The power of No

I’ve realised recently (somewhat to my own surprise) that I am not always very good at saying No. And I know I’m not the only one. I have seen plenty of people struggle with it over time at work, in relationships, in life…

‘How could I have said yes, when I meant No?. ‘I don’t have time for that extra piece of work, yet I’ve been roped into it…again’. ‘I don’t even want to be with that person, but I just can’t seem to tell him/her’. ‘

EnnnnnnnnnnnN.Ooooooooooooooo. They are only two letters, but their impact can be hugely significant.

The problem I’m finding is that when you don’t say no, sometimes that messes with the order of things and so the effect of not saying it can lead to a whole series of events, thoughts, words, actions, that maybe weren’t meant to happen at all.

The thing is, if you say No when your heart tells you to, you actually feel good. You feel a sense of peace, an expansion, an opening, a relief.

But you have to feel worthy to use No. You have to feel secure - like things will be OK if you say it. You need to have the confidence that you won’t lose that job, partner, friendship, deal... You need to realise that saying no isn’t the same as not being kind…

For tips on getting some practise saying no, this lady seems to be a bit of an expert on the subject. Check out this site: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/tillman6.html

So today, let us celebrate the power and wonder of being able to honour ourselves enough to say no.

‘No thanks’. ‘No, that’s not going to work for me’. ‘No, I’m not able to manage that today’. ‘No, I’ve already made other plans’.

Without apology. Without explanation. Without remorse.

Just because it’s not right. And if it’s not right or not going to work for you, maybe it’s not meant to be.