Feeling a Little Scattered?
We’re just about halfway through the month.
How’re you doing?
I hope, hope, hope that you’re having a jolly time, celebrating the good in your life, sending love and blessings to anything not-so-good that is out of your control.
Where is your focus?
Where are you giving your time?
I stumbled over this quote again recently because…‘tis the season: Saying yes to one thing means saying no to something else.
Sure, you can shift things around sometimes, move things you really want to do to another time or date so you can accommodate one more event or person or to-do.
But will you?
Will you remember that special thing that you want to do and try to find the time (again) for it on your calendar?
If you say yes to the holiday party (with people you’re not thrilled to see) or to volunteering for some last-minute school event, what are you saying no to?
A nostalgic evening at home, watching old movies?
A couple of hours of writing/painting/creating?
A joy-filled drive looking at holiday lights?
Playing a board game with your kids, a cup of French hot chocolate at hand?
Yes, volunteering at your kid’s school is a noble activity.
Yes, going to a holiday party gets you out and socializing.
Yes, you might just hear about a fantastic book to add to your reading list or learn about an upcoming holiday event coming up that sounds fun.
There are all kinds of good reasons to say yes.
But when you say yes know what you’re saying no to.
Here’s something I’ve heard from social experts: No is a complete sentence.
You don’t have to offer an excuse.
Just say no.
I have a friend who is really good at setting boundaries and saying no to activities that don’t work for her.
Instead of feeling put off by her no, I know that when she does say yes, she really means it.
If you prefer to serve your no with a spoonful of sugar, try this: My heart says yes, but my calendar says no.
I love that.
It’s genius. (I wish I could remember who said it. If anyone knows, please tell me so I can give credit where credit is due.)
Thank you for saying yes to reading this post.
I appreciate you.
Until next week,
~ Gail
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Perfect reply to invites: “My heart says yes, but my calendar says no.” Thanks for the post today!
I know! I loved that too. Have a happy week, Sherry.
Hi Gail ~
I too, adore that saying, and as of this morning, I am officially putting it into my rotation every day of the year!
I’ve been saying YES to being somewhat of a hermit lately. I’m on a new medication that takes some time to become adjusted to – I take it once a week, and I’m nauseous for the first couple of days. That’s not particularly pleasant, but it’s given me a great excuse not to spend much money on expensive dinners out. For some reason, my friends are on a “fine dining” kick, and it’s getting costly. I love my girlfriends, but I’d rather hang out on the couch with them and watch a holiday movie that we’ve all seen a thousand times.
Being a hermit also gives me ample time to work on a biography of my mom, which I’m trying to finish in time for Christmas. It was originally intended as a birthday gift, but the project grew well beyond the original scope! I’m sure you’ve never had that happen! LOL
Thanks for a great post this morning! Have a magical holiday season!
Hi Kelly. I feel your pain with the fine-dining friends. I, too, appreciate the lower-key events in life. I wonder if all your friends would appreciate a night of movie watching and are just waiting for someone (you???) to suggest it. 😃 Good for you doing a biography of your mom. That’s a noble activity, right there. Is it a surprise holiday gift?
Enjoy the season…saying yes to some things and no to others.
I love that quote,; My heart says yes, but my calendar says no.
Such a nice and gentle way to say no ❤️
Thanks Gail
It is, isn’t it? Thank you as always for reading my posts, Kjersti.