l learnt to say "NO"

"The right to say 'no' is a gift we give ourselves." — My POV

Greeting and thanks for organizing the interesting contest : Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 51: l learnt to say "NO"

• Do you always find it hard to say NO to people's request?
• Mention reasons why people find it difficult to say NO?
• What was that experience that taught you to say NO?
• What is your advice for those who still struggles to give NO as an answer

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l learnt to say "NO" ? Still NO😜

Do you always find it hard to say NO to people's requests?

Oh boy, let me tell you, my friends, saying "NO" is like trying to squeeze a watermelon through a keyhole for me. In my dictionary, there’s no such thing as "NO." I have practically erased it from my vocabulary! But you know what’s worse? The aftermath of my habit—regret. It’s like an unwelcome guest who just won’t leave.

Canvas source

Honestly, I can not even struggle to say NO to anyone. I don’t know why it's so difficult. Maybe it's because, as humans, we’re naturally inclined to avoid discomfort. Life happens, and we all have those moments when we just want to make everyone happy. But here’s the hard truth: sometimes, saying NO is not just a necessity—it’s essential.

Let me share an interesting story with you all. Once upon a time, a friend of mine came to me asking for a loan. Now, I didn’t have a single penny in my pocket. But, being the hero I am, I borrowed money from someone else just to hand it over to Mr. XYZ (let’s call him that). Fast forward to eight months later, and guess what? Mr. XYZ hasn’t even had the decency to mention the loan. It’s like he thinks I gave it to him as pocket money or something! 😂

Sometimes, I wonder if he thinks of me as a walking, talking bank. "Oh, look! It's Mr. Hammad Khan, the human ATM!" 😜

So, what’s my advice for those who still struggle to give NO as an answer? Honestly, my advice is for me, not others. I would tell myself—and anyone else in my shoes—that it’s perfectly okay to set boundaries. Saying NO does not make you a bad person; it just makes you someone who values their own well-being.

Remember, you don’t have to be everyone’s superhero. Sometimes, it's better to be your own hero. So, the next time someone asks for something and you’re not up for it, channel your inner superhero and say NO with confidence. Because, in the end, your peace of mind is worth more than a hundred unreturned favors.

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In summary:

• Saying NO might feel like an Olympic sport, but it’s worth the practice.
• Don't let regret be your constant companion.
• Stand firm, even if it feels awkward. It’s your right and your gift to yourself!

Now go on, give that NO a try. You might just find it’s not as scary as it seems! 😄

@patjewell, @wakeupkitty, @bossj23, @dove11 and @sualeha —how about you? Is saying 'NO' your superpower or your Achilles' heel? Let us know!

• Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 51: l learnt to say "NO"