The art of no
How to take back control when you’re caught in a whirlwind. By Inspire Me Women’s Chris Korako.
As women, most of us at some point find ourselves caught in a whirlwind.
I’d like to say ‘swept up in a whirlwind romance’ but this time it’s a different kind of whirlwind.
Time is one of our most precious resources, yet it can so easily slip unnoticed through our fingers. It’s consumed by obligations, expectations, and a chorus of ‘yes’ when we often want to say ‘no’. Why? We don’t want to let anyone down, so we leave little space for ourselves. That can make you feel that life has a way of sweeping you up in its whirlwind.
We can find ourselves juggling multiple roles, feeling as though we are stretched too thin or literally in the circus performing a balancing act. In the midst of all of this, we can lose sight of our own direction, aspirations, what we truly want and who we really are.
I use a simple yet empowering practice to take a step back, reassessing and refocusing. It helps reclaim my energy and sense of self as well as engage my sometimes forgotten personal aspirations. Reclaiming your power is protecting your energy. I know that courage plays a big part in setting boundaries and prioritising what matters.
Courage is needed to say ‘no’ – it’s the only way to say goodbye to overcommitting. It isn’t selfish, it’s an act of self-preservation. I urge you to try it in a thoughtful way.
Reclaim what sets you on fire. Bring your dreams to the front of the line, they are essential for your personal happiness, growth and destiny. It’s a journey, not a destination. Regain control when you are going around in circles or you have joined the circus juggling act by jumping out of the whirlwind. Step back and reassess.
If all else fails, seek out the sisterhood.
