The Power of No

 The Power of No 

Helping others is a part of being human.  We are here, in part, to support and to connect but sometimes we can be too helpful. Sometimes we sacrifice our own needs in order to be there for someone else.  Sometimes we can lose ourselves completely and end up stretching ourselves too thin as we "help" everyone around us constantly. We feel depleted, tired, and our own "stuff" that needs to get done seems to be pushed off for a later time, even at the expense of our physical and mental health.

There is a time to say yes and be helpful but it should never be at the expense of your well-being. People can take advantage of your kindness and helpful nature too much.  Would they be there for you if you needed something? Really think about that.  Would those that pull on you constantly be there for you if you turned around and asked of them the same level of support and assistance all of the time?  If the answer is no then understand it may not be a friendship, that may be someone using you for your kindness and there is a difference. You know that though. You just need this reminder. This is your permission to see those situations for what they are and instead of choosing someone else, you get to finally choose you. Saying no to anything that does not serve your highest good is called a boundary.  If someone else doesn't like you putting up a boundary then that just shows you how one sided that relationship really is. Learning the art of saying no will free you from all that weighs you down.  It finally gives you permission to say yes - to you.