really hurt physically. What we do forget to teach our children is that it is really okay to say no themselves when they become an adult. The word no itself is not bad. It frees us to do the things that really matter to us. So, go ahead, "Just Say No."
I leave you with a photo to illustrate this post...the wife of my very favorite president.
I'm very proud of you that you have learned to say no--and have found that by doing so, you are much happier to focus on what's important to you.
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