The Opposite of "yes"

no Pronunciation: \ˈnō\ Function: adverb —used as a function word to express the negative of an alternative choice or possibility

"Just say it Jaime, you can do it! GO ON! Give it a try...Just say no, just say no. "

Above is a sample of my inner dialogue--which I normally think on a daily basis, sometimes multiple times a day. I must secretly think that "no" is a swear word, with the way I avoid saying it. As long as I can remember, I have wanted to please everyone. I want everyone in my life to be happy with me. From my family and friends who have known me forever, to a random acquaintance I have known for five months-it makes no difference. I want the people who know me to be happy-especially with me.

As a result, I have realized, that I rarely say "no". As a result of the word "no" being missing from my vocabulary, I tend to be overly busy, overly stressed, running around too much, driving excessive amounts and not enjoying every day life.

And guess what else I realized?! I am the one responsible for saying "yes" to the things i'm passionate about, "no" to things I really don't enjoy doing, want to do, or shouldn't do. Someone told me once that it's not necessarily about what I do, but who I am. That's what I need to present- when I pursue those few passions and dreams with all my might, instead of pursuing the passions and dreams other people may have for me with just some of my might, i'll make a much bigger impact, be happier, and in turn have more energy to focus on presenting the real me-not the me I think every one else wants to see.

Moral of the moment: Just say no.