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Writer's picturesuzannarita

The Power of NO

Updated: Mar 7, 2023


January is over, so it's safe to say your New Year’s resolution (likely, of going to the gym) came to an end, or after 21 days you formed the habit. Either way, congrats to making it to the end of January 2022. I don't really believe in New Year's resolutions, I believe in goals and assessing what I need to do differently, especially with my mentality to do better this year than the year before. This year, is "the year of no".


Do you realize the power of the word no? Do you think of it as a full sentence without need of explanation, or simply a passing phrase?


There are so many young people struggling with burnout, from school, or jobs or life in general. We continue to do so much and yet somehow it never seems to be enough so we strive for more and in the end burn ourselves out. Last year I continuously burned myself out; I kept taking on too much. I worked every day, including weekends, tried to run my blog and then took every odd end job that was thrown my way. There were days that I felt like I was drowning and there was no way for me to come up for air. I took any opportunity thrown at me and did every task at 110%, because that is simply the person I am.


This year I have decided I need to learn the word "no". I needed to take care of myself and not take on everything if I already had too much going on. I've learned from experience some people won't like my saying no and they will see it as selfish. I couldn't disagree more, by saying no I am choosing to take care of my mental and physical well being and it is NEVER selfish to take care of yourself.


People always seem to think that when you say no to helping someone out you are being selfish, but what if its the opposite? What if by saying yes you are adding more stress and putting a strain on your life -- then you are being selfish to yourself by not giving your mind and body what they deserve? You are doing yourself a disservice by burning the candle at both ends.


Something else that is incredibly important about the word no is that it is a complete sentence. In our world it seems so pertinent for everyone to know every bit of information, but it is unnecessary. Your no should be enough and it should merit no explanation, you are doing what is best for you and that is the end of the story. If after you have already said no someone continues to push you then that should be viewed as the bigger issue.


Saying no to people is never easy, especially when it is friends or family, but you have to learn to respect your own boundaries even if others can't. This year I hope you find the strength to take care of yourself and use the word no more often--when needed.


So, here's to always remembering to keep one foot in front of the other, and your heels as high as your standards...xoxo Suzanna Rita

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