I just said NO!!!!

[banslug]

OK, maybe you won't appreciate this as much as I do, but here goes.

I'm one of those people who can't say NO to anything or anybody. Need help? Ask Gayle. Want advice? Ask Gayle. Need a volunteer? Ask Gayle. Need a substitute for your team tonight? Ask Gayle. Gayle always says YES.

Well, about 2 years ago, after taking 2 whole years to get my (and my kids') life in order and running smoothly, I made a pact with myself that I'd start really concentrating on saying yes to the important things and no to the 'inconvenient' or unimportant things.

OK.....DMIL just called and asked if she could come over RIGHT NOW and get the furniture out of my basement that I'm giving her. Keeping in mind that it's been here since DH passed away almost 4 years ago. Keeping in mind that DMIL drives by our house daily and doesn't stop to see the kids. Keeping in mind that I've offered to bring the stuff upstairs to the garage FOR her so it was easier to take it. Keeping all this in mind, she calls me and asks to do it RIGHT NOW! I'm sitting here with my wet hair in a towel. 9 BOYS in my backyard. My first PTA meeting as President in 2 hours.

I SAID NO!

Now...off I go to pat myself on the back.

Very empowering, I must say!

Gayle

 

[celestialtimes]

Good for you! That is a big deal and you deserve a huge pat on the back.

I had to learn to say no to! Been there...understand it very well.

 

[DeanaMax]

ALRIGHT ATTA GIRL!! Good for you!! <high five>

 

[LaughingWater]

Good for you!

 

[mrsmel]

Good job! It's very difficult to do that, especially with family members, but don't you feel so much better for having done it? It took me a long time to learn that lesson, too.

anne

 

[fitover40]

Ooooh, I can so totally relate! I'm glad you were able to say the NO word! Yea!

 

[My2girls]

Good job Gayle! I have a hard time with this as well.

ETA: When I first saw your topic I thought you were going to tell us your SO proposed and you said NO! Glad it wasn't that

 

[marianimal]

You ROCK Gayle

 

[banslug]

Thanks, guys! I knew somebody would appreciate it at least half as much as I do! LOL

Mary-if SO proposed, I can just about promise you my answer would NOT be NO! LOL

Gayle

 

[ldy_solana]

you go girl.


kassia

 

[fit_fairy]

Gayle, I'm doing the happy dance for you!!! Now, don't you dare feel guilty about that (I only say that because that's what I do )

But good for you!!

 

[punka274]

You GO GIRL! High fives!!!!

 

[runlikeagirl]

Way to go. I think a lot of us struggle with saying NO!!!

 

[cab0899]

WTG Gayle! I'm proud of you!

 

[amyg]

Gayle, you ROCK. Congratulations on sticking up for yourself today.

It does make me smile a little and be sad a little that there was a time in the past you would have answered differently were you in the same situation. I think many of us tend to say yes when we wish we could come up with a "good enough reason" to say no. I'm thrilled you realized today that YOUR not wanting to was enough. Big hugs and many many pats on your back!!! YAY GAYLE!!!

 

[exer_cited]

Good for you Gayle!!! You know you ROCK!!!

Now, am I going to see you on Friday to give you a ^5 in person for saying "NO!!!"?!?!?!

 

[jennifer-in-mi]

Gayle,

Great job!! Setting healthy boundaries are good for you. Yes, don't say No when the SO proposes.
Enjoy your freedom!!

 

[Sunshine1528]

Good for you lady !

That must have been hard, but you stuck to your guns.

Now you can keep doing it whenever you feel you need to say it - you are now over the hill and on your way down !

 

[MSJ]

Now that you've done it once, it will be easier next time--you go,woman!

I used to never be able to say no, but it's easy now--in fact I kind of enjoy it (I really need that devilish smiley from the old forums).

Maggie

 

[NinjaMom]

High fives to you!!!

Sometimes you just gotta take a stand. Good for you

JJ