It's often difficult to say no because of the desire to be loved: we want to be helpful,  we want to show we care, but we may have little to give, are tired, overworked, or need alone time.  Do you feel that if you aren't there for someone, they may reject you? Or that you're somehow  obliged to help as it makes you a ˜good person, parent or friend? Do you ever feel validated by being needed ? It's easy to believe that any time you take to relax or meditate is time that could be used elsewhere. But taking time out doesn't mean it is selfish or even wasted time. Think about what happens when your day is spent constantly caring for others. Do you get resentful, irritated, or even angry? Do you find stress building up? Does the quality of care that you offer become affected by that inner tension? Or are you so used to being this way that it seems impossible to imagine being any other way? You may even think you're not the relaxing type, or that if you do relax you won't be able to cope with all the things you have to do.

So, rather than being selfish, such activity is actually the least selfish thing you could do! This is when saying no to others means you are affirming yourself. The power of saying no is that you are empowered!