A Woman's Weekly

So, I decided to start a series of posts reviewing this little book that I just got.

‘Tis the good reader that makes the good book’ said Ralph Waldo Emerson. As such, we’ll start off by reviewing one chapter per week. That way we can all let the lessons, insights and wisdom sink in. Let’s begin with…

Give yourself Permission to say “No.”

This will we do, if God permit. – Hebrews 6:3 KJV

We live in a society that is constantly challenging us to stretch beyond our limits and reach for the stars. Pleas for help and demands on our time and energies lie around every corner. But eventually, we have each to accept the fact that we cannot do it all. Freedom comes when we learn that such expectations are unrealistic and misguided.

Saying “no” frees you to say “yes” to those things that bring the greatest satisfaction and sense of well-being. It allows you to ‘de-clutter’ your life and restore balance. It is the first step to leading a simpler life.

Healthy boundaries allow us to be true to who we are and what we are meant to do.

I had an ‘aha’ moment after reading this chapter and told myself that this would be one of the first things I would put in place as the work of 2009 begins. And then I was asked to take charge of the Special Events committee in Church, the Hubby was elected into the Church Council and my first special event was scheduled for 1st March! That’s not to mention that I have revision with the Kids for their mid term tests in the middle of all that activity. So much for saying No.

All these events coming together however, was to the Hubby’s full knowledge and together we were able to anticipate the workload for the year. So with gracious kindness, the Hubby has acknowledged that our home chores will probably take a little back seat and we’re probably gonna be a little messier at home than we usually are, at least until my 1st March event is over. And when the Hubby has acknowledged it, his Wife finds relief.

So I guess in that way, I’ve given myself permission to say No to pushing for perfection at home, which is my ‘turf’ as it were.

What about you?