is unbelievably strong! For the better part of my adult life I have been a "good girl". I've done what I was supposed to, raised my family, married for over 21 years, listened to my elders, worked every day (except Sundays) and tried VERY hard to be a good person. To me, that meant saying "YES" to anyone and everyone who asked. I was always on some committee; founded the Pride of Peabody Award Committe, was president of Habitat for Humanity, on the board of directors of Conway Humane Society in its infancy at the beginning of funding and then construction.
I am this year's local board president. I am a co-owner of a realty franchise; I am still doing my own real estate busines without the aid of an assistant. I am involved in my church, on the land search committee, and belong to a Bible study group. I have a son and grandsons, husband, brother, sister, and many family members. Social things? My calendar is always full. Friends call me, I come. A party being planned? My mouth says, "No Problem!" before the rest of me catches up!
It was with trepidation and some fear, that I saw myself at 58 the victim of "YES-ites"...too much to do and not enough time to do it in. That pressure in my head told me I had to do something. Saying "NO". Some of you are probably thinking that's not a biggie, but for me it was huge- like eating an elephant!
I think I have something wired in my brain that says if I say NO then people won't like me, they'll think I'm selfish, and I won't be included or needed.
NO, NO, NO AND MORE NO'S!!!!!!!!! 
I am practicing daily to be a focused, streamlined person. Someone I like! Someone I respect! The power is on me now: NO! I am FREE! Free of past habits and behavior! Free to be a NO!
My prayer is: Dear Lord, help me to stay true to my calling. I know what to do and I do it. If I stray from the path, guide me Lord to keep on the right way. Give me the wisdom to recognize damaging and egoic patterns of behavior and to say "NO" when it's appropriate!
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