Learn to Say No?

Every year I have gotten one of those Page A Day Calendars. This year I told the family that I really don't need one of those every year and everybody was kind enough to respect my request. So, what do I do? I go out and buy myself one. OK, so I got suckered in by the title of the calendar, something about for the woman who has too much to do. Here is the unbelievable thing. Whoever wrote these page a day quotes, I think they know me! Almost every day the quote has pertained to my life.

The one for January 4th I would like to share with all of you, especially those of you who are young, maybe starting out on your own or newly married, or maybe an old homemaker like I am. Here's the quote:

"Learn to say no? We women have a tendency to say nothing or a weak "yes" and then go way beyond what any human is capable of doing. Perhaps the answer lies not in learning to say "no," which is a huge task in and of itself. Perhaps the issue lies in learning to say "yes" to those things that are vitally important."

I read Holli's blog about saying no and my thought was "you go girl." I am learning way too late in life to say "no". You see, I am one of those people who say "yes" when I really want to say "no". And, if I do say no? Yep, you know--guilt. Why in the world do we do this to ourselves? Men can say no whenever they want to and never feel one ounce of guilt.

So ladies, let's make 2009 our year to get in the fantastic habit of saying "NO". And, if our families or friends don't like it, then ask yourself as the quote says "Am I saying yes to those things that are vitally important?" Or is there a weak "yes" coming out of our mouths because what we really want to say is "no".

Come on, you can do it. Practice with me right now: NO, NO, NO, NO, and I really mean "NO". Oh, and one other important thing. When you say no, don't explain yourself. Just say No. Heck the elementary school kids learn this every year. Just say NO!!