Stop Pleasing Everyone

Maya was the kind of person who said yes to everyone. At work, she worked extra hours. At home, she helped everyone — neighbors, friends, even people she barely knew. People liked her because she was kind and always there for them. But deep down, Maya was exhausted. She had no time for herself. She felt like a part of her was missing. One evening while working late, her phone rang. Someone was asking for help. Without thinking, Maya typed, “Sure.” As she pressed send, a faint voice inside her said, “What about me?” She sat there silently, feeling like she couldn’t even remember the last time she had done anything for herself. One rainy day, Maya walked into a small bookstore. A bright red book caught her eye. It was titled “No.” She picked it up and started reading. The book said, “Every time you say yes to others, you might be saying no to yourself. Saying no isn’t rude; it’s necessary.” Maya thought deeply. That night she made two lists.

Things she loved but didn’t have time for. Drawing, walking, reading—things she hated. Working late, going to boring meetings. Mia felt it all so clearly. She was living her life for others, not for herself. “It’s time for a change,” she decided. The next day at work, Mia’s boss came in. “Hi Mia,” she said, “Can you stay late tonight to help with the database?” Mia’s heart skipped a beat. She almost agreed, as always, but then she remembered the book. She smiled. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I have plans tonight.” “I can’t.” Her boss looked surprised, but said, “Okay, I’ll find someone else.” Maya couldn’t believe it. The world hadn’t ended. She felt lighter and stronger. Saying no wasn’t scary; it was liberating. At first, saying no was hard for Maya. She was afraid people would think she was selfish or lazy. But she soon noticed something amazing. When she said no, she had more time for the things she loved. She turned down boring meetings and painted instead. She turned down a party she didn’t want to go to and went for a long walk. And guess what? Her good friends understood. The people who liked her only because she always said yes kept themselves away. And that was normal. Maya learned that there was no room for true happiness. With more free time, Maya’s life improved. She started teaching art classes to children at the library, something she had always dreamed of doing. She reconnected with old friends who cared about her. She even started dating again without pretending to be someone else. Every time she said no… for some reason, she didn’t feel comfortable, so she quietly agreed. For the first time in a long time, she felt alive. One day, Maya’s company offered her a big job overseas. It seemed important, but deep down, Mia knew she didn’t want it. It would mean more stress, longer hours, and being away from her loved ones. Everyone expected her to accept, but at the meeting, Mia calmly said, “Thank you, but this is not the right time for me. I have to say no.” The bosses were shocked, but Mia felt proud. She had finally chosen her life. A year later, Mia’s life was completely different. She opened her own small art studio. She worked on things she loved. She spent time with people who truly cared about her. She wasn’t tired all the time. He was no longer lost. Saying no didn’t make him mean. It made him happy and free. Mia had learned a big truth: Your time and energy are valuable. Every time you say yes to the wrong things, you lose a little bit of yourself. But every time you say no to the wrong things, you save your energy for the things that really matter. Maybe you’re like Maya. Maybe you say yes when you really don’t want to. Maybe you’re tired of trying to please everyone. If so, remember that saying no isn’t bad. Saying no is self-love. You don’t owe anyone else your hard work. You owe yourself your dreams.