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    Home » Lifestyle » Healthy Lifestyle

    It is OK to say NO

    Published: Jan 4, 2014 · Modified: Feb 1, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links

    414 shares
    • 54

    It is OK to say NO. I am not a huge fan of making New Year Resolutions.  Mainly because I don't keep them.  However this year my resolution is to say NO.  What?  Am I serious or have I lost my mind?  As a busy Mom, Wife, and Blogger I was FORCED to slow down in September.

    As you know I recently had my 2nd open heart surgery and did really well as far as recovery.  In fact other than waiting for my sternum to fully heal I am back to "normal".   In fact I was back to blogging and even wrote an article for Gluten Free Living Magazine one week post op.  What?  Seriously.

    It is OK to say NO (Thank You) - how this simple phrase has changed my life.

    However what I learned from the entire experience is that I need to take more time for myself, family and friends and that it is OK to say NO.  Yep, you heard that right!  So don't be surprised if you ask me to do something and I say NO (thank you).  I am Southern after all so I will try my best to follow up with a thank you.

    I have always been a "super" Mom.  Up, up and away and to the next obligation.  What is funny is that when I found out that I was having coronary artery blockage my cardiologist told me to reduce my stress and avoid ALL stressful situations until I was able to have my surgery (it was not emergency surgery).  I of course co-hosted a conference for our readers 4 days later.  I honestly can say that that was NOT a stressful day for me.  All of the hard work had already been done and it was a great day.  However from that day forward I cleared my calendar until year end.

    We took a fall break trip to Orlando and I spent as much time with my family and friends that I could fit in.  After surgery I literally had NOTHING on my calendar  except for my regular weekly visits from Shelley.  It was AMAZING! As a result I made a decision for 2014 - it is OK to say NO (thank you).

    What I learned from my second open heart surgery is that I don't want to be so busy that I can't stop and smell the roses or that I chose to have a commitment versus spend time with those I love.  Life is simply to short.  This is something Shelley and I agree on and talk about often.  I honestly grew closer to my parents, my husband, my son and Shelley during this time of my life.  I would never think this pre-op but I am thankful that I had to have my bypass surgery again.  WHAT?  Yep, you are reading this correctly.  Not only do I feel 110% better with more energy I really grew closer to my family and friends through this process.  I learned who was really there for me when I needed them and I learned that life is too short.

    Why am I sharing this with you?  In hopes that I can help just one other busy Mom who feels stretched into a 100 directions that it is OK to say NO.  You don't have to be on every committee, volunteer at school weekly, be room Mom, PTO President, serve as the Girl Scout Troop Leader, make treats for every holiday, cook dinner, wash the clothes, have an immaculate house, run carpool and your kids don't have to be in 10 activities each.  Sometimes less is more.

    My New Year's resolution is really quite simple. It is OK to say NO (thank you). You can remove stress from your life which will in turn help your health and your family life.  So if you ask me to do something and I say NO (thank you) don't take it personally.  It may be a combination of turning 40 and surviving my 2nd open heart surgery but 2014 is the year that I take control of my calendar and start saying NO (thank you).

    Who is with me - it is time to say NO (thank you).

    Heart Health Posts:

    What is Kawasaki Disease?
    Surviving My 2nd Open Heart Surgery
    February is American Heart Month

    Other posts you may enjoy:

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    Stockpiling Moms can be found in all your favorite places. Hop on over to Instagram and follow the fun. We love posting memes, family fun, travel, and whatever we are feeling that day. Pinterest is also an amazing place to visit Stockpiling Moms. This is where you can pin all your favorite articles from our Food, Travel & Lifestyle Blog.

    Melissa Jennings

    Melissa is a football and soccer mom who has been married to her best friend for 24 years. She loves sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.

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    414 shares
    • 54

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sherryl Wilson

      January 04, 2014 at 9:25 pm

      Amen! And oh so much easier to say than do...

      http://www.sherrylwilson.com/i-simply-cant-say-yes-to-your-request/

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        January 16, 2014 at 8:45 am

        Thanks Sherryl!

        Reply
    2. Jennie

      January 04, 2014 at 10:04 pm

      I am soooo with you girl!!! Love it!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        January 08, 2014 at 11:13 pm

        Thanks Jennie!

        Reply
    3. Su

      January 05, 2014 at 5:30 am

      You're still a Super Mom and and Super Person. Thank you for all you and Shelley do on your website.

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        January 05, 2014 at 2:42 pm

        Thanks so much Su! xoxo

        Reply
    4. Stephanie@StockpilingMoms

      January 06, 2014 at 9:17 am

      This is beautiful on so many levels ... as I always say "everything happens for a reason". Now I am hoping I can follow your lead and learn to say NO (thank you) this year 🙂

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        January 16, 2014 at 8:45 am

        Thanks Stephanie! For sure! It is a great feeling to say NO (thank you)

        Reply
    5. Sal

      January 18, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      All I can say is wow! I have heard of people having bypass surgery, and it seems it is never easy. I really love your attitude and I think that is a big part of your great recovery. Really wonderful!!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        January 26, 2014 at 12:53 pm

        Thanks so much Sal! I do keep a positive attitude that is for sure!

        Reply

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    Melissa Jennings, Owner & Shelly King, Owner

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    Melissa Jennings and Shelley King are the bloggers behind Stockpiling Moms®. Since 2009, they have been sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.

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