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| (Photo: Gordon Johnson/Pixabay) |
Why is it so hard for some of us to say no? Is it because we don't want to let someone down? Is it because we fear reprisal? Is it because we don't know how to?
I am a recovering yes-aholic, so each of the above reasons apply to me. Due to my inability to say "no," I found myself spiraling into oblivion. Right before the pandemic hit, I found myself at near rock bottom. Something had to change. I had to learn to right my ship or sink.
I started to say "no" to the things that didn't bring me joy. Some of those things were big, like resigning my position as the Religious Education Chair of my church. Bigger than that, I stepped away from organized religion altogether. For the second time in 13 years, serving didn't produce an overflowing cup but a cup with a hole in the bottom—my cup was empty. Resentment and anger had filled the void.
Saying "no" is hard. It requires that some of us change the way we think and frame our responses. However, when we lean into self-care, we open our lives up to something we all desire—inner peace.
Here are a couple of resources I have found helpful in my journey. May you find a nugget here or there.
Saying "no" is hard. It requires that some of us change the way we think and frame our responses. However, when we lean into self-care, we open our lives up to something we all desire—inner peace.
Here are a couple of resources I have found helpful in my journey. May you find a nugget here or there.
Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper
- Read Boundaries: When to Say Yes How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
About the Author: Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development and member of the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee. The expressions are those of the author.
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