Just Say No

A minimalist bedroom featuring a neatly made bed with crisp white linens and simple decor, creating a serene and clutter-free space.

Embracing Self-Care: Saying No to Guilt and Yes to Yourself

Growing up in the 80s, the 'just say no to drugs' campaign was prominent. I'm here to urge you to 'just say no to guilt stresses' and 'yes to self'.

Amid societal expectations and our inner voices, we often end up saying 'yes' to external demands, leaving little room for a 'yes' to ourselves. During our Hopeful swaps at Home, we committed to more yes moments by saying no.

Since adopting these changes, we no longer feel obligated to attend every friend, family, or social event we're invited to. We turn down multiple dinner, drinks, and game night invitations to prioritize our yes to self time.

Yes to staying home and watching a movie on the couch. Yes to going on a scavenger hunt. Yes to family fun night. Yes to a less stressful life.

You might wonder... Do people stop inviting you to things? Do you feel guilty for saying 'no'? Do people get upset? Honestly, the answers are both yes and no. At Hopeful headquarters, we focus on using the right language, so when opportunities arise, we choose our words carefully. For instance, at the start of the school year, a letter from band class asked, 'Would you like to volunteer to help in person at concerts?' (For those who know me, that's a definite N.O.) My response was, 'Thank you for the opportunity to volunteer; this isn't something I'm interested in, but please let me know if there are other ways I could support or assist.'

What are some situations where you'll choose 'no' to external demands and 'yes' to internal needs?

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