Ladies, let’s face it, at some point in our lives, we’ve all been afraid to say ‘no’. Since childhood, we’re taught that we need to please and get along with everybody and play along with everything, even if we don’t like it. As adults, this translates into an inability to say no to things that we don’t want to do or that go against our belief system. It’s high time we changed that. It’s high time we learnt the value of saying ‘NO’.
1. Owner of your life
You are the sole owner of your life. Everything that happens in it is your own responsibility. If you don’t want something to happen then stop it even before it starts. When a simple one syllable could get you out of a potential mess?
2. You don’t owe anyone anything
It might sound a little blunt but you really don’t owe anyone anything. Don’t let anyone push you into doing something because they made you feel guilty about not doing it. Of course, be thankful for a favour but don’t ever let that gratefulness push you into doing something that’s absolutely against your value system.
3. People change
As people grow, they change. So will you. Your preferences, your thoughts and your belief systems. What you liked some time ago, you might not like now. So why wouldn’t you just say no to it?
4. You are responsible for your happiness
At the end of the day, you’re all you’ve got. You are the one who has the power to change your life. Not that new job or the relationship or your family. Just you. Do you see how powerful that makes you? So take up the responsibility of your happiness.
5. You matter
You were put in this world for a purpose. You’re not here to be second best in somebody else’s life but to be a priority in your own. Never, for a moment, think or feel that you don’t matter.
6. You are unique
Everyone has a unique set of beliefs and ideologies. No two people are identical. If something is right for your best friend or boyfriend, it really doesn’t have to be right for you. Maintain your integrity at all times. You’ll be thankful for it later!
7. If it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it
Don’t say yes to the guy you don’t like just because your friends are pushing you into it. Don’t get drunk if you don’t want to. If it doesn’t feel right, all you need is a ‘No’ to put an end to it.
8. Being selfish sometimes, is self love
In no way does this mean that you need to hurt others to make yourself happy. This only means that you need to put yourself first, especially in situations where you might hurt yourself. Example: It was his choice to buy you one, it is your choice to accept or reject. You’re not obligated to him.
9. Making excuses gets you nowhere
We’ve all been in this situation at least where we had to make an excuse to get out of a situation. Did it feel good after that? Mostly it doesn’t. Lying just makes you feel bad and if we’re taking up the responsibility of our own happiness, why would we accept feeling anything less than happy for even a second? ‘The truth will set you free’ is apt for this situation.
10. Going along with something is much worse than taking a stand
As kids, we were also taught to take a stand for what we believe in. This is one lesson we must take with us into adulthood. Don’t go along with something that doesn’t feel right only to avoid conflicts or make others happy. Make yourself happy by taking a stand against something that feels wrong.
11. Just because
You don’t always need a reason to say no. Even if you don’t have a reason but your gut tells you to, you can say no. You don’t need to justify your actions to anybody and no matter what the outcome, you’ll be happy that you are the owner of your life.
GIFs: Giphy
