It’s taken me a few years to do, but I can finally say no to certain things. The feeling is great, when you can say it and feel no guilt. There are just times you have to do it. It may not be a popular response at times, but oh well.

There have been many situations through the years, where I didn’t want to take part in certain events, or be around particular people. Nothing is worse than to feel an obligation, when you know others don’t feel like that. Saying no from time to time is a good thing. It’s good for your mood and for how you might act toward another person. Sometimes saying yes can bring get resentment and distress.

Working with so many different types of people through the years, has taught me that you have to say no sometimes just to make your point. For instance, retirement events come around quite often these days where I work. I’ve come to the decision that unless I really work with you, and know you, you probably won’t see me at your party. Just such a celebration is coming up next week. Someone I worked with over 30 years ago is leaving. Pay attention to over 30 years ago. We don’t work with each other now, I only see her on occasion in the kitchenette area, and lucky if she even says hello at times. That qualifies as a no go for me.

It also gets expensive to say yes all the time. Every time you turn around something is always going on, collecting for this person or that one. Once again, I have to at times just say no. Each situation gets evaluated on its own merits. People who are out sick for a while, or those who lost someone close still get a yes.  I actually got an email from someone I knew who was taking up a collection for her niece to go to nursing school! I kid you not! That was a definite no, but thinking are you crazy woman. Who does stuff like that? Apparently some do.

Then there are the school fundraisers, so popular around the holidays. No again. It’s the holidays and I need all the money I can save, thank you. I just won’t do it anymore. Nothing personal to anyone, but I’ve done it enough already.

I’m in a different phase of my life now. I’ve been through the yes stage until I had nothing left to give. Saying no can be such a stress reliever. I feel as though I have nothing to lose at this stage. People not talking or liking me, don’t care about that either. I say no and I feel good!