This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Trust me, they’ll be okay // But if they aren’t, oh well
I’ve had to say no to many people, situations, things, obligations, and decisions.
We all have.
For some of us, the problem is that we struggle with saying “No,” which gets us in trouble emotionally, mentally, and physically.
The truth is, we all could probably use the phrase “no” a little more in our lives. It will save us stress, bitterness, unhappiness, anxiety, and trauma.
Sometimes, I still fear saying “no” to people because of the repercussions that may follow. Many people are uncomfortable when people tell them “no” because they struggle to implement boundaries themselves.
Here’s the thing, though, am I not going to implement boundaries because someone else is struggling to implement them into their life? No. That’s insanity.
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Learn to say “no” more often. Don’t worry about the consequences. In fact, I encourage you to get comfortable with potential consequences. If you lose an opportunity or a relationship, another will come to replace it.
It’s a broken record, but when one door closes, many can open up afterward. It’s happened to me several times over, so the same can happen to you.
I still remember a leader asking me to do something outside of my boundaries; instead of bending as most people do to authoritative figures, I said, “no,” and it was the most empowering feeling. I finally got to the point where I no longer feared saying “no” to someone in leadership. “No” became my new best friend after that. I’m not afraid anymore.
“No” is one of the most liberating words we can say to others, but ourselves as well.
Say “no” to your addictions.Say “no” to your bad habits.Say “no” to your problematic reactions.Say “no” to your unproductive behaviors.Say “no” to your negative thought patterns.Say “no” to living up to the expectations others have of you.Say “no” to those who mean no harm but are crossing your boundaries.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.