So this past week I did something pretty crazy. If you know me in real life, you know I am a little bit on the wild side to begin with, so this was really crazy even for me. I bet you are wondering what I did? Some of you might even know that my sisters were in Tulsa visiting this past week. Put the three of us together and things are bound to get out of control. Through my Okie besties in the mix and watch out! Truth be told, it was just me... doing something crazy! What was it? I said no.
I know I have written before about the power of saying no, but would you believe that i have been struggling with it ever since and continue to keep saying yes even when I am emotionally and physically exhausted, I STILL cannot say no. This time around was really no different.
I was asked to be on a committee. A committee with a great cause and even better people on it. The cause wasn't something that was necessarily in my wheelhouse, but I thought it would be a great learning experience and hoped i could contribute. Now, guys,here is the important part, do not miss this:
When I was initially asked, my gut told me, "You do not have time for this." I said yes anyway and attended the first zoom meeting. I couldn't make the second zoom meeting fit in my schedule or the third. The little "gut voice" again spoke up, "You are doing too much, you are going to burn out and hurt yourself." Even then I couldn't say no.
It was only when I talked to one of my best friends about it that I finally got up the courage to send an email. And it was so unbelievably hard to write and send! There really are no words. That being said, the relief was almost instantaneous and powerful! I think I could almost get addicted to that feeling.
After this, I couldn't help but start thinking about all the times people that loved me encouraged me to say no, and I didn't. I am talking about those that genuinely have my best interest at heart and want to see me happy and healthy. I am currently reassessing my priorities. My goal: to not always feel tired and worn out.
Why am I revisiting all of this? Because I strongly believe that many of you are in the same position I am in. You struggle so much with letting people down that your priorities have become completely messed up. With the pandemic still going on with no end in sight, we are already shaky in regards to mental health. I am writing today to those of you that are like me. Those of us that really need to learn to say no--to trust that inner voice that tells us we don't really want to or shouldn't do this.
Trust your voice! It knows you better than anyone! Put YOU first. Even when you feel guilty. Even when you feel pressured. Even when you feel like you are being a disappointment. Trust me when I say the feeling of relief is wonderful (bordering on addictive, my first thought was, I should say no all the time).
You can say yes, but make sure that it is right for you! Say yes when the request makes your heart happy. Say yes when the situation brings joy and fulfillment!
Try this with me and learn with me. Together I just know we can be even happier!
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