The Strength to Say No


No is probably the most powerful word in the English language. It is much more weighty than yes. Yet, or maybe because of that, it is so much harder to say.

It takes so much courage and strength to say no, but the power and might it carries behind it is magnanimous.

Sometimes you have to say no over and over again. Sometimes it is the hardest word to say because of the consequences behind it. Each time you say it, it gets more powerful. You get stronger. You believe in yourself more.

Don’t be afraid to say no.

Sometimes you need help to say no. You need to turn to your support system to give you the extra push to say no. But you can do it.

Start small if you need to. No comes from the core of you, the heart of you, the most honest part of you. That’s why it can be so hard to say. It is the vulnerable part of you standing up for yourself. It is you standing up for what you believe.

Sometimes you say no and you have to immediately excuse yourself to completely break down where no one can see you. After the breakdown you realize it was the best for you. You did the right thing. You are stronger than you think.

Congratulate yourself every time you say no. Recognize the courage and strength within you that allowed you to say no. Celebrate the no-power you just used. Your no was actually a yes to you – an acknowledgement of who you are and what you stand for.