I want to share something personal with you today—something that I think a lot of us can relate to. You know that feeling when you're working so hard, always saying yes to everything your boss or coworkers ask of you, just to stay in their good books? That was me for a long time.
I genuinely thought it was my duty as an employee to help out wherever I could. I wanted to be reliable, to make sure everyone knew they could count on me. And it felt good at first, knowing that I was contributing and making a difference. But soon, things shifted.
The requests kept coming, and I kept saying yes. What started as a desire to be helpful turned into an overwhelming sense of obligation. I was constantly trying to prove myself. But you know what? It wasn’t sustainable.
Before I knew it, I was burnt out. I couldn’t even enjoy a peaceful dinner without worrying about whether I made a mistake at work. Weekends? Forget it. I’d spend them glued to my phone, terrified I’d miss a call from my boss or a coworker needing something.
Even when it was time for a holiday—when I should have been excited and relaxed—I felt tortured by the endless list of tasks I had left unfinished because I had agreed to everything. I wasn’t just overworked—I was consumed by it.
At the time, I thought I owed it to them. I convinced myself that this was just what being a good employee meant. But the truth? I was wrong.
It took me hitting rock bottom to realize something important: I had already done more than enough. I had been a hard worker, a good team player, and I had given more than was ever expected of me. And yet, I was still carrying the weight of these endless expectations.
That’s when I learned that saying “no” isn’t about disappointing others; it’s about respecting yourself. It’s about setting boundaries that protect your time, your energy, and most importantly, your mental health.
Boundaries were a game changer for me. Once I started saying no, I realized that I could still be an amazing employee while prioritizing my own well-being. And guess what? The world didn’t fall apart when I took a step back.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in this cycle of saying yes to everything—whether it’s at work, with friends, or in your personal life—let me tell you, it’s okay to say no. You don’t owe anyone your peace of mind.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to invite you to join our free Facebook group—a community of women who are on the same journey of self-care, empowerment, and setting healthy boundaries. It’s a space where we share tips, participate in empowering activities, and lift each other up.
I’ve created this group as a way of giving back—a public service of gratitude for all the blessings I’ve received in life. And it’s completely free because I truly believe in the power of supporting one another.
So, if you’re feeling like I did, know that you’re not alone. You deserve your evenings, your weekends, and your time off without guilt. Take that first step and start saying no—it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself.