When NO is YES

For many of us the word "NO" is not easy to speak. Our resistance to saying "NO" may come from our need to belong, our need for approval, our need to be liked, and so on. So we agree to serve on another committee, bake 10 dozen cookies for the church bake sale, spend the holidays with people we don't particularly like being with, or withhold how we feel about a situation for fear it might might offend someone. The next time you are asked to give of yourself in a way that does not align with who you are and what you are able to do, think about a "NO" as a "YES" to your own well being. I know for myself that, when I am not fully committed to a "YES," I don't give it my whole hearted attention. I find ways to avoid or put off the tasks that are required to do what I have been asked to do. Wouldn't it be more respectful to everyone including myself to be honest and decline the offer. All you need to say is, "Thank you for asking me. Right now I don't have the time to devote to this project and I know how important it is to have people who are fully committed to doing the job right." If the project has merit, the asker will move on to the next person to fill out the ranks. In the meantime you will be saying "YES" to taking care of yourself. The next time you are asked to offer your time and talents to others, ask yourself, "Is this something I feel strongly enough about to give fully of myself?" If the answers is "NO," then give "YES" to taking care of yourself. Where is your "NO" that is a "YES" today for you?