NO. —> is perhaps the shortest complete sentence.
It’s also one of the most complex sentences to use.
Many of us can’t say No because we fear –
Fear that we will be rejected and hence become fragile.
Many of us can’t say No because we care –
Care so much that we experience a sense of guilt saying No.
Some of us can’t say No because we bow to power –
A power that we feel obligated to bend to.
Not all No.s are rebellious and unkind responses.
Some are acts of pure clarity.
The more self-aware we are,
The more we know who we are.
Also, the more we know who we are not.
Saying No to all that is inauthentic to us
is perhaps one of the highest acts of courage.