Shonda Rhimes has been telling us to say "YES" since 2015, and I have been doing exactly that. I’ve said YES so many times and it has led me to some of the most beautiful places. Now, here it is, the end of 2017 and my ‘YES’ has brought me to a place where I am fully standing in my #blackgirlmagic, authentically juicy self. I have never been so incredibly happy with where I am in my life.  And although "YES" might have brought me to this magnificent place, “NO” is what will keep me here.

It’s time to make 2018 the year of "No" — the year where you solidify your peace.

Here are 5 reasons why you should make this your Year of "NO"

  1. Understand No. It IS a complete sentence. 

It’s common to say, “I’m sorry but…,” as people think it sounds more polite. I’m not saying to be impolite, but apologizing turns your firm "NO" into a weak one. Be unapologetic about guarding and owning your time. Your "NO" does not need an explanation.

  1. BOUNDARIES

Creating boundaries is KEY. It is self-honoring the agreements you have made with yourself. When we stick to our unwavering "No" and set the boundary, it's an opportunity to grow yourself. Being the “yes girl” has its perks, but it doesn’t offer the opportunity for yourself to just be.There is beauty in that, but how will you ever discover it without exercising that right?

  1. Do what feels right! (@WorthyBeings)

Your intuition is your BFF, use it! Trust your gut. No one knows better than YOU what YOU need. The more you say "No" to the things that don’t feel good, the more you will become familiar with the things that do, the things that make you feel juicy. And let’s face it, if what you’re doing doesn’t make you feel juicy then why are you doing it in the first place!? Cheers to a juicy-filled life!

  1. “Sometimes ‘no’ isn’t personal, it’s spiritual and has nothing to do with you.” – Liana Naima

Saying "No" sometimes feels personal and we begin to feel guilty for wanting to put “self” first, but consider this — sometimes saying "No" is a part of a bigger plan. A part of saying "no" is trusting that in that moment it is the right response.

  1. Saying "No" is a way to honor YOURSELF

There’s a level of confidence that comes with knowing yourself deeply. How do you get to that point without honoring ALL of you? When we practice saying "No" unapologetically, we set boundaries, place value on our truest desires and follow through with the understanding that in the grand scheme of things it’s all connected. We are all connected to the Universe in a most powerful way.

Let this be your Year of "No." Your year of affirming all the Yes-es you have said and solidifying your most authentically juicy self!

Here’s to a great New Year!

Besito’

Hollis Gray

Hollis Gray; founder of Holistree and Women Empower. Spreading encouragement to women to live their juiciest life! Check out Hollis Gray’s full story of how she got to such a juicy place! Connect with her and her tribe you won’t regret it!

introverts , new year's resolutions