I must have the right to say “No.” Only I can give myself this right on a meaningful basis . . . My no is a function of some of the deepest compassionate feelings for myself. This no of mine represents whatever force I can bring against anything in me or outside of me which I recognize as being antithetical to my wellbeing . . . No is my block and fortress to and against self-hate. No is my stand against impossible demands wherever they come from.
