While it could be very easy to focus on all of the things you are omitting from your life by saying “no,” I invite you to focus on everything for which you would be making space. Think of all of the times when you said you would help that friend who always seems to need you, or you agree to show up for your ex one last time, helping, caring, supporting someone else again and again with no real end in sight.
Or all the times when you take on extra tasks at work, or promise to do chores around the house just because you can and it seems easier to just do the work yourself. Maybe you’re afraid of how someone will feel if they hear the word “no” or you just don’t have the energy to dig deep into the well of strength within you to say “no.”
Now think of all of the things that you could be doing during these times
if you had decided to put yourself first! The yoga class you could finally take, or the meal you would be able to cook from scratch and enjoy in peace. You might be able to take a walk with that dear friend for whom you never seem to have enough time. You could finally enroll in the Spanish lessons you’ve put off.
Once you start eliminating things that don’t fill you up and incorporating activities that do, your life will naturally feel more balanced.