Do you find It difficult to say NO?

In my last blog we spoke about 2 types of giving, and how the type of giving that comes from fear can drain our energy. (in case you missed it, you can read it HERE). To protect your energy, the most important skill you can develop is to learn to say “No” from a place of honouring your own truth and energy. 

The more you practice saying no to things, the easier it will become for you to do it without feeling guilty.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 ‘𝗡𝗼’, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲.

We are conditioned to believe that it’s important to make everyone happy or to be “good”. As teens and adults, we get into the habit of saying ‘yes’ to everyone and everything; except ourselves.

We subconsciously do this in order to please others; In order to be liked; In order to be ‘good’. But saying ‘Yes’ for all these reasons is detrimental to your overall well-being.

Why Saying NO is important

  • Saying ‘No’ is the first step in creating clear boundaries and healthier relationships.
  • Saying ‘No’ helps you protect your own energy so you can help people better when they need you.
  • Saying ‘no’ to things you don’t have the energy for decreases stress & prevents burnout.
  • Saying ‘no’ to things you genuinely do not enjoy, creates time for the things you do enjoy.
  • Saying ‘no’ in certain situations puts an end to that ‘procrastination’ cycle.

It prevents resentment from building up & creates time & space for things that bring you joy.

5 ways to say NO in different scenarios- 

1. When you are being given more work than you can manage.

“Thank you for thinking of me, but I would like to focus on/prioritise what I already have on my plate.” 

2. When someone offers you an opportunity, but you don’t have the time or the capacity right now

“That’s a great offer! While I don’t have the space to take it on now, I’d love to revisit this in the future.”

3. When you want to turn down a social engagement

“Thank you for asking! I won’t be able to today as I have other plans. I would love to catch up on ___ at ___ (insert preferred social setting)”

4. When someone asks for your services for free or at a discount

“I can understand where you are coming from, however, I do not offer discounts. I’d love to work with you once you are ready to make the investment.”

5. When your family/friends have plans to hang, but you need space. Be honest!

“I need some space to be with myself right now. I’ll join you next time!”

So which one are you using first – 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5?

All my love,
Raashi

PS. are you following me on Instagram yet? @wellnessbyraashi

Check out other blogs HERE