If you crave a slow, quiet, holiday season, it’s not too late, but you may have to do something that makes you uncomfortable. You are going to have to protect your free time, and create some white space on your calendar by saying no.

Image credit: Becoming Unbusy

Saying no can be uncomfortable but only so many things can have your time and attention. Overextending yourself in the name of keeping everyone happy will leave you depleted, resentful and worse … sick and tired.

We’ve all said yes, when we wanted to say no. Whether we say it out of guilt, for fear of missing out, or out of habit, it’s important to note that saying yes, when your heart says no is a disservice not only to you, but to everyone you say yes to. If your heart says no, it will fight the yes all the way through. You won’t be excited to contribute. You won’t give your best, and you may end up resenting the commitment or the person who asked you to commit.

Sometimes we think we can’t say no to a request unless we have another obligation or a really good reason/excuse but that is simply not the case.

If the slow, quiet holiday season you crave includes watching the snow fall, a picnic on the beach, drinking tea and watching your favorite sappy movie, or taking a walk in the sunshine or through the twinkle lights, make time for it. Reclaim holiday magic by saying no without apology and if appropriate, without explanation. You get to decide what’s best for you.

Honor the no and the yes for a slow, quiet holiday season

When you have trouble resisting or saying no to everything that comes your way, remember how you feel when you say yes to too much. Then think about how you feel when you say yes to the right things, to what matters most to you. When you say yes to what you care about and what you love, it feels so good.

If you think that protecting time for what matters is selfish, remember how much more giving and loving you can be when you are healthy, rested, and engaged in your favorite things. It’s from that fulfilled place that you can give and serve in ways you just can’t when you are overwhelmed and exhausted.

Take back the white space, your free time, and your peace of mind. You are the only one who can create the slow, quiet holiday season (and life) you crave.