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Just say No



This is the sticky note that is posted on my fridge right now.  It is the reminder that everyday I have a million choices and I have to decide what I really want to say yes to.  This mantra came from the the book "Take Time for Your Life" by Cheryl Richardson.  I took a course last year that involved working through the book, chapter by chapter, and being held accountable for the homework and activities.  It was a great lesson in digging deep and really getting to the core of what I want as my priorities.
Having said that, here we are at the start of a new school year and again I am confronted with committees, activities, opportunities that might go against my priorities.  Am I ready and willing to say no unless it's an absolute yes?  Have I practiced enough yet?  Can I be gentle with myself when I get into a situation and realize that I threw my gut instinct out the window?  Am I willing to be courageous and back out of things that I said yes to but know are not in line with my priorities?
All of this is hitting me in the face as the emails and requests start.  Here we go!  A new school year and the tests of my strength of character begin.

How do you feel about saying no?  
Have you developed & practiced your own way to graciously decline?

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