Learn the art of saying no

Learn the art of saying no (Photo: iStock)

We live in a world that expects us to be everything to everyone. We're expected to smile when we're tired, give when we're running on empty, and always be available, attentive and accommodating. Over time, this constant giving can leave us feeling drained and resentful, and, to be honest, a little lost. However, the answer to reclaiming our energy is simple. It begins with two simple letters: 'no'.

Saying no is not cruel. It is not selfish. In its own way, it is an act of radical self-respect. Yet for many of us, those two letters can feel impossibly heavy. We worry about disappointing friends, angering colleagues or appearing 'difficult'. We convince ourselves that our needs must always come second. However, each time we override our own needs, we chip away at the very energy we need to live life to the fullest. Saying no is not rejection; it is protection. It is preservation. It is an act of love towards the person we sometimes forget to care for: ourselves.