See why Alicia Keys wants you to embrace your “no” with none of the guilt and all of the empowerment.
– KEYS SOULCARE
“THIS. IS. THE. MESSAGE. So many of us have trouble saying NO without over-explaining or feeling guilty. It’s ok to say no. No is a complete sentence!!” — Alicia Keys
Whether it’s the friend with a knack for seeking favors but disappearing when you need a hand or that boss with “one little favor” to ask while you’re elbows deep in their to-do list, setting boundaries can be hard. If you find yourself playing part-time contortionist to fit everyone in your schedule, it’s time for a reality check.
Saying “no” can sometimes feel scary, but the universe isn’t handing out gold stars for overexerting ourselves. As a matter of fact, the more you betray your boundaries, the less energy you’ll have to connect with your highest self. Your time is precious and should be spent on things that light up your soul — not worrying about other people’s expectations.
Saying “no” isn’t a rejection of others; it’s an affirmation of yourself. Your ability to limit people’s access to you teaches others that you value yourself just as much as you value them. “No” is a gift because it lets others find support from those who are available rather than someone feeling burdened or resentful. Often, a simple “no” is a lesson in vulnerability as you tell others that you might be a superstar, but you aren’t superhuman.
Guilt will come and go, but don’t let it control you. Like Alicia said, “no,” is a complete sentence. Instead of scrambling for excuses, take a deep breath and simply decline. From social events to work-related tasks, unapologetically wield the mightiest weapon in your arsenal — the oh-so-effective “no.” No more contorting, no more guilt, and no more putting yourself last.And always remember: Your “no” doesn’t make you a bad person; it makes you a badass protector of your well-being.
How might your life change if you replaced guilt with gratitude when flexing your “no?” Let us ‘know’ in the comments!
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