Did you ever see the movie “Yes Man” starring Jim Carrey? He’s a negative guy who says “No” to every invitation, every favor, every friend – everything. I have the opposite problem. I say yes. To everyone. Every time. It’s taken me a LONG time to get this, but saying “yes” to everyone doesn’t make me a nice person. It doesn't make people like me. It just means I’m a crazy pushover who carries guilt when she turns anyone down. And in the rare event that I do say no, I always make sure to include a long explanation to (unsuccessfully) alleviate guilt. It’s not healthy.
This month, especially, I’m feeling the pressure: from friends, from family, from my job, and from volunteering. It seems like everyone needs something now, and they’re all important. Birthdays, sweeps, fundraisers…a girl’s likely to go nuts! I am depleted of sleep, time, and money from this “yes” habit.
Instead, I’m saying no this week and giving myself a staycation, hermit-style. So sorry, loved ones, but I’m practicing my “no” this week. “No, I can’t go out tonight.” “No, I can’t handle that this week.” No, I can’t help you tonight.” “No, I can’t stay late.”
And I’ll be repeating to myself “No, you’re not a bad person for saying ‘no’.” Think I’ll start to believe it?
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