Let’s talk about being able to say no.
There’s no doubt that having a YES! attitude is a great way to approach life. Yes to adventure. Yes to new experiences. Yes to the unknown. It is often through these times that we discover and learn the most about ourselves. Where we put ourselves in a place of discomfort and vulnerability, challenge our perceived limits, and as a result get stronger physically, mentally and emotionally. Maybe like when you said yes to November Project for the first time.
But…
Sometimes we also need to be able to say no. I came across a quote a while back, during a time in my life that felt chaotic…where there were many things coming at me and I was overwhelmed…it read:
“Saying no to a new commitment honours your existing commitment and give you an opportunity to successfully fulfill them”
It had me reflect on what I was saying yes to. Asked me to question whether I truly had the time to give to another endeavour while still being present for my family, friends and other groups I’d dedicated time and energy to.
This week I’ve been listening to a fellow tribe member’s podcast, Chris Falconer’s Open Up and Om (by the way, if you haven’t tuned in, you should check it out, you may even recognize some of his past guests)…anyway, yesterday he and Amanda Bell-Tardif were talking about this same thing, creating a balancing between saying yes and also saying no. I kept nodding my head throughout their conversation and even exclaimed, yes! when Amanda said, “When you say no your yesses are of value.”
Sometimes I need to say no to things, it’s hard. I don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, I don’t want to let people down, I don’t want to be left out, I don’t want to miss out on the fun, I don’t want to……fill in the blank…. There are so many reasons that can go into that blank space. I am confident many of you can relate as we all go through a similar thought process when faced with this dilemma. While saying no is sometimes truly about not wanting to do something, for example committing to running a marathon last minute to keep a friend company (I said yes to this by the way but others would say no and I think they’d have a valid reason for doing so). And at other times, saying no is simply about prioritizing your life and being honest with the capacity you have to share yourself at that moment of time.It may need to be a hard no, one that you know you simply cannot do but it can also be no, not now, because you have other commitments at this point in time that require your attention. Regardless, it is about taking the time to really think about it. It may mean that you disappoint people sometimes – don’t worry, they’ll get over it. It may mean that you’ll miss out on the fun and when it’s posted all over Instagram and you’ll experience #fomo – don’t worry, there will be other summits. But it will also mean that you are being true to yourself, that you are looking after you and your people. It means that you are ensuring that you have the time and energy to give to the commitments you have already made.
So say yes…but remember, you also need be willing to say no.
#justshowup 6AM
Monday – Cafe Bicyclette Courtyard
Wednesday – Commonwealth Stadium – Gate 2
Friday – Walterdale Hill
(Sidenote: Great job to everyone who traveled up and down the hill this glorious morning! And thanks to all who brought #NPgiveback donations)
*A message from OMC*
We can make such a difference to so many people!! This month it’s the @novemberprojectcan @novemberproject Month of Giving Back!! @omc.npc is collecting donations for @bissellcentre for the upcoming winter season!! Bring items to #hillsforbreakfast all month long – #omc team members will collecting right before and after the workout/hugs. Here’s a list of what you can bring:
SEASONAL NEEDS
Seasonal Clothing – New or Used for Men, Women and ChildrenCoats
Scarves
Hats
Gloves
Thermal Underwear
Long Sleeve Tops
Denim Pants
Winter footwear
Other Seasonal Needs – New or UsedHand/Foot Warmers
Backpacks
Blankets/Linens/Sleeping Bags
Travel Mugs
ONGOING NEEDS
NewToothbrushes and Toothpaste
Shampoo and Conditioner (New or Used)
Adult Underwear & Socks
Children’s Underwear & Socks
Deodorant, Razors, Toilet Paper
Baby Diapers Sizes 4, 5, 6 & and all sizes of Pull-ups
Baby Formula, Wipes, Shampoo, & Lotions
New or UsedClothing of all styles and sizes for Men, Women, and Children
Men’s Work Gloves and Work Boots (for our Employment Services Program)
Until next time…SMILE! J
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