I’ve always been the one to say, “I got it,” even when I’m already juggling ten things at once. That instinct to show up, hold it down, and be everything for everyone runs deep. But lately, I’ve been learning to listen to a quieter, wiser part of me—the one that whispers, “Not this time.”
Let me be real with you:
Saying no has become one of the most empowering things I’ve learned to do—especially when it involves something or someone I care about.
I’ve said yes to projects that drained me, relationships that stretched me thin, and invitations that didn’t align with where I was emotionally—just to be there for others, just to avoid letting anyone down. But here’s the truth:
Every time I say yes when I really mean no, I betray myself just a little.
“No” is a full sentence.
Recently, I had to walk away from a project I’d been a part of for two years. It was something I genuinely enjoyed—a creative outlet that allowed me to express myself. But over time, it shifted. The joy faded. The energy turned heavy. What once felt fulfilling began to feel toxic, stressful, and out of alignment.
So I got still—really still. And in that stillness, I realized continuing would cost me too much. My peace. My presence with my boys. The boundaries I’ve worked so hard to honor.
Letting go hurt… but it also felt like freedom.
I’ve come to understand that saying no isn’t always rejection—it’s redirection. It’s trust. It’s making space.
Space for alignment.
Space for peace.
Space for you.
Saying “NO” is an act of self love.
Now, before I say yes to anything, I ask myself:
- Does this feed me or drain me?
- Am I choosing this from alignment or out of obligation?
- If I say yes to this, what (or who) am I saying no to?
Because sometimes the most powerful yes you can give is the one you give to yourself.
Your time, your peace, your energy—those are sacred.
Protecting them is an act of love.
So if you’re anything like me—always the one people lean on, always the “go-to”—I want you to know this:
You don’t owe anyone your exhaustion.
Your “no” can be a boundary.
Your “no” can be a blessing.
Your “no” can make space for the very best yes of your life.
With love—and firm boundaries,
It’s so hard to find the words sometimes. Because for those who are recovering “people pleasers” the word “no” seems so harsh sometimes. No, is a complete sentence! You are so right, you have to put you first.
Shout out to all of the people pleasers who have embraced the word “NO”!
The power of “No” is real. I just lost my best photography friend on Saturday 4/12/25.
She could not say no to anyone. She made herself accessible to everyone. I guess her heart couldn’t take anymore.
One minute we were laughing, the next, she hit the floor. There I was performing CPR on my dear friend.
I guess God had other plans and took her from me. I now know that the power of the word “No” is real. I will use that powerful word “No” much more. “Shattered Heart”
Thank you so much for sharing. My condolences for your loss. In this, we learn a valuable lesson. Don’t let their passing be in vain. Take time for yourself and say “NO’.
This really spoke to me!Thank you for sharing it. It’s a great reminder that “no” isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Protecting your peace and energy takes strength, and your words make that feel okay.
I am so happy that this post resonated with you. Protect your energy at all costs!