Hey guys!
This week, I want to talk about something I think a lot of us struggle with: saying “no.” It’s such a simple word, but it can feel so hard to actually say sometimes. I know I’ve had times where I really wanted to say “no” but ended up saying “yes” just to make someone else happy. And honestly, that doesn’t always feel so great.
For me, it’s tough to say “no” because I don’t want to let people down. If a friend asks for help, or someone invites me to do something, I feel like I should say yes—even when I really don’t want to. But here’s what I’m learning: saying “no” doesn’t mean you’re being mean or selfish. Sometimes, it’s actually the best way to take care of yourself.
When we say “yes” to things we don’t really want to do, it can leave us feeling stressed, or just not happy. And that’s not fair to ourselves, right? Every time we say “yes” to something that doesn’t feel right, we’re putting what other people want before what we need. But the truth is, it’s totally okay to put your own needs first sometimes.
I’m learning that “no” is a powerful word because it helps protect our time and energy. We only have so much of both, so it’s important to use them on things that matter to us and make us feel good. Saying “no” isn’t about not caring; it’s about making sure we also care about ourselves. And guess what? The people who really care about us will understand if we need to say “no” now and then.
But here’s where it can be tricky: saying “no” without feeling bad about it. I sometimes feel guilty if I don’t go along with what someone else wants. But I remind myself that saying “no” isn’t about ignoring other people’s feelings. It’s just a way to make sure I’m happy, too.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or stretched too wide from doing too much, maybe it’s time to practice saying “no” a little more often. You can start small, like if a friend asks you to do something and you’re just not up for it. Just remember, saying “no” is totally okay—it’s just a way of respecting your own needs and what’s best for you.
So, if you’re reading this and have a hard time saying “no” too, let’s try to practice it together. It’s a way of taking care of yourself, and that’s super important.
Thanks for reading this week’s entry of My Not-So-Secret Diary! Remember, it’s okay to say “no” sometimes. Your happiness matters, too. Talk soon, XOXO 💋