Just Say No

If you were around in the 80's like I was, you will remember the saying, Just say no. The slogan was coined by advertising executives, Robert Cox and David Cantor. Then Nancy Reagan popularized the phrase in 1984 during a visit to Longfellow Elementary School in Oakland, California, when a schoolgirl asked how to refuse drugs. 

Oh, those were fun years. I was in high school and college with no real commitments. I was healthy and young. Do I want to go back there? No way! I love my life just the way it is, yes, even with all the turmoil. Do I want to keep repeating all the tumultuous garbage that has taken place? No, don't want to do that either. One of the best ways I am finding that helps to not repeat the past is to say no to those things in my life that result in those same negative outcomes.

Just say no doesn't just refer to drugs. It can and should be used in any situation that you choose to keep from having to do something you do not want to do. And, more importantly, you don't even have to give an explanation. In today's world we are taught to be accomodating, and people pleasers. We have become a society of overworked and over-stressed, strung-out yessers - yes, I can do that. Sure, I can do that too. Why not, I can fit that in somewhere. We stretch and squeeze our schedules until they bust at the seams leaving us exhausted and often sick. If you are still reading, chances are you know what I am talking about and just like me, are trying to figure out how to simplify your life. Well, my tip for you is to start implementing that saying Nancy Reagan made famous so many years ago, Just say no!

For containing only two letters, the word no, sure possesses incredible power, as it should. It's the power of freedom. The freedom to create your own destiny. Yesterday I was reading a daily email newsletter by Mark Jones called Jonesy's Journey and he quoted Jim Rohn. "If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much." Basically, if we are always saying yes, to what others want us to do, we will be a victim to their desires and needs at the expense of our own.

Please don't missread what I am saying. We are put here on this earth to serve others. There is much reward in helping someone during their time of need. But we can't do a good job at that if we don't first take care of ourselves. And I have learned that the first step in taking care of myself and my own life plan is to start with the word, no. It's not selfish. It's not mean. It is the greatest gift you can do for yourself and others. Because when you make sure your mental, physical, nutritional, spiritual, and social needs are met, your tank will be full and you will be able to share all your goodness with others. When your tank is empty there is nothing to share. Zero divided by zero equals zero.

So, today, I give you permission to Just Say No - yourself with thank you.