People Bondage: Part Three

If I wanted to go outside when I was younger, I knew to ask my dad rather than my mom. My dad always said yes, and my mom almost always said no. Just like I knew to ask my dad, people know they can request certain things from you and you'll say yes.  My friend and I had a conversation about that last week. I asked her why did certain people ask (more like demand) certain things from me, but wouldn't dare ask my friend. Then, the light bulb went

ding!  

It was because I allowed it. I said yes way more often than I would say no. Despite if I wanted to or not, I would agree to do something. But

why

?

The answer is of course, people bondage. The fear of coming off as mean, cold, or insensitive.  The fear of offending that person. The fear that the whole friggin' world is gonna collapse if we don't comply.

Yet, that is no way to live! We can't please everyone and in trying to do so, we end up not pleasing ourselves. We have made everyone else happy, but ourselves. So it's important to set boundaries and say no at times. The world won't fall apart. Your friends, family, and whoever most likely won't be offended, and if they are, you don't need those

manipulators

 in your life.

So how do we begin to use that powerful two-letter word? Simple.

Use it.

 Don't want to do something? Say no firmly and politely, and mean it! Start off small: a friend asks if you want to go to the club. You can say, "No, thank you." Then, go from there. Also, I have learned this great tip: before agreeing to anything, check with God. God should always have the first and final say, and with that you can never go wrong. Someone asks if you can do XYZ, ask them to give you time to pray about it. If they need an answer right then, just politely say no. Elizabeth George, author if

A Woman After God's Own Heart

, said it best: make no decision without praying.

So the challenge for the week? Make no decision without praying. If that person needs an immediate response, politely say no. Watch as the world doesn't fall to pieces around you! 

Love you, sis!

Tiffany

P.S. I know I haven't been doing so well this week with keeping up with the challenges for the 30 Days of Blogging. It has been one heck of a week! But I will pick back up tomorrow! :)