saying yes to life

It has just been in the last 5 years that I have started to learn to say no. I am still working on learning to say no without guilt. This, I believe, is something somewhat specific to being female--and more specifically, a female people-pleaser. It is important to be able to say no to certain requests, so one doesn't feel overextended and exhausted or like she is participating in activites that aren't reflective of her values and interests. It is a matter of time and energy management, period.

I also believe it is important to learn to say no in order to free up more time and energy for saying, "yes" to those activities that are important. Next time you are asked to do something or take on an additional task that you would only be saying, "yes" to out of feelings of obligation, guilt, or a need to please, try saying, "No." You don't even have to give an explanation (this, I'm definitely still working on)--You can simply say, "At this time, I have to say no." Then, make sure after you succeed in saying no, you let go of any feelings of guilt, and you find something that you feel passionate about or have always wanted to do, and say a big YES to it!

Your yoga thought for today:

Practice saying YES to your life.

Namaste'
Yogadiva