Say NO

Sometimes, the simplest word is the hardest to say: "NO." We find ourselves torn between our own commitments and taking actions that please other people more than ourselves. We realize we are giving others more energy and time for their success than we do for ourselves on a personal and most deeply needed level. We are told to believe that the word "no" is bad, yet we can find so much more freedom and healthy boundaries for ourselves when we learn how to express the word appropriately with others.  Always remember: it is your sole responsibility to provide a comfortable lifestyle for you and your family. Other people"s responsibilities, no matter how much they try to push off onto you, are not your problems to resolve. Respect your own time by creating a sense of structure to your day and don"t be afraid to tell people you are busy doing something of higher priority to YOU. Recognizing how you choose to fulfill your commitments will build integrity within your priorities and your willingness to say "no" when you need to. The sooner you get used to saying "no", the sooner everyone else will come to respect your decision to choose "you".