It’s okay to say NO! I’ve been preaching this all 2017 and I’m going to continue to spread the gospel this year. I’m coming from the Book of I’m tired and sometimes busy, so I don’t have the time. You never read that in the good book? Well, let me tell you about it. If you allow it, people will run you down. Don’t let them. Tell them NO. Respectfully, of course.
Just this weekend I told my mom , NO. Imagine how scary that was, but I had to. I was emotionally drained and physically tired from the extreme work week I experienced. I covered wall to wall coverage of a school shooting death of a 17-year-old high school senior. I decided Friday that I would spend all Saturday resting, relaxing, and regrouping. I made my mind up that I would not leave the house, plus there were thunderstorms in the forecast. So when my mom asked me to go shopping with her, I politely said NO. I think she clutched her imaginary pearls, but I was firm in my answer and couldn’t be swayed. I needed the rest. It was simple as that. There was no shade implied, but I was doing what was best for me and you should too. If you’re feeling guilty about saying NO, it’s okay. That’s natural, especially if you’re a person that wants to help and a giver by nature. But here are a few reasons why you should say NO and not feel guilty about it.
You Don’t Have Time:
Sometimes you simply don’t have the time. My schedule is constantly booked. I’ve committed myself to a lot of things this year and I rarely have time to add anything new to my agenda. If you’re in the same position, it’s okay to turn down and engagement that doesn’t further your goals or help you better assist someone really in need. I’m a strong believer that you make time for what you want to make time for, but in some cases you don’t have time for even those things. I would rather be fully there for an event than barely there and rushing to get somewhere else because I’ve over booked myself.
You Need to Rest:
Once upon a time I was team no sleep and in constant grind mode, but I quickly realized that sleep deprivation is unhealthy. I remember once I was working on an hour of sleep and my body just shut down. I experienced chills, I couldn’t walk , and my head was spinning. It was my body’s way of saying REST. Despite the clear signs that I need to rest, I was was still trying to push through and work, when I should have been somewhere in bed. Needless to say when I finally made it home I crashed with clothes and shoes on. I woke up the next morning and promised myself that I wouldn’t allow that to happen ever again, and if that means saying NO, so be it. Ladies, take care of yourself. Get some rest. Decompress emotionally and give your body a break.
You are Not Emotionally Moved:
I said earlier this year I’m only committing myself to projects that I wholeheartedly support. If I don’t support the organization’s agenda and it’s role in the community that’s an easy NO. But what about the ones you do support? It makes saying NO, harder. Sometimes it’s still necessary to turn it down. You’re not obligated to commit to anything that doesn’t move you emotionally. I really think that should be the gauge on whether or not you commit. How will this experience impact me emotionally? Will I feel happy about giving my time? Will I leave this event inspired and empowered or just drained? Remember taking care of your inner is just as important as looking good on the outside.
How many of you ladies are a people-pleasers and say yes to avoid conflict or possibly hurting someone’s feelings? I want you stop putting someone else’s needs before your own. Sometimes it’s okay to be a little selfish. Sometimes ladies, NOT all the time. I repeat, NOT all the time. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself, when you’re also working to help someone else.
Don’t be afraid to say NO this week. Let me know if you utter the two letter word that is sometimes the hardest to say.
What I’m Wearing:
Black Dress: Forever 21 (sold out), almost identical HERE and HERE
Jacket: Forever 21 (sold out), similar HERE
Heels: Justfab (sold out), similar HERE
Fashionably yours
