I said NO

[Gardenarian]

And I'm really glad I did.

I keep giving up all my leisure time to other people/groups/demands. This is the first time I looked at it and said, NO, I don't want to to that, and I won't.

It's about time.

[fidgiegirl]

Well done!! It's hard at first, but feels good when you are off the hook.

I actually had a friend tell me something she admires about me is my ability to say no. I was not sure how I felt about it at the time, but mostly I was surprised because I didn't see myself as a "no" person. I was surprised she perceived me that way.

Again, good work.

[razz]

That is an important step in finding your own life choices. Next is to find a way to extricate from the current commitments.

[Mrs. Hermit]

I had to extricate from a commitment recently. I explained to the people involved that at this time, I wanted to focus both my time and my energy on other things that I had going in my life, and would no longer have the time/energy to continue the commitment. The people involved were bummed, and (probably) upset at me, although they didn't express it. I endured more torture from myself before making that call than I have since making that call. It is still hard, but I'm beginning to be glad I did it.

[Kat]

Good for you! It is hard to say "no" sometimes. That is why I like to remind myself that saying no to the things that don't matter to me allows me to say yes to the things that do.

[Mrs-M]

All my life I've struggled with using the word "no", but I'm finding that the older I get the easier it is. Good on you!

[Tenngal]

I said "no" to choir practice tonight. Probably in the dog house, but don't think I'll lose too much sleep.

[rosarugosa]

Kat: What a great way to look at it! With all due humility, I am wonderful at saying no. Mom so isn't, and I've learned from watching her. I've also helped her to say no on occasions that really warranted it. Of course, she is a much nicer person than I am. I'm not sure this is the skill everyone would wish to excel at, but it works for me.

[Tenngal]

I am saying "NO" to VBS this year. Always scheduled in late July, the hotest, most miserable time of year in TN, I always dread five nights of work with kids after a full day of work for me. Decided it is really too much, to expect myself to take part year after year...........

[puglogic]

What is VBS? (and congratulations for saying NO to it )