Would people describe you as a "yes man?" Are you the person that others come to because they know you won't say "no?" I never thought of myself as this kind of person, because I had no problem knowing when enough was enough. However, as I'm sitting down to prepare myself for the first day of classes, I'm writing in my planner and realizing how many things I've said "yes" to. Ultimately, I'm realizing that I need to slow down. I need to learn the value of saying "no".

The simple saying of quality over quantity can really apply when deciding what to commit yourself to and what to turn down. Being busy and involved is great until you have so many things to do, places to be, and people to speak to, that you start slacking on those things. Yes to being a well-rounded person, but no to being stretched thin to the point of transparency. I'm talking about how it's fine and even encouraged to involve yourself in a wide variety of extracurriculars- play the sport, plan the dance, and run for that leadership position, but do it well.

But when your plate gets to be so full that you can't do that, you should know that's a problem. Quantity is wanting to put your name on every club or organization roster, but quality is wanting to be a leader and excelling in just a few of those organizations.

Easier said than done, though, right?

I do not enjoy having to say no to people! I want to be able to do everything people want me to do. I don't want to let anyone down.

This past year, my freshman year of college, I definitely lived by the given that I would not let anyone down. If I got asked to do it, I did it, and sometimes even when I wasn't asked. I signed myself up for more responsibility because I just couldn't say no. Think about it this way: you may not be letting people down up front by saying yes to everything, but you eventually will when you can't live up to their expectations. Do yourself and them a favor by being realistic about what you can handle.

Let me say it again: It is okay to say no. It is important to be able to say yes to spontaneous adventures, to unplanned moments of pure joy and freedom and happiness. It is important to be able to yes to whatever comes up that you didn't schedule in down to the last minute. You can't do that if you keep saying yes!

There is value in saying no and that value comes from your freedom. The freedom to do and be anything you want. Don't let your schedule become crushed under the weight of every yes you timidly gave in fear of disappointing someone.

Don't get me wrong: I am not suggesting you stop joining and volunteering yourself completely. Balance is key, and it's different for everyone. Say yes to things you are passionate about and ready to commit yourself to completely. Say no to anything that you feel "meh" about, and there's your balance.

Here's to finding the value in saying no.