“No” Is Not A Bad Word, Saying “No” Is Self-Care

As I get older I am learning more and more about life. I’m no longer young, but I’m also not old. I’m in the middle and I’m still learning. Right now I’m trying to do better about taking care of me so that I can be better for my family.

For so long I said yes to nearly everything and everyone. I’m chronically ill, and I was still saying yes. Putting on my fake smile and “Oh, I feel fine” lies as I worked myself to the bone. I was a fake and a liar to please other people’s needs.

People used me. Anytime someone needed something that I could do or provide, I said yes. I drained myself. I worked hard for little to no money for people, just because I had the skills to do it and they had asked. For some reason, I couldn’t say no.

Those same people seem to no longer be around anymore, and that is because I started saying no. I also started asking for compensation for my work and also raising my prices. In fact, I also quit listening to people that I didn’t want to hear.

I have a lot less stress these days. I have more time to rest, to read, to think. Saying no is not mean or selfish. In order to take care of those that you love, you need to take care of yourself. Start working on saying no. Start working on saying yes to things that make you happy. No is not a bad word. Saying no is self-care.