In today’s episode, Jamie, Lucy, and Avery discuss the importance and difficulties of saying no. We explore how to make more room in our lives for things that truly matter by saying one of the bravest words—no. We share anecdotes of our own struggles and successes in this area, review a “personal bill of rights” which provides rationale for saying no, and role play assertive and not so assertive ways of saying no.

In this episode we discuss: 

• How we have the right to say no to harmful, hurtful, or toxic things and relationships, as well as energy-draining activities and relationships
• How we have the right to assert what we want and what happens when we say yes when we really mean no
• How we have the right to say no to stories that don’t work for us
• How we have the right to take our time regarding our decision-making
• How we have the right to be honest with ourselves, be in the present moment, and connect with ourselves
• We also review the pragmatics of saying no assertively

Do try this at home:

• Discern what seasons of life are a “blanket” no to reduce cognitive effort in everyday decision-making
• Give ourselves permission to say no in order to make space for things that truly matter
•  Say no to thoughts and stories that lead to anxiety and regret and are not useful to us