Most of us don't like saying no to people.

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We were never encouraged as children to say no.

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Even when we grew up, still there is a big push against the word no.

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At home, at work, even with our friends, no one likes to hear the word no.

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Yet it is one of the most important things we can say.

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The word "no" is how we set our boundaries.

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It is how we communicate what is not in alignment for us.

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And we can use to show someone what is not okay with us.

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Our noes do not have to be harsh.

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Sometimes we feel we must shout them in order to be heard.

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Often, when we receive pushback against our noes, we feel we must explain them.

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We forget that "no" is a complete sentence.

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It does not require justification.

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But it does require us to be firm and stick to it.

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Most people do not like to her the word no.

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Still, no is a very word to use.

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And when we use it we show the other person where our boundaries are.

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What is okay with us and what is not.

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Ultimately, the other person will appreciate the no because now they know where and when to stop.

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When the lines are clearly drawn, we can respect the other person's wishes and not cross over them.

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Even when we don't like to hear the no.

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Because it makes everyrthing more clear.

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More clean.

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And gives us the guidance we need to be appropriate in any situation.

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Do you what your noes are?

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Have you practiced saying no to others?

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~ Sam Liebowitz, The Conscious Consultant

Host of The Conscious Consultant Hour