“No” is a word that many of us could stand to use a little more often. How many times have you said no only to go back on your decision? And how many times have you said no and then made excuses to justify your decision-excuses that were white lies to make saying no more palatable. Today, it is time to change all your old behaviors around people pleasing and to putting other people's needs and wants before our own. In fact during this time of social isolation, it will be those people, who routinely use your people pleaser tendencies on purpose, who will ask you for even more, and to risk your safety and well being for their own needs. They will be the ones who deliberately try to push your buttons, no matter how many times you say no-they have no boundaries, insatiable needs and will never stop using you. They will continue to overstep the boundaries that you set, until YOU stop them. Today, it is time to let go those people from your life and accept the lessons that they’ve taught you about who you are and what you want for your life. If it’s not possible to let someone go completely, if they are a family member for example, simply create some healthy distance and some healthy boundaries with them. Remember, this is a process and if you slip back into old behaviors don’t be too hard on yourself. But do keep going and making progress, your life and self-esteem will be much better as a result! Today, remember that if you are risking your physical or mental well being for another person, you are not helping but rather hurting yourself and the other person. Today learn your lessons, love yourself and finally give yourself permission to let go.

Just for today, I say no when I mean no and yes when I mean yes. I know what I want and I do not need to apologize for it. I respect my boundaries and I insist others respect them too. I am a master at setting healthy boundaries that save my time, energy, and well being. I am safe. I love myself enough to let go of all the people, places and things that no longer serve me. I am at peace in the midst of chaos and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.