Have you ever wondered… about saying no more? How often do you say yes to whatever someone asks of you? Has it ever occurred to you that constantly saying yes to others means you are always saying no to yourself? Please ponder now if that feels very fair to you. Have you considered what your time is worth? It is the currency of your life. Perhaps a balance here is truly best. That is what I typically strive for each day, an even mix of yes and no. An added bonus is that you can now practice effective boundaries with this act.
Power for me is ‘no.’ No is very powerful. Because if you’re always available – and this goes for relationships, too – just keep saying no. That’s when you know your worth, when you know your value.
-Taraji P. Henson
Are you afraid of saying no? Do you worry about upsetting others? If so, then it means you may care more about the feelings of others than your own feelings and well-being. I know this sounds selfish, but I do not think it truly is mean or unhealthy. If someone gets upset with you, then they expected something. It was not a true ask to begin with but an implied expectation that you would do what they want. Recently, I kept delaying plans with someone for months. I finally decided to move forward on my own in lieu of waiting more; I said no to a group outing and, instead, will now excitedly embark on an individual adventure that I am ready for. I chose to respect my time and move my worth forward. How much longer will you keep kicking a can down your lane’s road? Recycle it already!
Be a loner. That gives you time to wonder, to search for the truth. Have holy curiosity. Make your life worth living.
-Albert Einstein
Learn to be comfortable with your own time alone. Find your self-worth in and of itself. It should not be given to you by anyone else or anything external. Cultivate and grow it to the point that it beams outward, bright and strong within you. It will take time and patient, caring attention, but it will be amazing and beautiful once you start to see it.
This has been a long time coming. Me, this life I’ve built, this latest version of myself. I’m not afraid to say, ‘I’m so proud of me.’ Finally certain for the first time in my life, not looking for any backup plan or validation or anyone to have my back. I got my back. I got me. And this has been a long time coming. I think maybe this is what it was all for. This moment, this life, me, finally knowing and never more sure of my worth.
-Stephanie Bennett-Henry
Doubling the worth for a win-win Wednesday. Have you ever wondered… about pre-chewing your food? It is a recent concept that I have thought of. Maybe others talk about it, too. I do not know. Now, though, I enjoy taking the time to prepare my meal more. Cutting up pieces into smaller, bite-sized chunks. Blending the flavors altogether. Doing some of the prep work for my teeth before it even enters my mouth. I know I do not slow down and chew enough, so this preemptive step proves worthwhile for my digestive system since it still receives the benefit of fewer unwieldy pieces to break down.
Try it. You might like it. What is it worth to you?
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Stay wondrous, y’all :)