SAY NO***

By Author- Alisha Prien

“Life is like a box of chocolates,

You never know what you’re going to get…”

Life has a funny way of presenting new challenges, bringing new people and opportunities into our life. So far this year, I’ve had some wins, losses, I’ve lost someone close, new financial stresses, extra tasks to juggle, exciting news, an upcoming surgery, and holidays.

Busy is an understatement. Its times like this where any opportunity I get to reflect and breathe I take. I think it’s so important to take a moment to reflect and centre oneself when it gets busy. I use these moments to practice gratitude, to reflect on what great things I’ve accomplished and what things still need work. Whether it be relationship, kids, Spencer, or work, I take the time to reflect and process. In the past I’ve often let myself get carried away with saying yes to everything that comes my way. This ends up with me double booking myself, becoming overwhelmed with task on top of task, creating unnecessary stress upon our family and the household.

One thing I’ve learnt is its important during these busy times to protect the dynamic of our family and say “NO”. “No” to Hanging out this week, “No” to attending events, “No” to people asking for favours, and “No” to when I just don’t feel like it. If you read my last blog regarding people pleasing, then you will know how hard saying “No” is for some of us. It doesn’t come naturally to me to say this word. I have to constantly step away and reflect before I come back with this answer. It takes stepping away and letting people know “Let me get back to you” to be able to make a decision  based on “truth”. It’s because of this practice that I have finally been able to tackle busy moments with a level head. That overwhelmed feeling becomes less and less the more you learn to say “No” and remove the unnecessary stresses from your life.

Life is like a box of chocolates, you can choose to eat the ones that you like and leave the ones you don’t.