The Power of "No"

Why, do tell me, is it easier to say "yes" then it is to say "no"? Is it because we want to please others or be a good person by "doing the right thing"? Making a lasting good impression means a lot to some people. I am learning - still learning - that I can't be all things to all people and sometimes I just have to say no. There are only so many hours in the day and we can only move so fast. Rarely do I get everything done on my to do list and as of late, I've given up trying. I don't feel like a failure for doing so; I feel like a realist. A reality check can be a good thing.

We all have different things we have the option of saying no to and mine, in large degree, have to do with time. I recently stopped participating in one of my volunteer activities. I was so busy I was holding my breath in anticipation of the next time I would be called upon, wondering how in the world I would fit it in. If I can't commit significantly enough to do a good job, I need to take a step back and reevaluate.
 

The Liquor Store and the Pharmacy

While time can be an issue for some, there are other things we might want to say "no" to.

Some substances come to mind. I recently stopped at a McDonalds so a friend could get a cup of coffee. It was right next to one of those mini-malls. A very quiet mini-mall, I might add.

Nearly every store was closed, including the supermarket, photo shop, real estate office, hair salon, Chinese restaurant and pet supply store. Their store signs were in tack, with not a soul in sight. The two stores open, however, were the liquor store and pharmacy.

The traffic in and out of those stores was pretty amazing at 9:30AM. Watching a guy come out of the liquor store, sit in his car and take several gulps from his bottle before he started his car and drove away was not a happy sight.

The pharmacy was just as busy. Though I'm sure some were picking up medications, such as Synthroid for their thyroid conditions, I'd venture to say that others were picking up Codeine or Vicodin or Oxycotin - some absolutely legitimate and others looking for a little help to get through the day.

We've all got our demons and when it comes to me, mine is sugar. While some would say it doesn't rank up there with alcohol or pills, it is a serious addiction. I have to work hard to keep it under control and say "no" because when I get carried away, I can eat half a lemon meringue pie in one sitting. Because I'm thin and don't tend to gain weight by eating it, sometimes it is hard to find an incentive to stop. But given that sugar contributes to everything, from depression to coronary thrombosis, keeping it in check is worth considering. I'm on a good roll right now - keeping my distance - but it's an effort in process. And that's what life is - an effort in process.

Let's each take an inventory every so often and see what we can say "no" to in order to have a more positive life. Let's turn those "no's" into a healthy "yes".


CELEBRATE!!!!

We each need to appreciate ourselves in order to have the power to say "no". Let's celebrate self-appreciation!

Quotes About Self-Appreciation



Life, I fancy, would very often be insupportable, but for the luxury of self-compassion
George Robert Gissing
(1857-1903, British novelist, critic, essayist)

When you know you are doing your very best within the circumstances of your existence, applaud yourself
Rusty Berkus (writer)


I am somebody. I am me. I like being me. And I need nobody to make me somebody.
Louis L'Amour
(1908-1988, American Western author)

I was always willing to take a great deal of the burden of getting along in life on my own shoulders, but I wasn't willing to give myself a pat on the back. I was always looking to somebody else to give me that ... That was all wrong.
Raquel Welch (1940-, American actress)


Once you have mastered time, you will understand how true it is that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year - and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade!
Anthony Robbins (American advisor to leaders)


Affirmation

Saying "no" to some provides the opportunity to say "yes" to more nurturing adventures.

A special thank you to Pat Durner for her help with this newsletter. You are appreciated!