Thoughts from the Editor
“No is a complete sentence and so often we forget that.
When we don’t want to do something we can simply smile and say no.
We don’t have to explain ourselves, we can just say “No”.
Early on my journey I found developing the ability to say no expanded my ability to say yes and really mean it.
My early attempts at saying no were often far from graceful but with practice even my no came from a place of love.
Love yourself enough to be able to say yes or no.”
― Susan Gregg
It tends to happen when we are full of energy and life is rolling along well that we forget that we are a human who needs rest, rejuvenation and time to catch our breath on a regular basis – kick our shoes off and let our hair down so-to-speak. And in such a state, I often find myself saying yes to invitations and involvements without hesitation before I realize my calendar is overwhelmed. In my initial intention, I sincerely have interest. But it is when I step back into my life I realize that my other priorities, those priorities that I have worked so long and hard trying to cultivate, are suffering due to my taking on too much.
It is at such a moment that I must re-evaluate. I must determine why I am off my game and how to get back on track. Because it is always possible to retrace our steps, remind ourselves of our priorities, goals and intentions and find the discipline within ourselves to stand up for ourselves, admit we have taken on too much and find the courage to say no.
While ideally the “no” will come when the invitation is extended, as we come to get to know ourselves, we may have to say no along the way as we recognize our top priorities are being short-changed and those initially tantalizing engagements, while enjoyable, actually hurt the rest of our days.
It is never easy doing this, as some are of the philosophy that one must finish what we’ve started, but not when it comes to our life’s purpose, what is most valuable. After all, we are all human and we make mistakes. So long as we do so tactfully and honestly, no one can fault us for begin human because we all are.
Respect and protect your goals and chosen path. To live a life for others’ approval is to live life according to their rules. You must determine if your goals are worth the sacrifice and stand in your truth even if initially it is not well received. And then next time, saying “no” will come more readily.
The essence of choosing quality over quantity not only includes material items, but also that which we give our focus. It is when we are able to be fully present and give our best selves that whatever has our attention will flourish. In overextending ourselves,the outcome we had imagined and hoped for becomes less of a possibility because if we arrive exhausted, our energy is not optimal (far from it), often our mood is not ideal either, and without question, our decision-making abilities are hampered which can lead to even more stress and headaches down the road.
Always keep in mind that finding regular breathing space in our everyday is just as valuable as pursuing our goals. After all, busy doesn’t equate to productive and happiness first must begin with respect for ourselves and how we have chosen to live.
~A Post from the Archives You Might Enjoy: Stop Being Busy and Start Being Efficient
Below, find a few images that may just offer a moment of quiet breathing space to get lost in if only for a moment . . .
Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
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