No is a powerful word

Have you ever just been run down? Have you ever just looked up and realized that you are not Superman/woman and you have been stretched out? Are you so interested in pleasing other that you make yourself sick? It's got to stop.

Here's a secret: Ain’t nobody gonna take care of you like you.

And the first step in taking care of yourself is learning the meaning and usage of the word no.

No means:
- There are not enough hours in the day
- I don’t have the energy
- I have better things to do
- There are more pressing priorities

No does not mean:
- I don’t like you
- I don’t value you
- I don’t want to help you…ever

But sometimes these are things that we think when we just can’t do. We get the bubbling sensation in our stomachs as we try to figure out ways to excuse our no without completely lying (or a believable lie). Truth is, most times all you have to do is just say no. In today’s world of instant everything, the person you said no to is walking away, on to find the next sucker while you are fumbling with the lie that took you all night to come up with.

And if the person you say no to asks? Just be honest. If I can’t work the dinner that you’re having because it’s the only night that I can take Granny grocery shopping, most people will understand. And if not? They need to get over themselves and there’s nothing more you can do about it.

“No” can save you a lot of stress and heartburn. Plus, the more you say it, the more you become comfortable with it. You’ll be grateful that you recognized how precious your time is. So go and practice the word a couple of times. You can thank me later…or not.