Dear Sis, Stop Letting Them Use You!

The day I finally got the nerves to say no, I felt so proud of myself.

Like, I deserved an award for finally growing some backbone.

I know you might not understand me, so let me quickly tell you a little story.

When I was younger, I was a pushover.

I remember that almost everyone at school would come to me with their book, asking me to help them write it.

And because I wasn't able to say no, I kept collecting those books.

You know what's actually funny?

I never used to write my own books. Not because I was lazy, but because I was busy writing others book.

I kept helping others update their notes, while mine was still begging to be touched.

I was doing myself great harm, all in the name of trying to please them.

I didn't know how to say no.

However, all of this stopped when I heard someone mock me behind my back,

"She's a fool, helping people complete their notes while she hasn't even complete hers.

She'll soon cry, wait until the teacher wants to check our note."

And guess who was talking behind my back?

It's one of the people I used to write for.

I left quietly, but it still tugged at my heart. So that is what they saw me as? A fool?

So when one of them came to me with her book, I asked her the question that's been on my mind.

"Why do you always bring your book to me?"

She smiled and said, "It's because your handwriting is fine."

But deep down, I knew it was a lie. My writing might be fine, but I've seen better ones in the class.

I pondered on it and realized the truth: They came back because I was a fool. Because they knew i would never refuse.

This angered me. And so, I started learning to say no.

Is it not just a two-letter word?

What's hard in it?

N - O = no.

I began to repeat it around the house like a child who was sent on an errand, and does not want to forget it.

But it wasn't easy. Not at all.

I found out that the problem wasn't the word itself. It ran deeper.

It was due to low self-esteem.

I was afraid to say no. Afraid to disappoint.

Trying to please people who were only using me. I didn't know I was harming myself.

I tried so hard to say no, but it was hard.

Then, everything changed when my mindset changed.📌

I made it clear to myself: I am a person of my own.

Besides, why try to please people who are calling me a fool behind my back?

I made myself understand that I didn't owe anyone a "yes"

When it all clicked, saying no became easier.

I realized 'no' is not just a two letter-word.

It's my freedom. And it's my journey to becoming her -- That confident woman, who shines unapologetically.

PS: One thing I noticed is that, when you keep trying to please everyone. They'll take you for a fool.