Just say no

As a child of the 80's, 'just say no to drugs' was a leading campaign.  Well,  I'm here to encourage you to 'just say no guilt stresses' and 'yes to self'.  

Between the standards of society and the voices in our head,  we too often fall into saying 'yes' for all the outside elements creating an endless amount of 'no' for self.  Throughout our Hopeful swaps at Home we agreed to more yes moments to say no.  

Since embracing these particular swaps we no longer agree to attend every friend, family or social event we're invited too.  We decline multiple dinner, drinks and game night opportunities for our yes to self time.  

Yes to stay home and watch a movie on the couch.  Yes to go for a scavenger hunt.  Yes to family fun night.  Yes to less stress living.  

You may be thinking.....Don't people stop inviting you to stuff?  Don't you feel guilty for saying 'no'?  Don't people get mad?  And honestly,  the answers are yes and no to all the questions.  At Hopeful headquarters we are dedicated to using the right language as often as possible, so when opportunities present themselves we are intentional with our words.  For example,  at the beginning of the school year a letter was sent home from band class with a 'would you like to volunteer to help in person at concerts?'...(for those of you that know me personally,  that sort of situation is a solid N.O.)... my response was 'thank you for allowing us the opportunity to volunteer,  this is not something I'm interested in but please let me know if there are other ways I could support or assist.'

What are some situations you are going to shift the toward 'no' for outward and 'yes' to internal?