How to say, no

I have to admit, deciding when to say no is something I am still learning. However there are some things I am starting to put into practice to help me figure it out.

The last two years I have been working on purging our house. I’m not sure how it happens, but it’s amazing how things creep back into our home and lives. These things are distracting from our goals of living clutter free.   Which allows us to pick up and clean faster, which in turn allows us to enjoy more play time.

I have begun to see my time in a similar way. Do I love the things I have committed my time and energy to? It makes me ask the question, what do I love? The first answer will always be God and my family. I had decided a while ago my business goals would have to align with whatever our family goals are. Our business goals could not trump our kids hearts or their need for us.

I love God, my family, friends, and community. From there I need to weigh and decide how much time I can affectively give to each. I have learned there is no such thing as balance (if you have figured this out I would love to learn from you), but there is a daily assessing that needs to happen to see where my scale needs to be rebalanced. Taking on too much leads to stress. It also leads to never doing my best at anything because I don’t have time.

I have come to a point where I have to look at my priorities and time, and begin to say no. I want to say yes to everything. But, it’s not realistic or healthy. It also keeps someone else from being able to take on leadership and grow themselves. It takes a community of people with gifts and talents pitching in and I need to be able to let others do that.

1. Figure out what makes your heart happy

2. Make a list of your priorities

3. Write down your current responsibilities

4. Decide what you can let go and let them go.

5. Have peace, time, and health!

Have you found peace in saying no? I’d love to hear about your journey!