This morning I find myself sitting down with a cup of coffee and a book I read more than a year ago – Better than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin. I find myself in need of remastering one simple yet special word.

In a world where nearly everything is at your fingertips, it’s a word you don’t hear very often — “No.”

“No” was my essential tool in losing 150 pounds over 4 years.  But if you don’t use it you lose it. And I haven’t used it for a long time.

The Vacation Is Over
I just got back from a weeklong visit with family in Texas. It was fun but I discovered I lost the ability to tell myself “no” when it came to snacks, desserts and alcohol. I told myself, “Your on vacation. Enjoy it.”

The problem is my vacation has lasted 373 days.

It’s time to lovingly embrace that magical word again.  “No” was my awesome friend during some really tempting times.  The only reason I am alive today is because of that wonderful word.

Say It With Me…”No.”
When I started my journey to get healthy I practiced saying “No thanks” for different occasions. Initially I felt silly as I rehearsed possible situations.

• Do you want another glass of wine? No thanks.
• Want some bread? No thanks.
• Did you save room for dessert? No thanks.
• Have you tried (Fill In The blank)? You really should have some. No Thanks.

But it worked. I was the Queen of the “No Thanks.” Gone was the need to explain (or justify) why I ate a burger without the bun, stopped eating “healthy” fruits or gave up happy hours.

It is funny how we feel we need to explain our “No” while “Yes” is accepted at face value.

It’s time to regain my title.

Besides practicing saying “No” I also spent time watching motivational videos on YouTube to help me. Well my quest to add “no” back into my vocabulary led me to one doozy of a video.

Financial guru Dave Ramsey goes on a tear about people messing up their lives because they can’t say “No.” While the video is about money, the message is the same when it comes to unhealthy foods and eating habits.

If you are like me and need help saying “No” the video is worth a watch.