Have you ever found yourself saying “YES” when every fiber of your being was screaming “NO”? Or maybe you’ve said “NO” when deep down, you really wanted to say “YES”? If you’re nodding your head right now, you’re not alone.

Why did I say yes… Why did I say no?
It’s a familiar dilemma. You say YES to avoid disappointment, conflict, or just because it feels easier at the moment. But then, there’s that internal sigh—the one that signals discomfort, like you’ve just betrayed yourself in the smallest but most significant way. On the flip side, you say NO because it’s the “right” thing to do, but your heart sinks because you know you wanted to say YES.

Do you feel trapped?
Do questions feel like pressure coming at you, demanding a response you’re not ready to give? It’s like a high-stakes game of verbal dodgeball, where every question is a potential hit, and your only defense is a word: YES or NO.

Are you avoiding something?
Maybe it’s a difficult conversation, a commitment you’re not sure you can handle, or simply the discomfort of standing by your true feelings. Whatever it is, those one-word answers—YES and NO—start to feel like they’re muting your thoughts, pushing your real feelings into the background.

Could you…?
Would you…?
Can you…?
Do you…?
I need you to…

Does any of this sound familiar? These are the blanks we’re asked to fill in daily, and each response can be a doorway to something positive or negative. But here’s where it gets tricky: We’re conditioned to think that NO is the negative answer and YES is the positive one.

But what if that’s not always true?
Sometimes, NO is exactly what you need to protect your time, energy, and well-being. It’s a positive boundary in disguise. And sometimes, YES can lead you down a path of resentment or overwhelm—a seemingly positive answer with negative consequences.

Your obligation is not a depiction of your feelings.
It’s time to stop avoiding responsibility for your thoughts and intuition. Remove the fear, doubt, or guilt that makes you say YES when you mean NO, or NO when you mean YES. You. Have. A. Choice.

Genuinely LISTEN to yourself.
Take a moment to gather your thoughts. If you realize you didn’t make the best decision, consider the truth behind your answer. Does your answer hold value? Does it validate your feelings?

Yes or No?

Remember, every YES and NO is a reflection of your inner truth. Make sure it’s a truth you can stand by.

“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” – John Powell

Make your choices count, and let them be true to who you are.

"It's nice to meet you." We say it countless times in our lives, often without truly meaning it. We exchange pleasantries, make small talk, and build superficial connections. But what if the most important person you've never met is yourself?

Imagine this:

 "Hello, my name is Q. I would love to get to know you." Picture yourself as a new acquaintance, someone you're eager to discover. "Do you have any plans this week/weekend?" Instead of filling your schedule with obligations, invite yourself on a date. "I would love to take you out." Explore your passions, indulge in your hobbies, and treat yourself like the VIP you are.

What are some things you would like to do? Not what your partner, kids, or friends want, but what ignites your soul? Would you like to go to this beautiful restaurant you've heard about? Or maybe you'd prefer a quiet evening at home with a good book. The choice is yours, and it's liberating.

Great! You've taken the first step. Now, let's keep the momentum going. "I can't wait for us to meet again." Schedule regular check-ins with yourself. Celebrate your wins, acknowledge your challenges, and offer unwavering support.

"Hello, you look and smell amazing." Admire your reflection, both inside and out. How was your day? What did you learn? What made you laugh? How is your food? Nourish your body and mind with what truly satisfies you.

Would you like anything else? Ask yourself what you need to feel fulfilled. Is it a rest? Is it creativity? Is it a connection? And when it's time to say goodbye, remember, "It was a pleasure seeing you again." Thank yourself for the effort, for the growth, for the courage to show up for yourself.

When was the last time you've taken yourself out? Getting to know who you are is the greatest adventure you'll ever embark on. Have you met your true self? The one who is kind, compassionate, and capable of extraordinary things? It starts with you! Build that healthy relationship you've always wanted. It takes time, but the rewards are immeasurable.

So, go ahead, make a date with yourself. You deserve it. It’s not always easy, and it takes time, but the results are life-changing.

Remember, "The best relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself.