We’ve all been there: saying yes when we meant no, smiling through resentment, or agreeing out of obligation. For many, especially women and healers, this habit runs deep.
Saying no can be uncomfortable. It can stir feelings of guilt when we let those we care about down. It can bring up deep-seated beliefs about not being good enough or being selfish.
But every time you say “no” to what drains you, disrespects you, or distracts you from your center, you say “yes” to your well-being, your integrity, and your energy.
Look at it this way: No is not a wall. It’s a boundary of love. It’s how you protect your inner ecosystem: your body, your time, and your nervous system.
When you begin honoring your “no,” you reclaim trust in yourself. You remember that your body knows. Your heart knows. And you don’t have to betray yourself to make others happy.
If you habitually say yes for all the wrong reasons, you can retrain yourself to say no. When asked for something, check in with yourself. Does your body tighten or resist the yes? Do you feel any resentment?
No doesn’t require justification or excuse. It’s a complete sentence all by itself. But if saying no is difficult for you, you can start by offering up softer no’s:
- “Let me think about that and get back to you.”
- “I don’t have the bandwidth for that right now.”
- “That’s not aligned for me at the moment.”
Saying no with clarity is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and for others. And a clear no clears the way for more yesses!
This Month’s Practice
Journal Prompt:
Where in my life am I being called to say “no” even if it’s uncomfortable?
Need help to find and practice your no? Work with me!
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