It's not always easy to say "no" to requests,
especially when doing so leaves you feeling guilty or feeling you should have
said "yes". You may also believe that there are some family
situations where "no" is not an option.
Yet to balance self-care it's essential to give yourself the freedom to say "no" to requests that do not serve you. Family responsibilities have their place but too often they become misplaced – running your life at the expense of your own health and well-being.
Saying "no" takes courage and practice.
A simple way to give you time to consider a request is by having a response ready when a request is made, such as:
"I need to check my other commitments."
"I need to check to see if it interferes with plans (my spouse and) I have made."
Yet to balance self-care it's essential to give yourself the freedom to say "no" to requests that do not serve you. Family responsibilities have their place but too often they become misplaced – running your life at the expense of your own health and well-being.
Saying "no" takes courage and practice.
A simple way to give you time to consider a request is by having a response ready when a request is made, such as:
"I need to check my other commitments."
"I need to check to see if it interferes with plans (my spouse and) I have made."
Alternatively, if you are willing to participate to some degree, counter-offer:
"No, I can’t commit to _______ but I can do __________ (counter-offer)."
If you are clear that the answer is "no" say so:
"Thank you for thinking of me, but no, not at this time."
Self-Care Exercise
Create a variety of ready
responses to requests that have happened in the past or you’re sure will happen
soon. Practice, Practice, Practice!!! When a request is made, choose a “ready
response” – and feel confident when delivering your response.
When you reflect on a request, ask yourself:
• Will this request serve me?
• Will it contribute to me and my life?
• Is my inner-wisdom or gut feeling a "yes" or a "no"?
If you answer "no" to the above questions, honour your inner guidance and say "no" to the request. If you wish, make a suggestion on who might be available to do the job instead.
You will know you are Living Authentically when you can say "no"
without feeling guilty!
You can do it - Say No
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