When we are people pleasing and feel compelled to jump into a situation, it can often be a good idea to step back and be clear on what our intentions are for saying yes. Checking on your intentions can give you a lot of information about your frame of mind and if you are doing something in line with your true self - or if you are stepping out of yourself and your integrity for the sake of someone else.

I’ve been in situations where I’ve wanted to say yes immediately to a job or an ask. And after stepping back and asking what my intention for saying yes was, I realized that it came more from a part of me who felt if said no, I would be exiled or risk disappointing someone. It was difficult saying no, but the relief I felt after was totally worth it. There have also been other situations where my intention came from wanting to do something because it aligned with who I am and what I truly wanted. In those situations, it was a joy to say yes. When it feels clean, you can feel it your body, but many times we rush to say yes without stopping and checking in with our intentions and feelings.

The next time you someone asks you to do something, check in with your intention and the feelings in your body. If it doesn’t feel like it aligns with who you are, it’s ok to say no. In the long run you are actually helping not only yourself, but the person/situation who has the ask.