The Power of No (and a Little Bit of Boho)
I spent the first 30 to 35 years of my life being a “yes” girl. Craving to be popular, to be liked, to being the friend my friends could always rely on. Always. To the point that I exhausted myself. Overwhelmed myself. Literally made myself crazy.
I had only myself to blame. You can’t really blame others for taking advantage of the “yes” girl. Probably they didn’t even realize that I was saying “yes” to everyone who asked me for something. And I believe it is just human nature to keep asking the person who always says “yes.” It is like a safety zone from rejection.
For the sake of my own sanity, I needed to start saying “no” every once in a while. For a “yes” girl, this seems like a near impossible task. Saying “no” might very well be the end of the world as I knew it. What if my friends thought I was suddenly unreliable? What if they stopped liking me? What if I became known as the selfish friend?
But what if I said “yes” so much that I couldn’t handle all the obligations that I just agreed to? I would be unreliable anyway, right? And just exactly what would happen if I started saying “no”? “No” seems to be the most difficult word for a “yes” girl to say.
But I can tell you exactly what happened when I learned how to say “no”. I was much more relaxed! And I was calmer. And I could pay closer attention to the things that I needed to do. And do them better. And no one hated me. Well, at least no one told they hated me!
There is strength in the word “no”. There is power. There is control. Controlling your own life. Establishing your own boundaries. Prioritizing your own needs and obligations. Learning how to say “no” to others is quite empowering.
It first began with reasons and apologies. Reasons like “No, I have taken on too much already and I just can’t help you out this time.” Or, “I have already committed to something else at that time.” These responses were always accompanied by an apology. Apologizing because I felt as if I were letting people down. As if I were slacking on my obligations. As if I were a failure if I couldn’t do it all.
As I grew more confident in the power of saying “no”, I was able to evolve to the point of saying “no” without any excuses other than “I just don’t feel like it.” And holy crow, the feeling of empowerment when you can look a person in the eyes with no excuses at all and say, “No. Because I don’t want to.”
I like to believe that people respect me for this rather than view me as unreliable or unhelpful. But then my friends know that if they are really in a bind, an emergency with no other alternative but to seek my assistance, I would never say “no”. But when the request is frivolous or simply for the sake of their convenience (at the expense of my convenience), I really have no problem saying, “No. I just don’t want to!” And I don’t always say “no”. I still often say “yes”…when I feel like it. But when I am really not up to the task, “no” will be my response for no other reason than that…I am not feeling up to the task.
My thought is this…life is too short to bind up all of your time doing things that you really don’t want to do. Yes, we all have obligations that we must tend to in order for life to happen. I’m not talking about neglecting our responsibilities. But it is all those little extra things that we do “to be nice” that add up and can take over our lives.
So if you are a “yes” person, it is time to reclaim your life by saying “no” once in a while! It is very liberating and empowering! There is no need to be mean or rude about it either. If you are very overwhelmed by too many “yeses” and just need a little break, try saying “no”. Without excuse. Without reason. Without apology. Just “no”. The easiest and the hardest word for us to say.
Outfit details:
Shirt/Dress: Thrifted from my local Salvation Army Family Store.
Sweater Vest: I have had this sweater for about a decade and I don’t remember where I bought it.
Jeans: Old Navy Button-Fly Boyfriend Jeans (Old and no longer available).
Sandals: Robyn Flat Slides by American Eagle for Payless.
Bracelets: Kohl’s (No longer available).
Necklace and Earrings: Cato Fashions (No longer available).
Beer: Wild Blue Lager (It is so good. So good.)
*This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you click on these links and make purchases. It costs you nothing and supports my website. All opinions expressed are my own and are in no way influenced by any compensation that may be received. Thank you for your support.
Are you a “yes” person or someone who can say “no”? I would love to hear your thoughts on the power of “no”!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with These Fabulous Link Ups Where I Link Up
82 Comments
Aimee
Absolutely LOVE this post and I so needed to read it! But wait, is this why you didn’t want to come camping? Lol I love the pics, I am a little jealous of the photographer!!!!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Aim! The husband is getting better at taking pictures. And maybe I am getting better having my picture taken! We just weren’t up for outdoorsy stuff this weekend. I think we needed a quiet weekend at home! So that’s kind of an excuse, but not an apology! And really…we just didn’t feel like it. HA! Miss your face!
xoxo
Shelbee
Julia
Yes! When I was a stay at home mom I felt like I had to pick up all the slack of the working moms at my kids school, activities, family. My husband just didn’t get why I volunteered and did things without getting paid. Most organizations run on volunteers and I think my kids school couldn’t run without volunteers. That is a really good way to lose yourself and your needs in serving others. And then to feel like you have to apologize. Ugh! I’ve been saying “no” for a bit now but I can see that that can become a habit too. We women are so complicated! Your outfit looks great btw!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
We really are a complicated species, for sure, Julia! With my oldest starting kindergarten in a week, I am bracing myself for all the requests that are going to be coming at me! But I need to maintain a healthy balance for my own sanity! So that will be my priority. Thanks so much for stopping by.
xoxo
Shelbee
Melissa
The timing of this couldn’t be any better. I am this person and I am working through how to do what I really want and be a good person and friend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much for reading, Melissa! It took me a really long time to get here, but I have learned that I can’t be my best at anything…at being a parent, a wife, a friend, a sister…unless I am taking care of myself first. And that means tending to my needs and my wants, finding what brings me joy outside of all the roles that I am expected to play and the obligations that I have to satisfy. I think it is a life long process, but realizing that being selfish is sometimes an act of kindness to yourself and ultimately to others is one step in the right direction! I hope you are able to find to a way to reconcile all of these different aspects of your life! I wish you all the joy in the world. Because you are one of the purest souls I have ever met. It is never to late to go and grab your dreams, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marcy Di Eduardo
Love this and live the Boho spirit. And ironically I have a hand creme called Boho Soul… Lol
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Marcy! How cool is that about Boho Soul hand creme! Thank you for reading.
xoxo
Shelbee
Marta
It’s very important to know how to say “no” sometimes! 🙂
xx
LA VEINE
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It definitely is, Marta! It took me a long time to get there, but it is so liberating! Thanks so much for reading.
xoxo
Shelbee
Andrea@WellnessNotes
I, too, was a “yes” person for many, many years. It took me a long time to learn to say “no.” It’s so important and changes the quality of your life…
Cute outfit!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It really does improve quality of life…finding that healthy balance. Thanks so much for stopping by, Andrea!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patti
Love this post, Shelbee! I have found that no or “no, thanks” is a fully complete sentence. It actually worked very well, and I have stopped feeling guilty. Like you, I will always say yes in a true emergency. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Patti! I love that, “No, Thanks” is a complete sentence. So, so true!
xoxo
Shelbee
Olya
I love knitted clothes. Your knitted vest is a great choise, especially when supported with your well-chosen bijou
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Olya! I am so comfortable in this style of outfit!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lorena
I can totally relate Shelby-
I’ve learned to say NO without giving an explanation. Period.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I like what Patti said, Lorena…”No, thanks” IS a complete sentence! And good for you for learning how to draw your limits and stick to them! It feels great, right?!
Thanks so much for reading. Have a fabulous week!
xoxo
Shelbee
ruth
I can totally say no and yes when I want to! It did take a bad relationship and some counseling to understand it’s okay to say no and learn I can’t do everything!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Bad relationships and counseling are the best foundations for true growth and learning! I have had so many of both that I should be a life genius by now! Ha. Thanks so much for stopping by, Ruth. Have a fabulous week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jessica Jannenga
I know what you mean! I used to do this, espcially with my teaching job! It is freeing when you are able to say no to things, doesnt mean you are unreliable. But it is less stressful and overwhelming. Love this rich green vest on you and the super cute lace sandals. Now, about that beer…
See you tomorrow
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
The beer is so, so good, Jess! But dangerous because it tastes like blueberry juice! And it goes down so easily. But in tur boho fashion, I threw caution to the wind and had a beer (or three)! I can say no to many things, but usually not to a Wild Blue beer!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a fabulous week.
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
It is hard to change into the “no’s”—I’m right there with you. But life is short, so we should enjoy it, and say yes when we really want to and no just as much!
As for the beer—i need to see some ID to prove you’re old enough!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree with all of this, Jodie! Well, except the ID part…hahaha…Some days I feel like a child. Other days I feel like I have been around for a million years! Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo
Shelbee
clairejustine
Hi Shelbee, love this look. It is so me 🙂 I am a yes person.. Eek I am trying to say no more especially on my blog!!Life is to short to do things you don’t want to do..
Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Claire! Life really is too short to get all caught up in the unnecessary things!
xoxo
Shelbee
Keri
You are so adorable!! I love those sandals 🙂
Enclothed Cognition
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Keri! That is such a wonderful compliment!
xoxo
Shelbee
Shauna
Love that sweater vest, and wish it was a recent find, because I need it in my life!! The color, the hoodie…all so good. I’ll be back for your link up later this week for sure! Have a great week!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Shauna! This sweater vest seriously hung in my closet for so many years and I never had any luck styling it. But I couldn’t part with it either. Then finally, I figured out ways to style it and I do wear it quite it often now! I wish it was a more recent purchase for your sake as well…because it really is fabulous! Now I am going to searching for a similar item for your benefit!
Thanks so much for reading!
xoxo
Shelbee
Adi
You look Gorgeous!! And this post was such a wonderful read, thank you!!
Adi xx
fancycorrectitude.com
instagram.com/fancycorrectitude
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Adi! I appreciate the lovely comment!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mascha
You look great in this clothing, the sweater vest could be one of my most beloved oieces…
It’s a mysterious thing for me with the “No”. I don’t say yes, because the others love me, I’m not dependent on others and their opinion, apparently. But I am an autistic woman who does not understand the rules and appropriateness of life. Also I say as a precaution “Yes” in order not to do anything wrong. So I was brought up, I have to somehow survive on this strange planet for me. I can not assess themselves the consequences of my actions. Must operate in an incomprehensible system. Although I am a part outside, only for myself, actually.
I wish I could say more “no”!
Thanks für your visit and nice comments. I’m in a blog break now (I must care for my 89 years old mother), but when I’m back and have time to make outfit-photos, will link up my post here.
Enjouy your day 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mascha, thank you so much for reading and for sharing so much about yourself. I truly appreciate the lovely comment. Many prayers to you and your mother.
xoxo
Shelbee
Mónica Sors
Nice post 😉
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: MEET ME AT SUNSET
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks much, Monica!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rachel
Very comfy and stylish look!
http://chicglamstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Rachel! Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Johanna Grange
From one “yes” girl to another – you go! It is so liberating to say no!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
So true, Johanna! So true! Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels
I was the exact same way! I’ve gotten better, but sometimes my constant need to say yes and overcommit and overstretch myself and please everyone comes out. = )
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It happens to the best of us sometimes, Laura, even after we have learned better! Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rosie
GIRLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL I am even a yes girl regarding my won wedding. This experience has really set me up to just EFF IT for once NO! It get’s me so frustrated.
Life is just Rosie
Instagram
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh no, Rosie! If you need to scream a big giant loud “EFFING NO” then I think you should just do it! It is so liberating! And empowering. Take control, girl, take control! You got this! And remember even screaming in frustration, you’re still beautiful!
xoxo
Shelbee
Adriele
I love this post!!!! Such a great message to share. We often say “yes” too much!! Stopping by from the Trend Spin Link-Up!
-Adriele
StyleAssisted.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Adriele! Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kelsey Bang
I like how you layered! great look!
kelseybang.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kelsey!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
Amen, sister! You have to be able to say no- totally agree! Love this hooded number, too. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ashley! It is so true! And I think I need more green!
xoxo
Shelbee
Esther
I agree, it’s so important to learn to say no, even if it’s hard at first! And you look great in this outfit!
xo, Esther
http://bubblesther.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Esther! It really is an important skill to learn…setting your own boundaries and demanding respect for those boundaries! Saying no is the first step in that direction for me! Thanks so much for reading. Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Shirley
I was there too. Always “yes” girl. I took me 20 years to learn how to say no. Too long? Maybe…. But I’m happy that is different now. It is such a relief to tell what you really think.
Thank you for linking up to My Red Carpet.
Anna xoxo
http://www.glamadventure.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Anna Shirley, isn’t it so liberating to finally take that kind of control of things?! I don’t think it matters how long it takes to get there, at least you got there! Thanks for stopping by. Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Christina Braccia
I seriously love this! Live for yourself and not to please others- life is way too short to not be happy!
xo, Christina
http://www.christinabeex3.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Amen to that, Christina! Thanks so much for stopping by!
xoxo
Shelbee
Getyourprettyon
I love the Boho. I am happy you have learned to say no. 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It is definitely an important life skill! Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tiina L
That’s the toughest, finding the balance between being ‘a good girl’ and setting boundaries. I don’t think there’s a woman anywhere who hasn’t struggled with this issue, one way or another. Hopefully the next generation of women will find it easier to say ‘no’ when they feel like it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree, Tiina! I cannot be a pushover! And I am too old and set in my ways now to ever compromise my values, my time, or my needs! I do hope the younger generation of women is more empowered. Thanks so much for reading and for the very thoughtful comment!
xoxo
Shelbee
nicole
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Nicole! Have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Amber
Love, love, love this. I’m part of business mastermind group with 3 other women, and we have been talking so much about saying, “No,” and setting boundaries over the last few weeks. Do you think this is harder for women than men?
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Amber! You are the second person to comment about this being a predominantly female issue. And I guess I never really thought about it. But now, thinking about it, yeah…maybe. I don’t think my husband has a problem just saying no. Although he always uses his job as an excuse for everything (he is in the military so it is always a valid excuse). So I guess I don’t really know how he would be. Maybe it is an inherently female trait to be always accommodating and selfless. But hopefully we are reaching a stage in this generation where the genders are becoming equalized and it is okay for women to choose when and how much they will take on. We all need a break sometimes! I do think, though, that I need to think this through a little more (as evidenced by my rambling response!) Thanks so much for reading and good luck in your boundary-setting! Have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Julie Bagamary
Good word! I read Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend a few years ago and went through a similar process. Freedom!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Julie! I am going to have check out that book! It sounds empowering and super helpful. Thanks so much for reading. Have a fabulous weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emily
Being content with saying ‘No’ and really seeking the Lord’s will has been such a good lesson this year; I’m still learning it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am so happy that you are finding this kind of empowerment, too, Emily! Good for you! And thanks so much for reading. Have a blessed weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lisa Pomerantz
Oh wow how I love this post! I will share it with my Mrs., my mother-inlaw, and myself…Yes, I yes too often too and I know that I can mark off some boundaries and follow suit! Thank you #FridayFrivolity
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Lisa! It is such a great skill to learn…it tends to keep me somewhat sane! I’m glad I could help.
Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lisa/Syncopated Mama
I’ve been a “yes” gal most of my life, too, but luckily I’ve started saying “no” more and more over the years – I did it again just yesterday, in fact! Thanks for joining us at #FridayFrivolity!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lisa, it is such a liberating feeling, isn’t it?! Thanks so much for reading and have a lovely day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sarah Eliza @ devastateboredom
I LOVE this outfit, and I LOVE your thoughts on the power of no. Bummin’ you don’t remember where you got the sweater vest, haha, because I’m kind of in love with it. You look great!
Sarah Eliza @ devastateboredom
Pinning and tweeting — thanks for sharing at #FridayFrivolity!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Sarah!
xoxo
Shelbee
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Sarah, thank you so much! I think it was JCPenney or Burlington Coat Factory…maybe…but I suppose it is irrelevant at this point since the sweater is about a million years old! Thanks for stopping by and sharing my post! Have a fabulous day.
xoxo
Shelbee
Sarah Eliza @ devastateboredom
You’re one of my features this week! <3
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Yay! Thanks so much, Sarah! That is such an honor and I am so very flattered.
xoxo
Shelbee
Donna Parker
‘Yes’ and ‘No’, probably the two more complicated and interesting words. Love the post and love the outfit – just went thrifting today (everything was 50% off). Love it LL.
Dropped over from #FridayFrivolity and happy I said ‘Yes’ to your link. 😉
Hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Donna, thank you so much for the lovely comment! I learned to only go thrifting on the 50% off days! Otherwise, I think it is sometimes overpriced for a thrift shop especially when you can find items on clearance for a few dollars at places like Target, Old Navy, and Kohl’s. And I am glad you said “Yes” to my link, too! Have a fabulous weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Johnette
I favor the depth.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Johnette.
xoxo
Shelbee