What does fine china, exquisite vacations, and tuxedos have in common? If you answered that they are expensive you are right. If you answered that they aren’t common or used every day, you are also right! The fact that they are expensive, lends to their exclusivity in our lives. Because they are expensive to acquire, they are also expensive to replace! This means they aren’t used casually or haphazardly. Do you want to know something else that can be added to this list?
You!
You are expensive and treasured; you, with all of your resources, knowledge, skills, abilities, and your time. Yet, we can easily fall into the habit of stretching ourselves too thin. When we allow people to take our gifts for granted, they become less valuable. It is my humble opinion that people should learn to preserve their ‘Yes. Preserving your ‘Yes means learning how to say ‘No. By keeping your ‘Yes under lock and key you become (or resume) the role of gatekeeper of your time.
Who benefits from the preservation of your ‘yes?
Everyone!
When you save your ‘Yes and only break it out for special occasions, everyone involved gets to appreciate the very best of you. They get the best of your resources, knowledge, skills, abilities, and your time! Are you having a hard time saying ‘No? Does ‘Yes, roll off of your tongue with such ease that you often surprise yourself? Here are three quick tips to put into practice:
1. Until you become comfortable with saying ‘No, try saying these phrases instead of saying ‘Yes:
“Let me think about it”
“I’ll have to get back to you.”
“That sounds good, but….”
These phrases can help you ease into saying ‘No. If someone tries to persuade a ‘Yes from you, don’t let them! Just keep repeating the phrase then find a way to change the subject, end the conversation, or just walk away.
2. No is a complete sentence!
“No, I’m sorry” Just say “No!”
“No, maybe another time Just say “No!”
The best way to make your decision known is to get right to the point. When a person says ‘No and really means it, no explanation or apology is necessary.
3. Begin to say ‘No’ often, just because you can!
Practice makes perfect. If you are anticipating the big day when you will have to say ‘No to your mother-in-law or the salesperson at the used car lot, it will be helpful to practice by saying no to the little and less important things. just begin to say ‘No as a matter of habit.
“Do you want fries with that?” No!
“Are you interested in changing internet providers?” No!
“Mommy, can I watch 5 more minutes of TV?” No!
Matthew 5:37 NLT “Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will, or ‘No I won’t. Anything beyond this is from the evil one.”
Author
Ann-Gela K. Holloway
Ann-Gela gave her life to the Lord Jesus Christ in 2000. Ever since she has experienced the power of Salvation to save her soul and to heal her. The word of God transformed her into the woman she is and is becoming today. A completely different person from the shy, miserable, girl who didn’t possess an ounce of confidence!
Ann-Gela earned a degree in business from Albertus Magnus College and makes a living as a Business Manager for the Connecticut Technical High School System. Yet, she makes a living by being a mother, actress, poet, writer, speaker, blogger, daughter, sister, and friend!
One of her favorite scriptures that help to keep her focused is Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible”
I absolutely love this! Ann-Gela, thank you for sharing this. So many times we say yes out of the feeling of obligation. We say no with every reason under the sun in hopes that the other person will see our point of view, understand it, and agree with our no.
I love the scripture you used Matthew 5:37. We don’t think that anything beyond the yes or no is anything more than us attempting to make it a comfortable moment.
Such a great reminder for all of us