I was inspired to write this post by Christina, one of the editors of Blissfully You. In Speak Up she wrote about her unwillingness to settle for less than she deserved.

That got me thinking about how often we find ourselves ragged, over extended and frustrated because we refuse to (or can’t) say no.

In spite of being pressed for time and strength, we agree to bake the cookies, make the costumes, close the deal, help the friend, stay a little later, arrive a little earlier, facilitate the meeting, take the notes; and the list goes on. We’re running ourselves into the ground trying to do everything people ask of us.

Ever hear of the phrase: if you give an inch, they take a mile? All too often, this is exactly what happens when we place other’s needs above our own.

Enough is enough! It’s time to start saying NO!

Saying no isn’t a sign of incompetence. It’s a sign that you’ve arrived at a place where your sanity, peace and joy take precedence over complacency and people pleasing. It’s a sign that you’re placing “you” first and things second; and that’s where you deserve to be.