When you no longer notice the beauty in the things you possess, and shop for new, “more beautiful” objects.
When politely ignoring a situation doesn’t make it go away.
When you’re so over-scheduled that you can hardly wait to go to bed.
When you hate getting out of bed in the morning.
When you have to rent a storage unit to store your hunting/fishing/camping gear.
When you spend more on spa treatments, nails and hair than your partner spends on hunting/fishing/camping gear.
When you have to see a doctor for a prescription to help you cope.
When a new car doesn’t make you happier than the old, still-working car.
When you can’t remember the last time you looked your kid in the eyes while she talked to you because your head is always buried in the laptop.
When you can’t button the jeans you bought six months ago.
When you tell yourself that a juice glass of wine at lunch is okay.
When your health is better away from him than with him.
When you can’t remember the last time you slept through the night.
When you go into deeper debt because all your friends have nicer stuff.
When saying, “Yes,” makes you frustrated and angry as you write one more commitment on the calendar.
When telling the kids, “We’ll have time to read in the backyard next week, I promise.”
It’s time to say, “No,” when the cost of doing something is higher than the benefit of doing that thing.
It’s time to say, “No,” when doing so makes your life richer.
Tags: in search of self, life, proactive
Thanks for the reminder! (And did I mention your kids are very lucky to have you as their mother and teacher?)
The old cost/benefit ratio thingy, huh? You are oh so right…
You put that so very eloquently :) Every person has the right to say both yes and no, but it does take a long time to learn which is the best response sometimes. Once you’ve learned which is the best for you, you can never unlearn it.
Meredith,
I’m the one who is lucky. ;)
Pat,
Funny how that cost/benefit thing keeps rearing its head.
Jenn,
I like how you pointed that out… “once you’ve learned which is best for you…”
That’s so true.
I had just read your post, when dear son called and wanted to have a bonfire tonight. While it seems innocent and all, it goes on till the wee hours of the night, I worry, the car tires squeal when they leave in the wee hours of the night. The neighbors huff and puff….. long story short…. I SAID NO!
I can relate to 98% of your post…. the stuff, can’t wait to go to bed, hate to get up, the prescription or two, the aches and pains….. and here I stay.
I have no one to blame but myself….
I’m just so thankful that the universe let you and I find each other. You are doing wonderful things.
xoxo
Annie,
I’m very thankful for finding you, too.
I’m proud of you for exercising your “No” muscle.
Maybe it’s time to make room in your life for you…