"I'm Just a Girl Who Can't Say No"

I’m jist a girl who cain’t say no.
I’m in a turrible fix.
I always say, “Come on, let’s go,”
Jist when I orta say nix.
-Ado Annie, Oklahoma

For the past two months, I haven’t had a chance to really write much because I’ve been running a little faster than I can walk. Apparently, I have not mastered the word, “No.”

Teach a computer class? Sure…

Do a few more websites? Why not…

Head up Key-Club, Yearbook and Red Wave at the High School? I guess so…

Add these commitments to the everyday Church callings of Young Women’s 1st Counselor, Ward Organist, and Ward Website Specialist and throw in family obligations like getting Briana ready for BYU with scholarship applications, senior scrapbook, Young Ambassador’s Try-outs, high school graduation and Miss Idaho Pageant, and well, you have one stressed-out Cheri!

One morning in the midst of my mess, after listening to hundreds of songs from musicals (trying to help Briana pick a song for Miss Western Idaho and Young Ambassadors try outs) Annie’s song from the musical, Oklahoma, popped into my head. I laughed out loud, realizing the lyrics fit so well.

There was a time when I thought it was great to say, “yes” to everything. It meant I could handle whatever people needed me to handle. If there was a problem or an opportunity, well, count me in!Now, I don’t think saying, “yes” is such a good thing. In fact, I think often I say, “yes” because I’m not brave enough to say, “no.”I rationalize my inability to say, “no.” Some things sound fun or are great career/educational/spiritual opportunities. Other times, I feel like a task is my responsibility to do—even if no one else would think so.Or, I don’t want to say, “no” because I’ll feel guilty, I’ll disappoint someone, I’ll miss out on something great.Usually, I wait out the times I’m overcommitted. I get less sleep, I’m cranky at home with John and Briana, and I squeeze in that time to fulfill what I’ve signed on to do.

So, even though we are well past January, I’ve finally come up with my New Years Resolution – I’m going to be better at prioritizing my life. I’m going to say NO to those things that I really don’t want to do and focus on the tasks that I truly enjoy!

I often wonder if saying, “yes” is a part of Mormon culture (particularly among Mormon women)? Have you learned how to say no?