I’ll admit that it’s not rational. But for me, it is revolutionary.
I spent an entire career heavily involved in communities as an applied anthropologist, editor of a local newspaper, again as an anthropologist, and, more recently, as a director of a local television station. Now that I am in my seventies, I am backing away from too much involvement in the community in favor of my family, my garden, and my artistic interests.
Am I not involved anymore? No. I am just realizing that running off to every meeting, function, or involvement in every festival is no longer something I need to do.
Years ago, a close family friend with whom I worked on many projects told me about an old Polish saying that “…the same few horses always pulled the heaviest sleigh.” It took years before I understood what the saying meant.
After a while, you realize there need to be limits.
Discover more from Louis N. Carreras, Woodcarver
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
It’s so true, my daughters always tell me to set my boundaries and stick to them, but it is so hard to say no sometimes.
but necessary.
It’s like that other saying: “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.” That made the time go by quickly while at work. I since have unsubscribed to that theory.
Really good saying. I’m good at “No!” thanks to Covid and the lesson, “Hey you like doing THIS!”
That’s about the way it goes! Every organization I’ve been involved in, that was how it went, and too often I was one of those “horses”! I’ve learned, though, that magic word, “no” when asked. It helps to be older than dirt and mildly disabled.
I actually learned the magic value of “no” in therapy. It’s amazing what it can achieve!
Yes! “No” is a good word to use.