Have you ever said yes to something you didn't want to do because you were too afraid of disappointing someone or hurting their feelings? Do you end up deciding that suffering through the thing you don't want to do is better than suffering through the anxiety of figuring out how to say no, or worse-- feeling guilty for saying no?
The fear of judgment and overthinking the outcome of saying no can be overwhelming. I've been there. Even now, I still have to be mindful of my limits, to avoid taking on more than I can handle, and to say no to situations that don't serve me or my mental health. It's not always easy to honor the boundaries I've set for myself, but in the end, I've never regretted doing what's best for me.
But how do you say no?
*Declining an invitation*
"Thanks for thinking of me, but I won't be able to make it."
*Declining when someone asks you for a favor*
"My plate is pretty full right now. I really want to help, but I've
got too much going on."
*Declining an opportunity that will result in overcommitting yourself*
"That sounds like a great opportunity, but I've got so much going on already and I wouldn't be able to focus all of my attention on it."
It's essential to prioritize not just your mental health, but also your time and energy. Once you've made the decision to decline an invitation, favor, or opportunity that doesn't align with your needs or desires, let it go. Don't waste precious energy second-guessing yourself. Saying no isn't an ending-- it's the beginning of taking control of your life, respecting your boundaries, and making space for what truly matters to you. By saying no to what doesn't serve you, you're saying yes to a life that honors your well-being and happiness.
Keep shining!💙