The Power of Saying No....Again

How I finally took a hard line in the sand of choosing what is right for me.

Yep, I know I have written about this topic before – yep, I stopped using my own advice (Ha!). But I had to have a situation remind me to continue to do better of speaking up regarding what is best for me.

Recently, I have decided to make a shift in my career - it was time for change.

As I walked into my first day of as my friend called it “Freedom” (lol) she KEPT getting on me to slow down! She was like YOU NEVER SLOW DOWN!!! (yes, she did yell at me) Y’all it’s so hard to do so! Since high school my life has been pretty nonstop! From school, internships, going to China, graduating, and work work work. This is the first time in my life I have ever taken a break. After much conversation I agreed ok ok! I WILL TAKE A BREAK! (I am not sure I yelled back but I def rolled my eyes! lol!)

So, Day 1 of freedom – I slept in a bit, had therapy, had a cocktail and worked out. It was a really good day! About 5pm I got a call – it was someone needing help with a project. In typical Lauren form I was like “yep I can help you out; Send me over the info!” After I got off the phone I was like ‘what the heck Lauren what are you doing?!?! You are supposed to be taking a break!’

And I can’t lie I was not going to tell my friend that told me to take a break (I have since told her lol) but I was definitely going to sneak and work on this project. They sent me the information over and I looked at it – and 100% knew in my gut I didn’t want to do it. I am mentally exhausted and on a quest especially right now to focus on recharging myself to be the best I can be for my new opportunities.

So, I even though I could have “pushed” myself to do so – it isn’t the best thing for me to do at this time in life. It’s not easy to admit to this – but I am always so use to “doing” - not taking on projects is different for me; I am so used to going nonstop.

So, I wrote the person back an explained I didn’t have the capacity. This is my time to take a break. And I stood firm on it even as hard it was. And if I had done the work, they would not have gotten my best self which is not fair in my opinion. But to make sure they were not left without help, I found them an option to get the service still needed.

After I sent the note, I decided to keep on the quest I had set out for myself – of taking myself out to eat. Exciting huh?!? Hey, it is what I wanted to do in my down time.

As I was packing up to head to lunch, I got the inspiration to write this blog; so, I dropped my laptop in my purse and headed out to a local fooleries. Let me tell you - I had an amazing meal and beverages! I danced to the songs coming through the speakers and really enjoyed having the time to myself. To add a little more happiness; I added on siting outside and reading a bit too. It was the best thing I needed to do for myself. That day was so good for my soul! I haven’t blogged for so long and it finally feels like that has lifted!!

For a very long time I have always focused on how everyone else feels or have depleted myself so much that I leave nothing for myself. I done more than ever the last 10 years of my life – but this next 10 years is definitely committed to me relearning in some capacity the woman I am today and focused on creating balance and doing was is best for Lauren. Because if I am not good, I cannot be good for anyone else. Will I pour into others – absolutely – but will I 100% speak up and communicate when I do not have the capacity to pour best I can – absolutely.

Check out some pics below of my me day! And yes that is a pic of my computer typing

this blog! :)

#speakupla #blog #speakup #taketimeforyou #writinglife