When Saying ‘No’ is a Positive Thing

I’ve been on a serious self-care kick lately. There’s been self-care Saturday (or Sunday, when those precious Saturdays are occupied), pampering facials, and heck, I’ve even been seen in the kitchen whipping up a healthy breakfast…or two. So, when I wanted to add yet another venture to my already full plate, I needed to reflect on what I could realistically handle and question whether the timing was right. After all, I do manage a busy full-time job, and in my spare time, I create content for this site and care for a 90-year-old grandmother.

What I learned after doing a week of soul-searching is that sometimes saying ‘no’ to an opportunity—or saying ‘no’ to it, at least for the time being—is the greatest act of self-care you can show yourself. While, of course, I had those shoulda…woulda…coulda moments after making up my mind, I knew that adding another commitment to my demanding schedule would probably send me over the edge.

I tend to live by the adage that you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s important to take (or make) time for yourself—in whatever way you can—to prevent serious burnout. And while I’m also for seizing opportunities, I know that I have to be realistic about how much I can accomplish (and put my all into) in a given week.

Self-care comes in many shapes and forms. And it’s not always about taking time out to enjoy the little moments. Sometimes, it is about making tough decisions…and realizing that they are in your best interest.

Image via @alyssa.beerger