Winston Churchill once boldly proclaimed, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." This profound statement is a testament to the power of generosity. But have you ever stopped to ponder the power of its opposite—the power of "NO"?
“Have the courage to say NO. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” - W. Clement Stone
My mother was the embodiment of community involvement. She was the heartbeat of every club, organization, and committee that would have her. Her spirit of giving inspired me, so I followed in her footsteps. But here’s the thing about joining groups - they SOMETIMES keep asking for more. It's like stepping onto a never-ending escalator. You start as a member, then ascend to being a board member, and before you know it, you're sitting at the helm as President. Spending more and more time with THEM, for THEM.
Some people have an uncanny knack for taking from those who are eager to give. This isn't just confined to clubs or organizations—it infiltrates all relationships, be it at work, school, or home. We find ourselves incessantly striving to please THEM, giving to THEM, helping THEM! We offer our T-Time, H-Happiness, E-Energy, and M-Money to THEM. Sometimes at great personal loss.
I am not saying that it is wrong to give. I want us to understand that it is okay to have limits. You can’t be everything to everyone if you don’t take care of yourself first.
So, why do we find it so hard to utter that simple, two-letter word? "NO!" Is it anxiety? The need for approval? A desire to attract people? Or perhaps we're just naturally amiable? Regardless, we must learn to decline sometimes, especially when we feel bullied, belittled, bound to something we don’t want to do, or simply too busy.
The power of "NO" is transformative. It builds self-confidence, fosters focus on what truly matters, and serves as a barricade against burnout. It may seem absurd, but finding the courage to say NO can indeed strengthen relationships by ushering in a wave of honesty and transparency.
I hear you asking, "But how do I harness this power?" Saying NO isn’t always easy, but here are some hints to help you get started. Express gratitude for their trust, but assertively decline. Articulate your "NO" with respect and tact. Offer empathy but stand your ground.
Remember, every time you say YES to one thing, you are inadvertently saying NO to something else. So, you see, you are already pretty good at saying NO.
Embrace the power of "NO". Let it be your armor on your journey to self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment. Remember, it's not about being stubborn or selfish—it's about respecting your own boundaries, valuing your time, and prioritizing your needs. Harness the power of "NO” and start saying “YES” to you!
As seen in Stroll, Hawthorn Woods CC Magazine. Follow “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.