Until few months ago, “no” was not in my vocabulary. Shortest word to write and yet hardest word to say.
I grew up thinking no was the most awkward, guilt inducing, nerve racking, embarrassing word in the language.
Society evolves around yes or hope and when a no comes around it must be accompanied by weak excuses and rationalizations.
“No” is offensive when said in an unassertive or aggressive manner. That’s how we all use it, faking sorry feelings or exploding because too much is too much.

And when we force ourselves to say yes instead of no we feel pitiful adding more anger to our lives.

At 42 I discovered the power of no. The decisive no that doesn’t need explanation, direct and simple.

The no that saves so much time at the end of the day and makes your yes so much valuable.
No to a bunch of small things we keep in the air because we fear hurting feelings.
And I will accept your no over a million of “yes but” that will never happen. You don’t lose friends over a no, you lose them over a wrong yes.

I made so many mistakes by not saying no. Mistakes costing friends and monies.
Please people, accept my apologies for not saying NO when I wanted needed to.

Bottom line, no has changed my life in the best possible way.

“Tone is the hardest part of saying no.”  — Jonathan Price

Below a cool video of how I feel after 10 days of Matzah.

See you soon.

2009 had many ups and many downs. Hoping 2010 will be more peaceful.