Sunday, October 2, 2011

What does it take to say "no"?





No!!!!! That’s the first word kids learn to use in the proper context. They are emphatic in making their point- a “no”, means No.

When do we lose the strength of character to say “no” when we do not want to do something? How often do we end up saying “yes”, when actually we mean “no”. Why do we cringe from uttering the word we mean, and then hate ourselves for being coerced into doing something we do not wish to?

If we were honest enough to say “no”, when we mean “no”, wouldn’t we all be much better off?



"A 'No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble. "

Mohandas Karamchand "Mahatma" Gandhi
2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948


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drabble is a story told in exactly 100 words.

10 comments:

lissa said...

it is very easy to say yes because that's what most people want to hear so no is quite hard.

that Gandhi quote is just terrific.

visiting here from NaBloWriMo. have a lovely day.

Chuck said...

You are dead right about this. I have begun to practice saying "No" when that is really what I mean. Haven't lost a friend or realative over it and I think they feel freer to say No to me. Ghandi quote is great!

Unknown said...

funny that you write about this now. I have just the last few months decided to say "no" more often. If I don't feel it is right to do something at that moment. And it makes me feel better as the other person getting an honest answer from me. Was a bit awkward at first though.

Jemi Fraser said...

Gandhi was brilliant and compassionate. I have his 'be the change' quote up in my classroom all the time.

Jan Morrison said...

I would add that men are generally more able to say 'no' without adding all the excuses we women habitually pile on. No, I can't make cookies because my friend has to go to the doctor's that day and my stove isn't working and my baking is lousy. 'No, I can't do that.'
gosh.
Jan Morrison

Hart Johnson said...

It is so true--we can feel like failures or bad people for saying no, when in reality, we NEED to, or we end up spread too thin.

Raige Creations said...

wonderful quote

Anonymous said...

Natasha - I love that quote! And you're so right about the word No. Sometimes we are so afraid of the consequences, of our reputation, or of something else that we say Yes when we shouldn't - when the right thing to do is to say No. Such a good lesson...

Erin Beyko said...

I really like this post, I've learnt to say no a bit better having run my own busines for a few years now. If I hadn't I would have been forced to close my doors long ago. It was a hard lesson to learn.

Sueann said...

And I add my hearty AMEN!!! So true
Hugs
SueAnn

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