What we need is the strength-giving grace occasioned by our saying yes to something else, by our saying yes, and yes, and yes--ceaselessly--to Someone else.
Because now I see that every no is a yes to something else that fits better.
Usually, this means I am saying "yes" to something else, something that would be better for my spirit.
I began to see that if I embraced the notion that "no" actually means "yes" to something else (e.g., zero debt, a growing emergency fund and/or a retirement account), the results could be life-changing.
Before you leave the house, ask yourself: "If someone invited me to play football, would I have to turn them down because of the way I'm dressed?" If the answer is yes, consider something else.
Before you leave the house, ask yourself: "If someone invited out skating, would I have to turn them down because of the way I'm dressed?" If the answer is yes, consider something else.
Every time you get dressed, think, 'If I was invited to play football, would I have to refuse because of my outfit?' If the answer is yes, try something else.
Oh, yes, and something else, too: personalities.
An advance copy of Christine Koh and Asha Dornfests' "Minimalist Parenting" (out this March) reminded me of why: when we say no even to a marionette show or a season of weekday afternoon skiing, we're saying yes to something else we enjoy more — hanging out at home together.
Saying no really means saying yes to something else.
