The art of saying no | Maryland Photographer
This year my word is present. Last year it was intentional, and something I worked on often was being intentionally present. So, it felt only fitting that this year my word was present. I am a giver, I love to give of my time, and energy, and resources. I love to help, if there is a need I am on it. However, often times I take on too much. I try to help in too many places, volunteer for too many things, and give a bit too much of my time. Well of course helping others should be something we do all the time? right? … The answer to that is neither Yes, nor No, rather to each person to the best of their ability. In doing all of this, I can’t loose focus of my first place of giving, my own family. I never want to take from them, they are my biggest blessing, and I never want to take them for granted. So, if I need to cut back in other areas I must do that in order to give them the best of me. 
So, I am learning to say no. I am also learning the meaning of a simple No. It doesn’t always mean No forever, or No because I don’t care, rather No not right now, or no because I simply cannot spread myself too thin. Sometimes you must say no to honor yourself, or your family, your convictions, your faith, your career… there are many reasons to say no, that don’t mean you don’t care about the situation, or you don’t want to help.
For me, Sometimes saying no is because self care must come first, or because I don’t want to fill my schedule so full that something unexpected stresses me out. This winter I am working on saying no to events that while they are really great places to be, by saying no it allows our family to relax together at home and enjoy one other, and love each other a little deeper. This winter I am saying to too many activities, to many volunteer opportunities, and too many plans. My hope is this will free up my schedule to allow more peace, tranquility, and calm. This should also allow time in my schedule that last minute opportunities to help others arise I can do so, and allow time for more self care, more time to cuddle my babies, and date my husband! 
Here’s to saying no!
The art of saying no | Maryland Photographer
Sarah Michele photography specializes in Newborn, Family, and Child Photography in the Annapolis, Maryland and surrounding area
