When I Say No

Saying no to you is one of the most painful things I must force myself to do.

Not all the time, not every time.

But knowing when to employ my boundary is how I keep loving me, while loving you.

The decisions you make are not mine and we both get a chance to live in this life. My eyes bleed with tears when I think about how you have allowed your hurt to guide you over the years.

This new way of thinking is how I continue to breathe from the depth of my breath.

I used to give myself to you until I had nothing else left.

Now there is a voice that reminds me to choose me, too.

I love you so much, I love us both when I open my heart to say no to you.

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When I Say No was originally published in CRY Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.