The power of "no"

Saying no to things can be incredibly empowering.

We can feel obligated to do things, we can feel pressured to acting in a particular way, and we run ourselves into the ground trying to meet those expectations

We might think that the world will fall apart if we don’t run and fix something for someone rather than letting them sort it themselves.

We might feel if we don’t respond to all those out-of-hours emails we’ll be out of a job. We might think that if we say we don’t want to go to an event, we’ll lose friends or upset family.

Another way exists. We can say “no.”

Compassionately, fairly, respectfully. But we can say we can’t (or won’t) do something and that’s ok.

It’s about setting boundaries and respecting what is ok for you and what is acceptable for how other people can treat you.

Setting and respecting our own boundaries is a way of living more authentically and ultimately a path to being happier.

Of course I’m not saying you should say “no” to everything and somehow shutting yourself away

. Finding the balance that’s right for you where you are right now is the key.

So, how about it? What can you say “no” to in the coming week?

If you would like to talk to me about issues with your mental health, you can complete the online submission form or contact me directly at: mckellarCBT@gmail.com