Today, I'm going to talk about one of the hardest lessons I've learned in my life—how to say "no" without that nagging feeling of guilt that those around us try to instill in us. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you said "yes" to someone, but everything in your stomach was screaming "no"? I've done this too many times in the past, until I realized that by agreeing with everyone, I was actually denying myself.
In everyday life, we are constantly bombarded with expectations. "Eva, could you do this?" "Eva, why isn't the blog the way we want it to be?" And if you don't set boundaries, people will simply suck you dry. I've learned that "no" isn't a bad word. It's just a boundary that protects my peace and my energy. When I say "no" to something that doesn't suit me, I'm actually saying "yes" to my health and my time.
Take, for example, those moments when someone asks you for a favor, but you're completely drained of energy that day and would rather just sit quietly or spend time with your pets. Sometimes I would say "yes," struggle through that hour, and then feel even more exhausted. Today, I know that it's perfectly okay to say, "Sorry, I can't today, I need time for myself." And if that person doesn't like it? You know what I think – there's the door. True friends and people who appreciate you will understand and respect your "no."
It was similar with my blog. When some people were giving me advice on how I should write or what color the page should be, I had to say "no" to their ideas so that I could stay true to my vision. If I had listened to everyone, it wouldn't have been my blog anymore, but a mess of other people's wishes. When you learn to say "no" to things that don't fulfill you, you make room for what truly makes you happy.
Guilt comes when we think we are responsible for the happiness of others. But we are not. We are responsible for our own happiness and peace. Once you understand that your "no" does not mean that you are rude or a bad person, but only that you know your worth, life becomes much easier. You don't have to explain at length why you won't do something. "No" is a complete sentence.
So today, I urge you: practice saying "no." Start with small things. Observe how it makes you feel. It may feel a little strange at first, but over time you will feel an incredible sense of freedom. Don't be a slave to other people's expectations. Your life is yours, and your time is precious. Spend it on things and people that bring a smile to your face, not on those who only drain your energy.
Hugs, Eva
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