Finding Freedom in No

  [View Online]( INSPIRATION [Finding Freedom in No]( Saying no to somebody when we're used to saying yes, can be challenging because of our fear of rejection. Many of us, from childhood on, were taught that saying yes is right and saying no is wrong. We learned that acceding to demands allowed us to avoid conflict and criticism, please people, earn praise, and prove that we care for the important people in our lives. Yet the right to say no is indelibly intertwined with the ability to make choices. When we sense we are limited in our options, and compelled to say yes even when doing so is not in our interests, we are effectively robbed of our ability to choose. Growing out of this tendency to say yes even when we desperately want to say no can be challenging because we suspect that others will reject us for our assertiveness. But the reward we receive when facing this challenge is true freedom of choice. When others ask you to take on work or do favors, consider their requests carefully. If you feel pressed to say yes, consider whether you are acquiescing out of a desire for approval or to stave off disapproval. Remind yourself often that the ability to say no is an important aspect of well-being, as it is an indication that you understand the true value of your energy, talents, and time. As you learn to articulate your personal power by saying no, you may feel compelled to explore the myriad consequences of the word by responding negatively to many or most of the requests put to you. The word “no” may even become your default response for some time. When you see that life moves forward without interruption, you will grow more comfortable saying no and will resume making decisions from a point of balance. There is nothing inherently wrong with acceding to the requests others make of you, provided these requests do not infringe upon your health or your happiness. Keep in mind, it is only when you feel you have the legitimate right to say no that you can say yes with utmost certainty, sincerity, and enthusiasm. While saying yes almost always has a cost, you can feel good about offering your agreement when your reasons for doing so are rooted in your individual values and your appreciation for the appeal before you. Did you like this Inspiration? ❁ Did you miss yesterday's inspiration? Click [here]( to view them all.   DailyOM Spotlight [Assert Yourself Without Isolating Others]( By Dr. Jody Janati We can't change other people's behavior, but setting boundaries allows us to have limits on what we are willing to allow. In this course, Dr. Jody Janati will teach you how to communicate more effectively and cultivate healthy boundaries with others. She will offer solution-based language techniques for turning interactions like complaints into productive requests and enforcing consistent limits, so you can maintain balance in your life and build more authentic relationships. [Learn More]( New Courses - [The Parasympathetic Nervous System Fix]( - [Overcoming Low-Dopamine Brain Fog]( - [The Power of Quantum Physics for Self-Healing]( - [Science-Based Lymphatic Drainage Rescue]( - [The Happiness Method: Beyond Positive Thinking]( Recommended For You [What to Eat Over 40]( [Learn More]( [Unhinge Your Hips and Hamstrings]( [Learn More]( [From Midlife Crisis to Midlife Awakening]( [Learn More]( [Heal Yourself With Writing]( [Learn More]( [20-Minute Booty Builder]( [Learn More]( [Overcoming Self-Sabotage]( [Learn More]( Top 10 Courses 1. [Sneaky Ways You Sabotage Yourself]( 2. [The Vagus Nerve Miracle]( 3. [21 Tapping Meditations for Emotional Eating and Beyond]( 4. [A Vagus Nerve Belly Bloat Rescue]( 5. [10-Minute Exercises for Cortisol Control]( 6. [Science-Based Lymphatic Drainage Rescue]( 7. [The 10-Minute Method to Naturally Tighten Your Face]( 8. [The 2-Week Fascia Miracle]( 9. [Somatic Exercises to Relax and Release]( 10. [Crystal Bowl Sound Bath]( Explore 350+ Courses There's something for everyone. What do you want to learn today? [Browse by Topic]( [DailyOM Logo](   [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( [Twitter]( You are receiving this email because you're subscribed to DailyOM. You are registered with {EMAIL}. [Inspirations]( | [Courses]( | [Horoscopes]( [Remove me from this list]( | [Help/FAQ]( Copyright © 2024 [Everyday Health, Inc.]( All rights reserved. DailyOM is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. 114 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10011 Subject to our [terms of service]( and [privacy policy](.