The power of saying ‘NO’! (Nusrat)
It has been often seen humans are hesitant to say a ‘no’ out of kind gesture or politeness and that’s where they get into the trap. Saying no can be a powerful tool for setting boundaries and taking control of your life. Setting limits and reclaiming your life might begin with a simple "no."
The art of saying ‘no’
Saying no helps us establish limits, which is why it's so important. The more we say yes to, the more we risk over committing and burning ourselves out. Ultimately, our emotional and physical well-being may deteriorate. Saying no helps us set limits on our time, effort, and resources so that we may focus on what matters most to us. Saying no also helps us concentrate on what really matters. It's tempting to become derailed from our objectives and ideals when we say yes to everything that comes our way. The ability to say "no" frees us up to prioritize our time and energy on the activities that really important to us. Stronger bonds may be forged between people when we learn to say ‘no.’ Saying yes to everything increases the risk of over committing and disappointing others.
Over time, this might hurt our friendships and undermine our confidence in one another. Saying no allows us to be open and honest about our time limitations and other commitments, which in turn helps us form deeper, more genuine bonds with the people we care about. It's also worth noting that we're not always being selfish or uncooperative when we choose to refuse anything. In fact, learning to respectfully decline requests may make us stronger team players. By establishing clear limits and priorities, we are better able to convey our needs and expectations to others and work together to achieve our objectives. It is important to remember that you do not have to say yes to every request or opportunity that comes your way, and that it is OK to prioritize your own needs and desires. Over committing oneself is bad for your health, happiness, and sanity, so learning to say "no" may help. It goes without saying that you should be kind and courteous while expressing your refusal. Saying no, however, is a skill that may help us better prioritize our time, energy, and resources, leading to a richer and more meaningful existence.
Of course, it's not always simple to decline an offer. Refusing an opportunity or letting someone down may be difficult. However, we should keep in mind that refusing an offer has nothing to do with our value as people. It's just a tool we may use to organize our wants and requirements and create a life that matters more to us. Setting limits and prioritizing your time and resources is a great way to get into the habit of saying no. Prioritizing your values and interests is the first step.
Practicing saying ‘No’
By practicing assertive refusal, we may shape a life that is more in tune with our beliefs and priorities. The next time you have to make a choice, stop and think about whether or not saying no is the better option. You might be shocked by how freeing and effective it is. Sometimes a little ‘no’ can create a big change in your life, saying ‘no’ to any toxicity or any form of abuse helps your life to breathe in balance. Such as getting out form a toxic relationship or even marriage proposals that you deem isn’t something you want but being in the social pressure or fulfilling parental expectations and saying yes to it may result a trauma for you, in some cultures it does happen where you have to kill your own dreams for the sake of the certain expectations that your parents have with you regarding marriage. Saying a simple ‘no’ will shape your life in to a healthy balance of opportunities and dreams that you might have for yourself!
The cost of being always kind and politeness
"No" and "yes" are two relatively simple words, yet they have a tremendous power. The author of "Atomic Habits," James Clear, put it best when he said, "When you say 'no,' you are only saying 'no' to one option." When you say 'yes,' you are saying 'no' to all other possibilities. As a result, a 'no' is a choice, and a 'yes' is a duty. So, be cautious about what (and who) you say 'yes' to. It will influence your day, profession, family, and life." The word no should not be limited to women only just like a woman, a man should also emphasize the importance of ‘no’.
If you are feeling like you want to say yes to new people, experiences, and a welcoming community, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Letters Against Depression if you haven’t already. We send letters of hope and support to those who need someone there for them. You can request to receive letters here.
Nusrat Ahmed