How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?
I don’t say no nicely anymore.
I don’t soften it.
I don’t dress it up so it’s easier for other people to accept.
Because every time I did…
someone tried to push past it.
“No” used to come with guilt.
Like I owed people access to me—my time, my energy, my peace.
I don’t feel that anymore.
Now, no means:
I’m protecting what I’ve built.
I’m choosing myself.
I’m not available for anything that costs me peace.
Some people don’t like that version of me.
That’s fine.
They don’t have to.
Reading Trauma Mama: Velvet & Taboo 